Latest news with #BFAF
Al Etihad
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Bassam Freiha Art Foundation marks one-year anniversary with new projects
16 Apr 2025 00:58 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Bassam Freiha Art Foundation (BFAF), the private art foundation on Saadiyat Island, celebrated its one-year anniversary on Saturday night with a variety of activities and highlight of BFAF's anniversary was the opening of the Education Gallery, the foundation's newly completed expansion. Featuring exhibitions, workshop areas and an outdoor auditorium, the expansion seeks to foster artistic talent, and provide an inspiring space where artists, students and the public can enrich their minds with meaningful cultural addition to the Education Gallery, the anniversary event also featured the launch of a new student showcase by Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, and a sculpture by world-renowned Italian artist Lorenzo 'First Impressions', the student showcase brings together diverse and richly imaginative works created by Cranleigh Abu Dhabi students during a series of BFAF art workshops. Inviting youth to explore a variety of artistic approaches, from figurative realism to abstraction, each session was guided by practising artists and educators. Designed to encourage experimentation and self-expression, the exhibition is available to view until May 11, 2025, and is the first of many similar student showcases which will be exhibited over the coming months and years. The LOVE by Lorenzo Quinn features a monumental sculpture created from stainless steel wire mesh and LED lights. Featuring two hands suspended in an embrace, the sculpture evokes a powerful sense of unity, tenderness, and shared humanity. Designed to reflect the spirit of shared responsibility that embodies the UAE's Year of Community (2025), it offers a visual reminder of the ties that bind communities, and it will be available to view until August 31, anniversary also provided the ideal opportunity for BFAF to look back and reflect on the successes of its first for its impactful design and vision, and the skillful way it integrates art, culture, and architecture into a cohesive and inspiring space, the foundation was awarded the Design Middle East Award 2024 for Cultural Project of the Year, while its packed programme of mentorship sessions, workshops, and educational initiatives continues to be well attended by community members of all to empowering local, regional and international artists by providing them with a platform for their work, and growing Abu Dhabi's thriving artistic scene, the foundation has also hosted many pivotal exhibitions since its launch in March 2024. For instance, one of its most memorable collections was Hour Eternal – 20 Years of Emirati Abstraction. Created in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Culture, and a number of regional artists, collectors, and galleries, it provided audiences with a profound exploration of contemporary Emirati abstract Western portrayals of the Orientalist movement from the private collection of Bassam Freiha were also depicted in the Visions of the Orient: Highlights from the Bassam Freiha Art Collection exhibition, while Mineral Garden featured a thought-provoking exhibition presented in partnership with the Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil. Most recently, the foundation introduced two new exhibitions by Stefano Simontacchi, the visionary Italian artist more commonly known as 'The Prism'. Curated by contemporary art theorist Marco Senaldi, the exhibitions 'Project Oneness and Trust, Gratitude and Love Journey' feature dynamic interplays between form and colour, circular compositions, and reflective surfaces. Accompanied by a programme of wellness experiences, including sound healing sessions, guided meditations, yoga experiences, artist talks and interactive workshops, 'The Prism' is available to experience until August 31. Michaela Watrelot, Curator and Director of Exhibitions at Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, said: 'It is with immense pride that we celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation. Over the past 12 months, we have demonstrated the transformative power of art through a variety of world-class exhibitions, educational initiatives, and public workshops, which have helped to support the growth of our artistic community since we first opened our doors. 'Our new expansion demonstrates our commitment to showcasing the work of the region's emerging talents in front of a global audience, and our dedication to making art accessible to all, fostering emerging talent, and developing Abu Dhabi's creative community.'
Al Etihad
18-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Bassam Freiha Art Foundation launches exhibitions by Italian artist Stefano Simontacchi (The Prism)
18 Mar 2025 15:41 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Bassam Freiha Art Foundation (BFAF) on Saadiyat Island, will host two new exhibitions by Stefano Simontacchi, the Italian artist more commonly known as 'The Prism.'Curated by PhD philosopher and contemporary art theorist Marco Senaldi, the exhibitions Project Oneness and Trust, Gratitude and Love Journey will showcase The Prism's perspective and extensive creative depth. The exhibitions will transform light and space to create memorable and immersive experiences. Featuring dynamic interplays between form and colour, circular compositions, and reflective surfaces that allow viewers to incorporate their own image into the pieces, the two exhibitions will also be accompanied by a series of engaging public on wellbeing, self-reflection and mindfulness, community members will have the chance to take part in sound healing sessions, guided meditations, yoga experiences, artist talks and interactive and Director of Exhibitions at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, Michaela Watrelot PhD, said, 'Project Oneness and Trust, Gratitude and Love Journey are dedicated to the work of The Prism, also known as Stefano Simontacchi, an artist who has a unique talent for utilising light and space in new and interesting ways. Whether through the use of illuminated panels or polished metallic surfaces, he uses light to transform his work into dynamic, interactive experiences, and we are excited to see how his pieces will challenge perceptions, initiate conversations, and bring the community together here at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation on Saadiyat Island. Visitors will also have the chance to engage further with the exhibitions through various experiences that are focused on wellbeing, self-reflection and mindfulness, and we hope The Prism will further reinforce the connection between art and the people of Abu Dhabi, enhance awareness, and connect with family members of all ages.'Stefano Simontacchi, aka The Prism, said, 'Following the success of our appearance at Abu Dhabi Art Fair and The Prism's exhibitions in Italy and New York, I am immensely excited to bring my works to the beautiful Bassam Freiha Art Foundation. Designed to help viewers reconnect with their inner universe, discover a new appreciation for life, and feel inspired to discover their true purpose, all my pieces are drawn from deep contemplation and artistic reflection. Based on circular emblems and innovative use of light and space, I want the exhibitions to bring the community of Abu Dhabi closer to art, and help every individual find inner peace.'The first part of The Prism at BFAF explores the notions of perception and interconnectedness through an immersive, multi-room experience that challenges the typical notions of form, light and symbolic across three interconnected rooms, the first part of Project Oneness focuses on the concept of duality and emphasises mankind's connection with the second part then presents a space where colour, form and movement unfold without imposed separations, while the third features four works that each represent the essential elements – water, earth, air and fire. By the end of the exhibition, each viewer is left with a new sense and understanding of their Oneness with the Prism's second path symbolises the inner dynamism of Oneness. Located in the Annex Gallery, Trust, Gratitude and Love Journey explores why embracing the tools of Trust, Gratitude and Love allows individuals to connect with the energy of the universe. By integrating contemporary materials with timeless symbols, the exhibition provides a space for reflection, and it challenges the viewer to consider their place within a broader continuum of light, form, and meaning. The Prism will run at BFAF between 13 March – 31 August 2025. For more information, please visit the website:
