The first Public Art Biennial in Abu Dhabi will launch on November 15, 2024, with contributions of more than 70 artists from the Emirates and international artists in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Initiated and supported by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the biennial will return under the theme ‘Public Matter’, which will explore the re-interpretation of the public space of the city intertwining with different environmental, social and urban elements.
These artists include Allora & Calzadilla, Arquitectura Expandida, Christopher Joshua Benton, Farah Al Qasimi, Oscar Murillo among others. The installations will refer directly to Abu Dhabi’s context and will deal with ideas related with collective life, urban planning and hospitality, with an eye towards the impact that Abu Dhabi’s diverse expatriate communities have had on the city’s development.
The Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial was established as a platform highly relevant to our cultural mission, which enables our community to engage with both history and contemporary art. This scheme enhances the city’s position as a cultural capital as well as guaranteeing great experiences involving art for everyone in the society. Rita Aoun, Executive Director of DCT Abu Dhabi at Culture Sector, said, “We should help everyone relate to Abu Dhabi in terms of art.”
These are Arquitectura Expandida’s “Urban Negotiation”, which manufactures moveable urban furniture forming new territories and Farah Al Qasimi whose sound structure encourages contemplation of regional relevance of the sea. The 80 metersSEC_long artwork of Oscar Murillo will be installed at Abu Dhabi Corniche referring its fast growth, and Christopher Joshua Benton will turn the Carpet SouqDHSEinto an active public area.
