Ladies and gentlemen, art lovers, and those who just “don’t get” modern art yet , buckle up because we’re about to dive into a groundbreaking exhibition that’s set to blow your mind! The Layered Medium: We Are in Open Circuits exhibition is coming to Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi, and trust us, it’s not your run-of-the-mill art show. It’s an avant-garde rollercoaster that explores Korea’s contemporary art scene from the 1960s to today—and it’s totally worth your time.
- Where: Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi
- When: 16 May – 30 June 2025, 10 AM – 8 PM
The Big Picture: What’s It All About?
First things first, this isn’t just any exhibition. Oh no, this one is historic. Layered Medium is the first large-scale showcase of Korean contemporary art in the GCC region. Yup, you heard that right. We’re talking about 48 masterpieces by 29 incredible Korean artists, curated by the masterminds Kyung-hwan Yeo from the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) and Maya El Khalil. And it’s being held under the honorary founding patronage of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Talk about a big deal, right?
What’s going to make this exhibit extra special is the fact that it’s all happening in Abu Dhabi from 16 May to 30 June 2025. That means you have loads of time to enjoy this incredible art journey. The exhibition will take you on a journey of six decades, spanning Korea’s dramatic shifts in culture, technology, and society. From early video art experiments to today’s mind-blowing immersive installations, the show is a true testament to the power of media in shaping how we experience the world.
Famous Faces in the Art World? Oh, You Bet!
You know those names that pop up in every art history textbook? Yep, they’re in this exhibition. Layered Medium features the pioneers like Nam June Paik (a.k.a. the father of video art) and Park Hyunki, along with contemporary rock stars like Lee Bul, Haegue Yang, and Moka Lee. With works never-before-seen in the UAE, you’ll witness how these artists have redefined art for decades.
What’s So Special About the Theme?
The name “We Are in Open Circuits” comes straight from Nam June Paik’s visionary ideas. The show isn’t just about displaying art—it’s about exploring how media is the message. And not just any message, but one that transcends time, technology, and even geographical borders. Prepare for a heady mix of thought-provoking art that challenges everything you think you know about culture and connection. It’s all about the medium, how we communicate, and how we experience art, from the old-school film reels to mind-bending digital simulations.
What Will You See?
The exhibition has something for everyone, from nostalgic early works that dig deep into Korea’s search for identity during times of social transformation, to today’s immersive pieces that delve into sensory experiences and the role of technology in shaping our reality. You’ll walk away understanding the constant evolution of Korea’s contemporary art, and how its artists have adapted to—and shaped—society’s ever-changing landscape.
A Cultural Exchange Like No Other
But wait, there’s more! Layered Medium is not just about admiring beautiful art—it’s about engaging with the ideas that shape our modern world. The accompanying Layered Dialogues publication will feature insightful texts from UAE-based writers, making this a true cultural exchange between Korea and the UAE. And if you’re a fan of deep dives, the public programme will include panel discussions, screenings, and performances that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about the digital age.
Mark Your Calendars!
So, what are you waiting for? Clear your schedule, call up your most artsy friends (or that friend who always takes Instagram photos of everything), and get ready for an exhibition that’s as thought-provoking as it is visually stunning. Don’t miss out on this cultural extravaganza at Manarat Al Saadiyat from 16 May to 30 June. Admission is free, but the experience? Priceless.
We’ll see you in the circuits, art lovers!
Contact & Location
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