Abu Dhabi Art has unveiled details surrounding the Beyond: Emerging Artists 2024 program, an initiative that annually commissions new work from emerging UAE-based artists. This year’s edition will be curated by Lorenzo Fiaschi, Co-Founder of GALLERIA CONTINUA, who has selected three promising artists—Fatma Al Ali, Dina Nazmi Khorchid, and Simrin Mehra Agarwal—to produce exclusive commissioned pieces. Their artworks will be showcased at the Abu Dhabi Art exhibition at Manarat Al Saadiyat from November 20, 2024, to January 21, 2025, before traveling to international venues.
The Curatorial Vision: Nurturing UAE’s Contemporary Art Landscape
Curator Lorenzo Fiaschi expressed the importance of this program in advancing the UAE’s contemporary art scene. As Fiaschi shared, “Abu Dhabi Art’s Beyond Emerging Artists program allows us to deepen our engagement with the regional art community, fostering creativity and cultural dialogue.” This commitment reflects GALLERIA CONTINUA’s longstanding partnership with Abu Dhabi Art and highlights their dedication to promoting diverse artistic expressions on an international stage.
Through the expertise of Fiaschi and the guidance of GALLERIA CONTINUA, the 2024 selected artists will have the resources to develop unique, internationally recognized works. The program not only enhances the artistic journey of these talents but also strengthens the global perception of Emirati and regional art, contributing to the rich and evolving narrative of the UAE’s creative sector.
Meet the Emerging Artists of 2024
Simrin Mehra Agarwal: Unveiling the Subterranean Worlds of the UAE
Abu Dhabi-based artist Simrin Mehra Agarwal brings a multidisciplinary approach to her work, utilizing mural, sculpture, and video to explore complex ecological and sociopolitical themes. Her commissioned piece, titled Subterraneous, dives into the UAE’s underwater wrecks and artificial reefs, transforming these sites into monumental installations that challenge conventional perspectives on nature, decay, and climate change.
Agarwal’s field research, conducted through extensive diving explorations, allowed her to capture rare insights into the life cycles of these submerged environments. Through her work, Agarwal invites audiences to reflect on anthropogenic environmental changes, examining how human actions reshape and threaten natural ecosystems. By bringing attention to these underrepresented landscapes, Agarwal’s installation fosters a greater awareness of environmental preservation and sustainability.
Fatma Al Ali: Preserving Emirati Heritage Through Art
Multidisciplinary artist Fatma Al Ali is known for her archival approach to art, integrating elements of drawing, printmaking, video, and sculpture to explore Emirati history and societal norms. Her commissioned piece for Abu Dhabi Art reflects her interest in historical power dynamics and how they have shaped the cultural landscape of the Gulf region. Utilizing archival documents and oral histories, Al Ali examines the transformation of traditional practices, encouraging viewers to reconsider how modern perceptions of culture and heritage have evolved.
Al Ali’s work stands as a bridge between the past and the present, offering a narrative that both preserves and critiques her heritage. Guided by mentors like Lorenzo Fiaschi, Al Ali’s installation serves as a tribute to the resilience and vibrancy of Emirati traditions, while also challenging audiences to acknowledge and engage with the nuances of historical evolution.
Dina Nazmi Khorchid: Weaving Narratives of Place and Memory
Visual artist Dina Nazmi Khorchid specializes in textile art, using her expertise in printed and woven textiles to explore themes of identity, land, and memory. Her commissioned work for Abu Dhabi Art, part of her ongoing series titled Land, Untitled, reflects her fascination with the notions of transience and belonging. Through her art, Khorchid delves into personal and geopolitical narratives, addressing the complexity of finding a sense of place amid constant movement and change.
Drawing from her background in textiles, Khorchid creates immersive installations that evoke feelings of rootedness and estrangement. Her large-scale piece for Abu Dhabi Art portrays an ethereal landscape, with inverted trees and abstracted natural forms, that suggests a search for identity and connection. By challenging traditional conceptions of landscape, Khorchid’s installation encourages viewers to ponder the delicate interplay between humanity and the environment.
The Selection Process: Supporting Diverse Voices in Art
The Beyond: Emerging Artists program received over 100 proposals this year, a testament to the thriving creative spirit within the UAE. The selection process, carried out by Abu Dhabi Art’s organizing committee in collaboration with GALLERIA CONTINUA and the Friends of Abu Dhabi Art group, sought artists whose proposals engaged with pressing global issues through distinct, thought-provoking lenses.
Dyala Nusseibeh, Director of Abu Dhabi Art, remarked, “The proposals selected were remarkable in their depth and originality, touching on topics like conflict, environmental stewardship, and the colonial impact on Gulf flora.” This thematic diversity underscores Abu Dhabi Art’s mission to provide a platform for emerging artists who can articulate complex regional narratives, enriching both local and international art communities.
About Abu Dhabi Art: Advancing Contemporary Art in the UAE
Since its inception, Abu Dhabi Art has championed the growth of the UAE’s contemporary art sector by offering a platform for both established and emerging artists. The Beyond: Emerging Artists program plays a crucial role in this mission, fostering artistic development through financial support, curatorial guidance, and international exposure.
The 2024 edition of Abu Dhabi Art, running from November 20-24 at Manarat Al Saadiyat, marks the 16th year of this influential art fair. Featuring renowned galleries and artists from around the world, Abu Dhabi Art 2024 promises a rich experience for art enthusiasts, collectors, and cultural stakeholders alike. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with groundbreaking works, discover fresh artistic voices, and participate in conversations that redefine the boundaries of contemporary art.
Future of Beyond: Emerging Artists – International Recognition and Impact
Abu Dhabi Art’s commitment to its artists does not end with the conclusion of the fair. Each year, the works produced under the Beyond: Emerging Artists program are exhibited internationally, expanding the global visibility of UAE-based talents. This post-exhibition tour offers invaluable exposure for the selected artists, introducing their work to new audiences and building connections with international art markets.
As Abu Dhabi Art continues to cultivate the next generation of artists, the Beyond: Emerging Artists program remains an essential vehicle for artistic growth, dialogue, and exchange. By empowering emerging voices, Abu Dhabi Art strengthens the UAE’s position as a cultural nexus and a beacon for innovative contemporary art.
Conclusion
The Beyond: Emerging Artists program exemplifies Abu Dhabi Art’s dedication to fostering artistic excellence, promoting diverse perspectives, and enriching the UAE’s cultural landscape. Through initiatives like this, Abu Dhabi Art not only provides critical support for local talent but also facilitates international dialogue, highlighting the region’s artistic contributions on a global stage.
As Abu Dhabi Art prepares to welcome visitors to the 2024 fair, the works of Fatma Al Ali, Dina Nazmi Khorchid, and Simrin Mehra Agarwal serve as powerful testaments to the UAE’s dynamic and evolving art scene. By supporting these emerging artists, Abu Dhabi Art offers a platform for creative expression, encouraging meaningful explorations of identity, history, and environmental consciousness that will inspire and resonate with audiences far beyond the region.
