Abu Dhabi Art continues to be a pivotal platform for the intersection of art and cultural dialogue. This year, the highly anticipated Gateway exhibition, curated by Odessa Warren and Carine Harmand, delves into the intricate connections between the Arab world and Latin America. Titled Otra Orilla (Spanish for “Another Shore”), the exhibition showcases contemporary artists who illuminate the dynamic exchanges and flows between these two culturally rich regions.
A Unique Artistic Perspective
The exhibition features the works of notable artists, including Emilia Estrada, Alia Farid, Francisca Khamis Giacoman, Ishtar Yasin Gutiérrez, and a new commission by Mandy El-Sayegh. Each artist brings a unique perspective, often reflecting on diasporic experiences that shape both personal and collective identities. Through various mediums—moving images, textiles, and installations—they explore shared political and poetic imaginaries that connect Latin American and Arab contexts.
Significance of Otra Orilla
Co-curators Odessa Warren and Carine Harmand emphasize that Otra Orilla aims to fill a significant gap in the scholarship regarding the historical and artistic ties between the two regions. “There is relatively little scholarship on the history of art that emerged from the movements between the two regions,” they state. This exhibition contributes to a growing body of research by highlighting the work of five contemporary visual artists, thereby fostering a greater understanding of shared political histories and creative imaginaries.
Shifting Narratives: South-South Networks
The exhibition notably shifts the narrative away from traditional center-periphery frameworks, focusing instead on South-South networks. This approach underscores the importance of both Spanish and Arabic languages, as reflected in the title of the show. It demonstrates how cultural dialogues can thrive outside of Eurocentric narratives, showcasing the rich artistic practices that emerge from these interconnected regions.
Featured Artists and Their Works
Alia Farid
Alia Farid’s contributions include hand-woven rugs from her ongoing project, Elsewhere. These pieces draw on a growing archive of research and depict the daily life and architecture of the Palestinian diaspora in Puerto Rico. Farid’s work challenges viewers to engage with the narratives of migration and identity, illustrating how cultural artifacts can serve as a medium for storytelling.
Emilia Estrada
Emilia Estrada employs multimedia installations to explore the complex layers of urban and social fabrics that underlie nation-state formation in Latin America. Her work frequently addresses themes of displacement and occupation, inviting audiences to reflect on the socio-political realities that shape individual and collective identities.
Francisca Khamis Giacoman
Chilean artist Francisca Khamis Giacoman draws upon her Palestinian heritage to create installations that recall stories of migration. By blending installation and performance, she engages with themes of fiction and materiality, exploring how personal narratives intersect with broader historical contexts. Her work serves as a testament to the resilience of cultural memory in the face of displacement.
Ishtar Yasin Gutiérrez
Ishtar Yasin Gutiérrez’s artistic practice involves examining the impacts of political exile and upheaval through her family history. By threading together memory and storytelling, she creates immersive narratives that invite audiences to engage with the complexities of identity and belonging. Her filmic approach adds a layer of depth to the exploration of personal and collective experiences.
Mandy El-Sayegh
Mandy El-Sayegh, known for her multi-disciplinary approach, investigates the malleable function of solidarity in both Arab and Latin American contexts. Her immersive installations merge painting, video work, and sculpture, utilizing her signature latex-based “skins” to explore the bodily dimensions of shared cultural experiences. El-Sayegh’s work encapsulates the poetics of connection that underpins the exhibition’s theme.
A Catalyst for Future Research
Abu Dhabi Art’s commitment to knowledge production is evident in the commissioning of Odessa Warren and Carine Harmand for this exhibition. Dyala Nusseibeh, Abu Dhabi Art Director, notes that this exhibition is intended to be a catalyst for further research on the connections between these regions. The concept was initially proposed by one of their exhibitors, George Al Ama (Gallery One), highlighting the collaborative nature of the art community in Abu Dhabi.
Publication and Academic Contributions
In conjunction with the exhibition, a trilingual publication will be released, featuring interviews with the artists and essays from notable academics and cultural scholars such as Tahia Abdel Nasser, George Al Ama, and Maru Pabón. This publication aims to deepen the exploration of artistic and cultural connections between the Arab world and Latin America, further enriching the discourse initiated by the exhibition.
Conclusion
The Gateway exhibition at Abu Dhabi Art represents a significant step towards recognizing and celebrating the shared histories and artistic practices of the Arab world and Latin America. By fostering an understanding of South-South networks and promoting cross-cultural dialogue, this exhibition not only enriches the local art scene but also contributes to the global narrative surrounding art and identity.
As we engage with the works of these talented artists, we are reminded of the power of art to bridge divides and create spaces for meaningful conversation. Otra Orilla stands as a testament to the enduring connections that can flourish when cultures come together in dialogue and collaboration.
For those looking to explore these themes further, visiting the Gateway exhibition offers a unique opportunity to engage with contemporary art that speaks to the complexities of our shared human experience.
