Louvre Abu Dhabi Hosts 'Art Here' Exhibition Featuring Collaborative Works on Shadows
As autumn approaches, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a beacon of cultural exchange and artistic exploration, prepares to unveil the fifth edition of the renowned Art Here initiative, accompanied by the prestigious Richard Mille Art Prize. From October 11 to December 28, 2025, the museum will transform into a contemplative space that invites audiences to engage with the theme of “Shadows.” This year’s exhibition promises to illuminate age-old artistic motifs through the innovative lenses of contemporary creators from diverse backgrounds.
Under the careful curation of Swiss-Japanese figure Sophie Mayuko Arni, the exhibition serves as an amalgamation of artistic voices drawn from a wide geographical spectrum, stretching from the Gulf region to Japan. After meticulously reviewing over 400 proposals, Arni has selected six artists whose works are set to be newly commissioned, effectively redefining the conversation surrounding the interplay of light and shadow within the artistic realm.
The artists featured in this year’s exhibition include a formidable lineup: Jordanian-Palestinian architect and artist Ahmed Al-Aqra, Emirati digital artist and musician Jumairy, and pioneering Japanese audiovisual creator Ryoichi Kurokawa. They will be joined by Kuwaiti-born artist Hamra Abbas, Japanese painter and filmmaker Rintaro Fuse, as well as the architectural duo Takuma Yokomae and Ghali Bouayad, whose collaborative practice seamlessly bridges Tokyo and Marrakesh.
Together, these creators represent an impressive array of contemporary expression, utilizing various mediums, including architecture, digital performance, and immersive soundscapes. Their collective focus on shadows transcends aesthetic considerations, delving into deeper metaphors related to history, identity, and the often-overlooked layers of human experience. This multifaceted exploration invites viewers to ponder not merely what is visible, but also what remains obscured in the interplay of light and darkness.
The jury responsible for shaping this year’s shortlist reflects a commendable diversity of expertise and perspective, under the chairmanship of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan. Comprising Dr. Guilhem André from the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Maya Allison of NYU Abu Dhabi, and Japanese curator Yuko Hasegawa, the panel illustrates a commitment to fostering international dialogue and collaboration in the arts.
The inclusion of Japanese artists in the Richard Mille Art Prize highlights the initiative’s expanding influence as a platform for cross-cultural exchange, underscoring the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s commitment to promoting understanding through art. “Fostering cross-cultural understanding sits at the heart of the museum’s mission,” Arni stated, reinforcing the importance of artistic engagement that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. As such, this exhibition is not only rooted in the Gulf region but also embraces broader narratives that resonate across different cultures.
As visitors navigate through the exhibition this autumn, they will likely be captivated not only by the visual splendor of the artworks but also by the philosophical questions that shadows evoke. The interplay of light and dark serves as a metaphorical canvas, compelling audiences to reflect upon the unseen dimensions of life that art, much like a shadow, can subtly hint at without overtly revealing its entirety.
The Art Here exhibition at the Louvre Abu Dhabi offers a unique opportunity to witness how contemporary artists interpret and engage with the themes of presence and absence, concealment and revelation, memory and transformation. In a world that often prioritizes immediacy and superficiality, this exhibition invites contemplation and a deeper appreciation of the complexities inherent in human existence.
For those invested in the realms of art, culture, and cross-regional dialogue, the Art Here initiative promises a compelling exploration of how shadows—both literal and metaphorical—shape our understanding of identity and our connections to one another.
As the lights dim in the magnificent dome of the Louvre Abu Dhabi and shadows begin to dance upon its walls, the museum stands poised to act as a conduit for not only artistic expression but also the fostering of dialogues that enrich our shared human experience.
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Tags: #ArtExhibition #ContemporaryArt #LouvreAbuDhabi #UAE #CulturalExchange