Nadia Kaabi-Linke, winner of the Ithra Art Prize 2021, will create an installation that represents the economic disruption wrought by the pandemic. Antonie Robertson / The National
Nadia Kaabi-Linke, winner of the Ithra Art Prize 2021, will create an installation that represents the economic disruption wrought by the pandemic. Antonie Robertson / The National
Nadia Kaabi-Linke, winner of the Ithra Art Prize 2021, will create an installation that represents the economic disruption wrought by the pandemic. Antonie Robertson / The National
Nadia Kaabi-Linke, winner of the Ithra Art Prize 2021, will create an installation that represents the economic disruption wrought by the pandemic. Antonie Robertson / The National

Nadia Kaabi-Linke wins Ithra Art Prize 2021 for work that imagines a post-pandemic future


Alexandra Chaves
  • English
  • Arabic

Nadia Kaabi-Linke has been announced as the winner of this year’s Ithra Art Prize.

The Tunis-born artist, who also has Ukrainian roots and currently lives in Berlin, was chosen for the $100,000 award for her artwork proposal – a large-scale installation that takes the Covid-19 pandemic as its starting point to reflect on potential new futures for the people and the planet.

Her work will be unveiled at the Ad-Diriyah Biennale, Saudi Arabia’s first art biennial, which will be held from December to March 2022 outside of Riyadh.

The latest round of the Ithra Art Prize – granted by the Aramco-sponsored King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture, also known as Ithra, in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia – comes with a few significant changes. For one, this year marks the first time that the prize will be given to a non-Saudi artist after Ithra expanded its open call to all artists from the Arab League, and not only those within the kingdom.

The previous winners of the Ithra Art Prize are Fahad bin Naif, Daniah Al Saleh and Ayman Zedani.

In addition, it will also be the first time that the winning work will be unveiled in Saudi Arabia, as all of the previous winners had initially been shown at Art Dubai. The change of location is the result of Ithra’s new collaboration with the Ad-Diriyah Biennale Foundation.

Kaabi-Linke’s work will be one of the highlights of the art event, which will take place at the site of the historic Salwa Palace, known for its distinctive architecture and as the original home of the Al Saud royal family.

In an interview with The National, the artist reveals that she had been thinking about the project for a year, even before the Ithra Art Prize. “It was a process that was happening in parallel, for its own sake, and I was pushing to realise it,” she says.

A woman walks past Nadia Kaabi-Linke's 'Flying Carpets,' one of the Abraaj Group Art Prize winners, during its unveiling at Art Dubai in 2011. Amy Leang / The National
A woman walks past Nadia Kaabi-Linke's 'Flying Carpets,' one of the Abraaj Group Art Prize winners, during its unveiling at Art Dubai in 2011. Amy Leang / The National

Kaabi-Linke’s previous works have included site-specific installations and large-scale prints that reflect on geopolitical issues on a very human level, at times drawing from stories of migrant street traders or victims of domestic violence, for example.

The artist features in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and Solomon R Guggenheim Museum in the US, as well as the Centre Pompidou in France. In 2009, she was commissioned by Sharjah Art Foundation for the Sharjah Biennial 9, and two years later, won the Abraaj Group Art Prize.

Her artwork for the Ithra Art Prize will be a monumental structure that uses the standard symbol of growth, the rising arrow, albeit splintered in some form, to represent the economic disruption wrought by the pandemic.

Using marouflage, Kaabi-Linke will apply silk paper prints on to the surface of the structure. It is a delicate process that involves layering adhesive mixtures to transfer the prints, and made more challenging by the Ad-Diriyah site’s windy weather. The artist, however, says she is confident with the material, which she has been using for 15 years after being initially inspired by anti-dictatorship scrawls on the streets of Tunisia.

Working closely with her husband, Timo Kaabi-Linke – she muses that they operate as a “hidden collective” under her name – the artist says the idea for the work was inspired from experiences in her own life. As shutdowns and flights were cancelled worldwide owing to Covid-19, she reflected on an arrow painted on the ground of an airport close to her home, one that she had frequently used and even landed in on her arrival to Germany 15 years ago. It had become empty. “The whole airport became a metaphor for our time,” she says.

In the coming months, the artist will be working with Ithra’s curatorial team on the project before visiting the site for installation. Prior to that, she will be presenting an art intervention at Expo 2020 Dubai in October alongside other artists.

Candida Pestana, curator of contemporary art at Ithra, says that the team is also preparing for the storage and preservation of the artwork in the institution’s permanent collection after the biennial show, and its potential travel method for future exhibitions.

Speaking on Kaabi-Linke’s selection, made by a seven-member jury comprising regional and international figures in art, Pestana explains: “The project was most striking for its completion, conceptually, and the way it beautifully captures this moment… The jury also didn’t have any doubts about the quality and perfectionism of the artist, something that is very characteristic of Nadia.”

Candida Pestana, curator of contemporary art at Ithra. Photo: Ithra
Candida Pestana, curator of contemporary art at Ithra. Photo: Ithra

For her work, Kaabi-Linke is not only contemplating our present, but is looking towards the trajectory of a new future. The arrow, representing growth and acceleration, also opens up several translations. “It is important to state or create an iconic image about what we’re going through, but especially where we’re heading,” she says.

“It’s more about leaving our comfort zones and heading towards something together… What we know is that our current state is definitely not leading us to survival,” she continues. “With the symbol of the arrow, we want to represent something else – the possibility of exit.”

This exit, she explains, is a complete shift in worldview and world order. It is “exiting the individualistic, neoliberal world that we live in”, through various ways. “We have to consume differently. We really have to go back to what our ancestors did, to learn community living. We need to learn that we can survive only if we help the next generation,” she says.

While the pandemic and ever-growing urgency of climate change have spurred a “forced unity”, the artist says it is important not to ignore our diversity. “It’s not about giving up our differences and becoming a collective, but about making choices together… It also means that the models of nation-building and the interests of specific countries won’t work any more. We’re learning it day by day in politics, health, and environmental issues,” she explains.

It is an immense task, weighted more by the seeming urgency of global problems, but the artist feels assured in her role. “Artists have always been producing, and the most creative moments have always been the moments when there is a crisis, so in that sense, I am extremely optimistic. I think we are living in a privileged time of change and action,” she says.

“I never believed that the artist had a message to bring that will make people change. I think the art is there to move something within you, then you will take a step forward because of that inspiration,” Kaabi-Linke says. “Artists bring something that no other medium can bring. The space we occupy has to do with the soul, and the changes start there, when something is deeply moved within you. I think that’s my job.”

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Mobile phone packages comparison
Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

2.

China

3.

UAE

4.

Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

7.

Singapore

8.

Australia

9.

Saudi Arabia

10.

South Korea

The biog

Favourite films: Casablanca and Lawrence of Arabia

Favourite books: Start with Why by Simon Sinek and Good to be Great by Jim Collins

Favourite dish: Grilled fish

Inspiration: Sheikh Zayed's visionary leadership taught me to embrace new challenges.

Jebel Ali results

2pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 50,000 (Dirt) 1,400m

Winner: AF Al Moreeb, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)

2.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,400m

Winner: Shamikh, Ryan Curatolo, Nicholas Bachalard

3pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 64,000 (D) 1,600m

Winner: One Vision, Connor Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe

3.30pm: Conditions (TB) Dh 100,000 (D) 1,600m

Winner: Gabr, Sam Hitchcott, Doug Watson

4pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 96,000 (D) 1,800m

Winner: Just A Penny, Sam Hitchcock, Doug Watson

4.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,600m

Winner: Torno Subito, Sam Hitchcock, Doug Watson

5pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 76,000 (D) 1,950m

Winner: Untold Secret, Jose Santiago, Salem bin Ghadayer

The Sand Castle

Director: Matty Brown

Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea

Rating: 2.5/5

Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20WallyGPT%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2014%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESaeid%20and%20Sami%20Hejazi%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20raised%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%247.1%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2020%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPre-seed%20round%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Tips%20for%20holiday%20homeowners
%3Cp%3EThere%20are%20several%20factors%20for%20landlords%20to%20consider%20when%20preparing%20to%20establish%20a%20holiday%20home%3A%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3E%3Cstrong%3ERevenue%20potential%20of%20the%20unit%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20location%2C%20view%20and%20size%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3E%3Cstrong%3EDesign%3A%20furnished%20or%20unfurnished.%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Is%20the%20design%20up%20to%20standard%2C%20while%20being%20catchy%20at%20the%20same%20time%3F%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3E%3Cstrong%3EBusiness%20model%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20will%20it%20be%20managed%20by%20a%20professional%20operator%20or%20directly%20by%20the%20owner%2C%20how%20often%20does%20the%20owner%20wants%20to%20use%20it%20for%20personal%20reasons%3F%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3E%3Cstrong%3EQuality%20of%20the%20operator%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20guest%20reviews%2C%20customer%20experience%20management%2C%20application%20of%20technology%2C%20average%20utilisation%2C%20scope%20of%20services%20rendered%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cem%3ESource%3A%20Adam%20Nowak%2C%20managing%20director%20of%20Ultimate%20Stay%20Vacation%20Homes%20Rental%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Alaan%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202021%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Parthi%20Duraisamy%20and%20Karun%20Kurien%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%247%20million%20raised%20in%20total%20%E2%80%94%20%242.5%20million%20in%20a%20seed%20round%20and%20%244.5%20million%20in%20a%20pre-series%20A%20round%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE FIXTURES

October 18 – 7.30pm, UAE v Oman, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
October 19 – 7.30pm, UAE v Ireland, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
October 21 – 2.10pm, UAE v Hong Kong, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
October 22 – 2.10pm, UAE v Jersey, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
October 24 – 10am, UAE v Nigeria, Abu Dhabi Cricket Oval 1
October 27 – 7.30pm, UAE v Canada, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi

October 29 – 2.10pm, Playoff 1 – A2 v B3; 7.30pm, Playoff 2 – A3 v B2, at Dubai International Stadium.
October 30 – 2.10pm, Playoff 3 – A4 v Loser of Play-off 1; 7.30pm, Playoff 4 – B4 v Loser of Play-off 2 at Dubai International Stadium

November 1 – 2.10pm, Semifinal 1 – B1 v Winner of Play-off 1; 7.30pm, Semifinal 2 – A1 v Winner of Play-off 2 at Dubai International Stadium
November 2 – 2.10pm, Third place Playoff – B1 v Winner of Play-off 1; 7.30pm, Final, at Dubai International Stadium

The bio

Favourite book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Favourite travel destination: Maldives and south of France

Favourite pastime: Family and friends, meditation, discovering new cuisines

Favourite Movie: Joker (2019). I didn’t like it while I was watching it but then afterwards I loved it. I loved the psychology behind it.

Favourite Author: My father for sure

Favourite Artist: Damien Hurst

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Part three: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

David Haye record

Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4

MATCH INFO

Rajasthan Royals 158-8 (20 ovs)
Kings XI Punjab 143/7 (20 ovs)

Rajasthan Royals won by 15 runs

THE SPECS

Engine: 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo

Transmission: seven-speed dual clutch automatic

Power: 169bhp

Torque: 250Nm

Price: Dh54,500

On sale: now

The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo

Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 6-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km

Price: Dh133,900

On sale: now 

Nepotism is the name of the game

Salman Khan’s father, Salim Khan, is one of Bollywood’s most legendary screenwriters. Through his partnership with co-writer Javed Akhtar, Salim is credited with having paved the path for the Indian film industry’s blockbuster format in the 1970s. Something his son now rules the roost of. More importantly, the Salim-Javed duo also created the persona of the “angry young man” for Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan in the 1970s, reflecting the angst of the average Indian. In choosing to be the ordinary man’s “hero” as opposed to a thespian in new Bollywood, Salman Khan remains tightly linked to his father’s oeuvre. Thanks dad. 

A cryptocurrency primer for beginners

Cryptocurrency Investing  for Dummies – by Kiana Danial 

There are several primers for investing in cryptocurrencies available online, including e-books written by people whose credentials fall apart on the second page of your preferred search engine. 

Ms Danial is a finance coach and former currency analyst who writes for Nasdaq. Her broad-strokes primer (2019) breaks down investing in cryptocurrency into baby steps, while explaining the terms and technologies involved.

Although cryptocurrencies are a fast evolving world, this  book offers a good insight into the game as well as providing some basic tips, strategies and warning signs.

Begin your cryptocurrency journey here. 

Available at Magrudy’s , Dh104 

Dhadak

Director: Shashank Khaitan

Starring: Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khattar, Ashutosh Rana

Stars: 3

The biog

Name: Capt Shadia Khasif

Position: Head of the Criminal Registration Department at Hatta police

Family: Five sons and three daughters

The first female investigator in Hatta.

Role Model: Father

She believes that there is a solution to every problem

 

Marathon results

Men:

 1. Titus Ekiru(KEN) 2:06:13 

2. Alphonce Simbu(TAN) 2:07:50 

3. Reuben Kipyego(KEN) 2:08:25 

4. Abel Kirui(KEN) 2:08:46 

5. Felix Kemutai(KEN) 2:10:48  

Women:

1. Judith Korir(KEN) 2:22:30 

2. Eunice Chumba(BHR) 2:26:01 

3. Immaculate Chemutai(UGA) 2:28:30 

4. Abebech Bekele(ETH) 2:29:43 

5. Aleksandra Morozova(RUS) 2:33:01  

Red flags
  • Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
  • Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
  • Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
  • Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
  • Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.

Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

The specs

Price, base / as tested Dh1,100,000 (est)

Engine 5.2-litre V10

Gearbox seven-speed dual clutch

Power 630bhp @ 8,000rpm

Torque 600Nm @ 6,500rpm

Fuel economy, combined 15.7L / 100km (est) 

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

Porsche Taycan Turbo specs

Engine: Two permanent-magnet synchronous AC motors

Transmission: two-speed

Power: 671hp

Torque: 1050Nm

Range: 450km

Price: Dh601,800

On sale: now

Updated: August 31, 2021, 5:26 AM