If you’re someone who enjoys the unexpected fusion of technology, art, and history, then Layered Medium: We Are in Open Circuits is an exhibition you must check out! This groundbreaking showcase, now open at Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi, marks the first large-scale exhibition of contemporary Korean art in the Middle East.
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill art display. With the visionary leadership of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and the unwavering commitment of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), the exhibition brings together 48 incredible works by 29 contemporary Korean artists, giving the region a unique opportunity to connect with the ever-evolving world of Korean media art.
And guess what? The exhibition is free to explore until June 30, 2025, so there’s plenty of time to make your way over and immerse yourself in some serious art appreciation.
- Where: Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi
- When: Now until June 30, 2025
- What’s on: 48 masterpieces of contemporary Korean art, talks, performances, and much more
- Who’s behind it: ADMAF, SeMA, and a bunch of other cultural bigwigs
A Walk Through Six Decades of Transformation
From 1960s Korea to the modern digital age, this exhibition covers it all. The pieces reflect the country’s extraordinary social and technological transformations, and how these changes have influenced Korea’s avant-garde art scene. You’ll be engaging with not just paintings, but sculptures, media art, and interactive installations that keep you questioning: What does art really mean in today’s connected world?
As His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan put it during the inauguration, this exhibition reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for cultural dialogue. It’s a testament to the UAE’s leadership in fostering soft power and encouraging the exchange of ideas through art. You’ll be walking in the footsteps of pioneering artists like Nam June Paik and Ayoung Kim, who have left their mark on Korean contemporary art—and now, they’re bringing those marks right to you.
Why Should You Visit?
Beyond the opportunity to see some breathtaking pieces, this exhibition represents a broader cultural vision that ties Korea and the UAE together. With Layered Medium, the UAE is setting the stage for meaningful conversations around identity, society, and the role of technology in shaping contemporary life. From panel discussions to artist screenings, there’s something happening almost every week to make your visit even more interactive.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to catch one of the panel talks or screenings. There’s always something exciting up for grabs, and it’s a great way to deepen your understanding of the art and culture on display.
A Cultural Powerhouse in the Making
This exhibition isn’t just a one-off. It’s part of a larger three-year partnership between ADMAF and the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA), which aims to strengthen cultural ties between the UAE and South Korea. After its grand debut in Abu Dhabi, this exhibition will travel to Seoul in 2025, introducing Korean contemporary art to a whole new set of global audiences.
The exhibition’s co-curator, Eunju Choi, General Director of SeMA, shares the excitement: “This exhibition is the most extensive presentation of Korean art in the Gulf Cooperation Council region. It marks the beginning of a global conversation between our art communities.” Now, that’s something to look forward to, isn’t it?
So, what are you waiting for? Whether you’re an art aficionado or just someone looking to have a fun, thought-provoking time, Layered Medium has got something for you. Just don’t miss this one!
Contact & Location
Phone: +97126575800
