The art of collage is being celebrated in a new exhibition in Al Ain. The Collage Exhibiition, presented as part of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority’s (TCA Abu Dhabi) cultural programme, work by 23 UAE based artists is on show.
Collage or mixed media art is a very persistent art form in the UAE both in digital and traditional mediums. Among the artists featured in the exhibition are several prominent Emiratis. Ali Al Abdan’s Spirits from the Past series aims to document and archive historical figures by transforming everyday imagery and common words into an archival document. This has resulted in the development of a document that tells a story and immortalises important figures who have shaped the cultural scenes in the Gulf Region today. Hussain Sharif, the brother of the late Hassan, uses collage to question identity and Obaid Surour has contributed a beautiful piece made shimmering pearlised shells.
The best thing about this exhibition is that it shines the light on emerging local talent. Egyptian Rehab Abouelnaga has used sweeping lines and curves to form a piece that resembles boats on the water but is also abstract enough to offer different interpretations and shows great promise as an artist.
Sumayya Al Suwaidi, the community events manager at TCA says: “The Collage Exhibition continues TCA Abu Dhabi’s commitment to nurturing and furthering contemporary arts practice in the UAE. In the exhibition, the dialogues of the citizens of the UAE are explored, and it showcases the wealth of creative talent around us.”
* The Collage Exhibition runs until June 15 at the Al Qattara Arts Centre in Al Ain. The opening hours for the exhibition are from 5-9pm.