Seven private collections of toys will go on display in Abu Dhabi's Ghaf Gallery tomorrow night.
Inspired by this year's International Museum Day theme, that points to memory and creativity bringing about social change, the exhibition Toys and Treasures - Toy Box to Treasure Chest: The Art of Collecting looks to shine a light on the creativity and vitality of the museum sector as well as encourage young people to start their own collections.
Toy Box Collection by Olujimi Osho.
Under the patronage His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF), items in the show include Irina Kohn's puppets from St Petersburg in Russia and a selection of Swiss watches from Zayed Al Abisi.
Mohammed Abdul Latif Kanoo, an avid collector of trains, planes and automobiles, has contributed some of his collection and the curator of the show Trevor Kweku Blackwood has brought the Osho Collection from London.
Fostered as a child, Olujimi Osho took solace in toys and strived to make sense of the world and his cultural identity by collecting objects that he valued.
These treasured items are now used to teach others through interactive workshops in schools in the UK and are seen for the first time in the UAE. "Museums have a valuable place in society by their unique ability to preserve culture as well as cultivate the creativity necessary to see future generations flourish," said Hoda Al Khamis Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation. "This exhibition is a fascinating journey designed to inspire audiences to connect with their own heritage, to start their own collections and understand the similarities and differences in the world of collection and curation."
Camera Collection by Olujimi Osho
The show runs in Ghaf Gallery, Abu Dhabi until June 19.
