Latest news with #Drama1882
Korea Herald
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Wael Shawky, Akram Zaatari tell political history through art
Historical incidents in Middle East, North Africa recreated as media art shown at MMCA Gwacheon History can be hard to recount when it holds sorrow and trauma or multiple interpretations. But recreated as art, such stories can resonate powerfully, sparking diverse questions and interpretations in the viewers, regardless of where they are or what language they speak. Presented by the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea, 'MMCA Collection Otherlands II: Wael Shawky, Akram Zaatari' showcases two media works by two leading contemporary artists who explore and reinterpret specific historical events at its Gwacheon museum in Gyeonggi Province. 'Drama 1882' by Egyptian artist Wael Shawky was previously shown at the Venice Biennale 2024. The 48-minute video work addresses the Urabi Revolution, a 19th-century nationalist resistance movement against European control over Egypt following the construction of the Suez Canal. Shawky wrote, composed and directed the media artwork in the form of an eight-part opera, raising questions such as 'Was the history of the Urabi Revolution, as written primarily from Western perspectives, truly objective?' Akram Zaatari's 36-minute video work, 'Letter to a Refusing Pilot,' is based on the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon. The Lebanese artist was inspired by a rumor in his hometown of Saida, which turned out to be true according to the artist, that an Israeli pilot had refused an order to bomb a boy's secondary school where Zaatari's father was a principal at the time. The question 'Why did the Israeli pilot refuse the order?' has remained a central theme in Zaatari's artistic career. In 2012, he published a book about the incident that contains an interview with the pilot. Drawing inspiration from historical theater, the installation of the works incorporates elements such as stage curtains, lighting and theater seating to evoke the feeling of attending a live opera or film screening. The state museum acquired 'Drama 1882' last year through a donation by the MMCA Director's Council, a group of CEOs established in 2011 to support the museum's exhibitions and growth in collection, according to the museum. 'MMCA Collection Otherlands II: Wael Shawky, Akram Zaatari' runs through Aug. 17.
The National
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Culture Summit Abu Dhabi 2025: What to expect during the three-day event
Since 2017, the Culture Summit Abu Dhabi has attracted cultural figures and intellectuals from across the world, offering a platform to reflect upon contemporary societal challenges. Opening today for its seventh annual event, the three-day programme of panels, artist talks, workshops and creative conversations will explore the theme Culture for Humanity and Beyond. Hosted at Manarat Al Saadiyat, the programme will cover a range of subjects that seek to identify common grounds that may help in building a shared, sustainable future. The event will feature three sub-themes, with one for every day of the event. Reshaping the cultural landscape will be the focus of the inaugural day. Renowned artists, leaders, intellectuals and creatives will discuss the ever-evolving global power dynamics during a period marked by the digital revolution and economic inequality. Participants will examine the volatile geopolitical circumstances and how they are redefining cultural identities and societal values. Today's events include highlights such as tech expert Mo Gawdat sharing wisdom on the challenges of AI, followed by a panel discussing the role of culture within global governance. The National's Razmig Bedirian will also share thoughts on heritage rehabilitation during a panel discussion. The National's editor-in-chief, Mina Al-Oraibi, will form part of a panel titled Creative Expression at a Time of Disruption. The day will also feature key performances from artists such as Kirill Levski, a screening of Wael Shawky's Drama 1882 and many creative workshops. The second day of the event will be held under the theme New Frontiers of a Post-Human Environment. Discussions will address recent advancements in technology, including artificial intelligence and biotechnology. They will highlight how these developments can enhance human experience, especially if cultural and creative sectors mould their business models and policies to make the most of these opportunities. Panels will tackle topics such as the culture of humanity in the digital era, machine culture, the interplay between human and technological experiences and more. The National's Farah Andrews will share thoughts on the rise of AI in creative industries in a panel of the same title. Other highlights include Sami Tabchouri, strategy lead at Blinx, hosting a talk discussing how generation alpha is consuming content, while author Emily Kasriel will host a deep listening workshop. The day will conclude with a Jazz Concert by Herbie Hancock Jazz Institute at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. New Frames to Redefine Culture for Humanity and Beyond will be the theme for the final day of the event. The programme will examine the rise of glocal approaches. The portmanteau reflects upon policies that have both global and local considerations. Panels will highlight the innovative and collaborative nature of these approaches. They will also underscore how cultural innovation and technology can help combat growing global polarisation. Some highlights from the day will include a talk by Gilbert Sinoue, writer and historian, on the golden age of Arab civilisation, a panel on culture leaders taking action for the planet and a discussion tackling on-screen storytelling in a post-human era. The day will conclude with a performance by jazz pianist Jesus Molina. More information is at
Al Etihad
05-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi launches 2nd phase of Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial
2 Mar 2025 16:08 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The inaugural Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial commences its second phase with seven new unveilings and installations at iconic locations across the place until April 30, 2025, the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial aims to celebrate art, culture and exhibition features site-specific installations by more than 70 artists from the UAE and around the world, including 40 new commissions, thoughtfully exhibited throughout the downtown areas of Abu Dhabi and Al the launch in November, new unveilings by Anga Art Collective, Arquitectura Expandida, Ayesha Hadhir, Lúcia Koch, Rand Abdul Jabbar and Tarik Kiswanson will be featured in the second phase along with an ongoing piece by Atelier Aziz Al Qatami, which will continue to take shape at the Abu Dhabi Bus installations by Hussein Sharif, Emily Jacir, Nnenna Okore, Rami Kashou x Emirati Artisans, Alia Farid, and Latifa Saeed will further activate the exhibition's eight routes throughout the remaining months of the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial. A participatory performance by Mobile Akademie Berlin will round out the Biennial celebrations in April. The installations are distributed across the Abu Dhabi Corniche Route, Abu Dhabi Public Parks Route, Abu Dhabi Bus Terminal Route, Downtown Abu Dhabi Route, Carpet Souq Route, National Theatre Route, Cultural Foundation Route and Al Ain Oasis Route. The easy-to-follow routes can be explored on foot or by part of the second phase, a public programme for visitors of all ages and backgrounds will activate the various Biennial sites, such as the Abu Dhabi Bus Terminal, a modern heritage building in the city centre, which will hold several programme features a wide range of activities, including talks, tours, workshops, performances, wellness activations and more. Examples include film screenings at the Cultural Foundation, such as Wael Shawky's, Drama 1882, (2024), which premiered at the Venice Biennale, and collaborative public performances with artist Christopher Joshua Benton and the community at the Carpet of Culture Programming at DCT Abu Dhabi, Reem Fadda, said, 'The launch of the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial marks a milestone in Abu Dhabi's artistic scene. The artworks we are unveiling as part of the second phase of the inaugural Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial present a wide range of perspectives on the concept of 'public', within our distinct cultural context. Together, these installations explore the complex relationships between environment, community, urbanity and indigeneity and how these elements define public spaces within Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.' Public Art Abu Dhabi Director at DCT Abu Dhabi, Clémence Bergal, said, 'The Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial is one of the three pillars of the wider Public Art Abu Dhabi initiative. The breadth of artists and artworks on display is a testament to Abu Dhabi's long-term efforts to integrate art into the fabric of society, and ultimately to make it accessible and available to all. The event also highlights the programme's contribution to the preservation of significant architectural and urban spaces, for the wider community. With every installation, we are harnessing the power of public art to advance the creative legacy, cultural infrastructure and quality of life within Abu Dhabi through placemaking and collective memory.'
Globe and Mail
17-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Globe and Mail
Inaugural Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial launches second phase with new artwork unveilings across the emirate
The Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial runs until 30 April 2025 across Abu Dhabi The second phase presents installations by local and international artists including Tarik Kiswanson, Ayesha Hadhir, Arquitectura Expandida, Rand Abdul Jabbar and others The biennial includes eight key routes to explore, alongside a vibrant programme of activities ABU DHABI , UAE , Feb. 17, 2025 /CNW/ -- The inaugural Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial kicked off its highly anticipated second phase with nine new unveilings and installations at iconic locations across the emirate. Running until 30 April, the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial has transformed Abu Dhabi into an emirate-wide celebration of art, culture and community. The exhibition features site-specific installations by more than 70 artists from the UAE and around the world, including 40 new commissions, thoughtfully exhibited throughout the downtown areas of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Following a spectacular launch in November, new unveilings by Anga Art Collective, Arquitectura Expandida, Ayesha Hadhir, Lúcia Koch, Rand Abdul Jabbar , Nnenna Okore , Sophia Balagamwala , and Tarik Kiswanson kicked off the Biennial into full gear this past weekend along with an ongoing piece by Atelier Aziz Al Qatami, which will continue to take shape at the Abu Dhabi Bus Terminal. New installations by Hussein Sharif , Emily Jacir , Rami Kashou x Emirati Artisans, Alia Farid and Latifa Saeed will further activate the exhibition's eight routes throughout the remaining months of the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial. A participatory performance by Mobile Akademie Berlin will round out the Biennial celebrations in April. The installations are distributed across the Abu Dhabi Corniche Route, Abu Dhabi Public Parks Route, Abu Dhabi Bus Terminal Route, Downtown Abu Dhabi Route, Carpet Souq Route, National Theatre Route, Cultural Foundation Route and Al Ain Oasis Route. The easy-to-follow routes can be explored on foot or by car. As part of the second phase, a public programme for visitors will activate the various Biennial sites including the Abu Dhabi Bus Station, a modern-heritage building in the city centre. Events include talks, curator-led tours, screening at the Cultural Foundation of Wael Shawky's Drama 1882 (2024) – which premiered at the Venice Biennale – and collaborative public performances with artist Christopher Joshua Benton and the community at the Carpet Souq. Reem Fadda, Director of Culture Programming at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: "The launch of the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial marks a milestone in Abu Dhabi's artistic scene. The artworks we unveiled as part of the second phase of the inaugural Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial present a wide range of perspectives on the concept of 'public,' within our distinct cultural context. Together, these installations explore the complex relationships between environment, community, urbanity and indigeneity and how these elements define public spaces within Abu Dhabi and Al Ain ." Clémence Bergal, Public Art Abu Dhabi Director at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: "The Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial is one of the three pillars of the wider Public Art Abu Dhabi initiative. The breadth of artists and artworks on display is a testament to Abu Dhabi's long-term efforts to integrate art into the fabric of society, and ultimately to make it accessible and available to all. The event also highlights the programme's contribution to the preservation of significant architectural and urban spaces, for the wider community. With every installation, we are harnessing the power of public art to advance the creative legacy, cultural infrastructure and quality of life within Abu Dhabi through placemaking and collective memory." For more details and the latest timings and locations, please check the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial website at and social media channels. Full press kit and high-res images available in Google Drive. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi's culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi's wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate's position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate's potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism. DCT Abu Dhabi's vision is defined by the emirate's people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi's status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought. For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the destination, please visit: and About Public Art Abu Dhabi Public Art Abu Dhabi is the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)'s new initiative under its ongoing commitment to commissioning public art for the emirate. Integral to this initiative is its community engagement efforts. The initiative advances the creative legacy, cultural infrastructure, liveability, and wellbeing of the UAE capital's residents through placemaking and collective memory. An investment of over 35 million US dollars is dedicated to the initiative annually, to support the emirate's wider creative industries through public art.
