Latest news with #LorenzoQuinn
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.'
What's On
27-01-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
6 amazing things to do in Abu Dhabi this week: January 27 to 30
We're about to send off January in Abu Dhabi… The new year had just begun, and now the first month is nearly over, and we firmly believe time is not a real thing. 2025 came with the promise of unforgettable fun, both during the weekdays and the weekends. So far, it has delivered – this week is no different. Take your pick. Monday, January 27 Take a free yoga class Native Cafe is offering a free yoga and meditation session for the perfect way to start your week on a relaxed and recharged note. Join Taghrid Khouri as she takes you through a session of yoga, meditation and relaxation – a great way to start the week. Class at 11am. Native Cafe, Al Karama Complex, Abu Dhabi, Mon, Jan 27, 11am, Tel: (0) 50 515 8272, @ Tuesday, January 28 Live it up at Lock, Stock & Barrel Who says you can't have a mid-week ladies' night. According to our friends at LSB, Tuesdays are for getting lit, and we couldn't agree more. Tuesdays at LSB Yas Bay means free-flow drinks for the ladies from 8pm to 12am. No strings attached, just free drinks. Lock, Stock & Barrel, Yas Bay, Yas Island, Tues, 8pm to 12am, Try a Dubai export in the capital Heads up – Sushisamba Abu Dhabi is now open and ready for you to try. This is the celebrity hotspot and Dubai export you need to sample at least once. Try award-winning Japanese-Latin fare with breathtaking views of the corniche surrounding you. Sushisamba, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi, Tel: ( 0) 2 811 5882, @sushisambaabudhabi Wednesday, January 29 Celebrate the Year of the Snake Ring in the Year of the Snake as the award-winning Dai Pai Dong celebrates Chinese New Year from January 29 to February 12 with a Family Reunion Dinner on January 28 and 29. Sample dishes such as lo hei, a vibrant Chinese New Year yee sheng salad, family reunion clay pot and the perfectly steamed yellow fish with soya sauce. Dai Pai Dong, Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, Jan 28 and 29, packages start at Dhs388, Tel: (0) 2 813 5550, @daipaidongad Check out a stunning sculpture Celebrating the intersection of art and culture in the heart of the capital, My Heart is Yours, a stunning sculpture by acclaimed artist Lorenzo Quinn is now on display at the Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi. The piece depicts the profound bond between two souls united by love and offers a deeply moving experience. Get your dose of art here. Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, until Mar 2025, @fsabudhabi Thursday, January 30 Enjoy the gorgeous weather in the great outdoors This unique waterfront destination in Abu Dhabi runs along some of the capital's newer eats, with several of them being crowned winners at the prestigious What's On Abu Dhabi awards. You're also mere steps away from a cinema theater, and one of the capital's biggest attractions, The National Aquarium. Ideal for a leisurely stroll by yourself, with the family, or on date night. Images: Socials/Supplied/Getty > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
