Public Art Abu Dhabi brings together artists from UAE and abroad
The streets and parks of the UAE capital have become the stage for the first ever international biennale called Public Art Abu Dhabi (PAAD). The event, which runs until 30 April, has attracted top artists from the UAE and abroad who have created unique installations in public spaces in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
The exhibits not only beautify the city but also engage the local community through interactive experiences or commentary on current social topics such as ecology, culture and urban life. For example, Lebanese artist Wael Al Awar’s Barzakh, an interactive installation made from recycled materials, offers visitors a unique experience, allowing them to not only admire the art but also interact with it.
Another memorable work is ‘Floating Fragments’ by Pakistani artist Seema Nusrat. She draws attention to the effects of climate change by visualising the problem of flooding using terracotta tiles, which were traditionally used in the region.
The creativity of the participants is not limited to visual art. Emirati designer Farah Al Qasimi presented an interactive installation titled ‘Homesick’, where each oyster playing a national melody references the rich history of pearl diving in the region.
In addition, Polish artist Pawel Althamer created an installation dedicated to homeless cats, while other exhibits, such as ‘Cleaning’ by artist Atar Jaber, explore the depth of the relationship between humans and nature.
Other projects such as ‘Water Drums,’ a sound installation that combines elements of water and percussion music, and Palestinian artist Khalil Rabah’s ‘Olive Garden,’ which is an atmospheric space with rotating trees, are also mesmerising.
The Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennale serves not only as a platform for artists, but also as an opportunity for locals and tourists to experience the relationship between art and life in urban spaces.
To find out more information about the biennale, please visit https://paad.ae/biennial.
Source: Khaleej Times
