Art Here 2023

The third edition of Louvre Abu Dhabi’s Art Here exhibition and the accompanying Richard Mille Art Prize has the theme ‘Transparencies’ and is curated by Maya El Khalil.

Seven artists have been shortlisted from the “diverse submissions received from multinational artists residing in the UAE and the GCC region” – Alaa Tarabzouni (Saudi Arabia), Farah Behbehani (Kuwait), Hashel Al Lamki (UAE), Nabla Yahya (India/UAE), Sarah Brahim (Saudi Arabia), Sawsan Al Bahar and Bahar Al Bahar (Syria), and Zahrah Al Ghamdi (Saudi Arabia).

“Reviewing the proposals for Louvre Abu Dhabi’s third Art Here exhibition was an inspiring challenge,” said Maya El Khalil. “The jury was struck by the wealth of thought-provoking submissions that offered fresh perspectives, expanding the theme of ‘Transparencies’ in surprising ways. They work ambitiously with materials, challenge historical narratives, and invite reflection on urgent issues with local and global impact.” From our admittedly somewhat distant viewpoint it certainly looks to be a genuinely interesting group, and the selection jury is to be commended. Overall it seems in the practice of several of the artists there’s an explicit interest in reflecting tradition and place against a contemporary sensibility, which in its various public and private aspects is probably the key question for art from the region – how do we retain the best of both worlds, both culturally and ecologically?

Taking place outdoors and under the dome for the first time, Art Here 2023 will provide artists the opportunity to present their work within one of the most extraordinary museum settings; one winner will be selected to win the Richard Mille Prize.

To February.