Manar Abu Dhabi Expands Exhibition from Coastline to Desert in Al Ain
Illuminating Al Ain’s Heritage
Amidst the gardens and historic houses of Al Ain’s oases, a new artistic venture unfolds with seven installations that fuse light and culture. These contemporary artworks bring a modern touch to an area rich in history, effectively bridging the past and present.
This year, Manar Abu Dhabi extends its reach beyond the capital, introducing a project that masterfully combines light, heritage, and community. The initiative has transformed Al Jimi and Al Qattara oases—both recognized on the UNESCO World Heritage List—into vibrant open-air galleries that showcase the talents of both Emirati and international artists.
The Light Compass: A Thematic Journey
Under the theme “The Light Compass,” the festival’s curators, including artistic director Khai Hori, have reimagined the oases as spaces for exploration and reflection. The installations include contributions from prominent names such as Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Khalid Shafar, reflecting a global artistic dialogue.
Hori notes that the expansion into Al Ain signifies a significant evolution for Manar Abu Dhabi, which began its journey with installations across coastal and urban settings earlier this year. “This project conveys Abu Dhabi’s commitment to nurturing contemporary public art while connecting audiences to quieter environments,” he said.
A Delicate Artistic Approach
Given the historical significance of Al Jimi and Al Qattara, installing art in these sensitive locations required meticulous planning and collaboration with archaeologists. “Every artwork was positioned with care,” Hori explains. The project emphasizes that light art goes beyond mere illumination; it serves to uncover hidden histories and meaningful connections.
The theme “The Light Compass” also reflects navigation through not only the physical landscape but also the astrological guidance that once directed both desert travelers and mariners. This symbolic relationship underscores the region’s deep-rooted cultural heritage.
Navigating Life: Hori and Al Attar’s Vision
Throughout the exhibition, visitors encounter thought-provoking pieces like Ammar Al Attar’s “Cycle Of Circles.” This work depicts the artist in a series of photographs creating a circle while cycling, symbolizing the cyclical nature of life. Al Attar explains that this piece illustrates how routines can often lead us back to where we began, yet the journey continues.
Co-curator Munira Al Sayegh emphasizes the importance of public art extending to everyone. “This year’s theme resonates not just with seafaring cultures but also with those who have thrived alongside the oases,” she states, reinforcing the inclusive vision of the festival.
Dialogue Between Different Landscapes
The transition of Manar Abu Dhabi from the coast to the desert invites audiences to explore contrasting environments—bustling urban areas versus tranquil oases. Questions arise, such as, “What happens when we move from saltwater to freshwater?” Al Sayegh reflects on this contrast, adding depth to the thematic narrative.
This exploration also highlights how contemporary artistic expressions can coexist with traditional heritage, inviting audiences to engage in a sensory journey of light and sound throughout the installations.
Fostering Connections Through Art
Manar Abu Dhabi’s expansion into Al Ain reflects the city’s unique cultural landscape. Al Sayegh notes, “Heritage and contemporary life are often viewed as separate, but here they coexist seamlessly.” The artworks guide audiences along pathways that resonated with ancient trade routes, enriching the dialogue between space and history.
Participants move through experiences that evoke both meditation and community. Artworks such as Maitha Hamdan’s “Breath of the Same Place” and Khalid Shafar’s “Sadu Red Carpet” offer opportunities for introspection. Hamdan’s installation brings soft energy to a ghaf tree through luminescent wiring, providing a serene space for visitors to gather and reflect.
Shafar’s work illuminates a pathway with red lights resembling sadu patterns, symbolizing the open and welcoming nature of Emirati culture. Walking along this path allows visitors to feel connected to a broader cultural narrative, despite the calm oasis surroundings.
Accessibility to Public Art
The initiative aims to make art accessible to the public. Hori emphasizes the importance of aesthetics in society: “Without an appreciation for art, communities become mechanical. Bringing art into open spaces invites people to engage actively.”
The installations in Al Ain punctuate the environment rather than merely occupying it. Al Sayegh notes that this year’s focus is on integrating art into populated areas, in contrast to previous editions that placed art in more secluded contexts.
Engaging the Community
Visitors can immerse themselves in the Al Jimi and Al Qattara experience through guided tours, photography workshops, and food pop-ups, enhancing the sense of community around the artworks. This dynamic transforms the festival into an active dialogue, bridging art, place, and people.
As dusk settles, the oases come alive with artistic light, illuminating pathways and casting soft shadows. Each installation forms part of a constellation, echoing the stars that have guided travelers for centuries.
“Art in the dark transforms solitude into celebration,” Hori shares, as the glowing oases reflect an ongoing cultural narrative. Al Sayegh reinforces this sentiment, asserting that public art should resonate with everyone, providing insight into the connections that bind us to our environments.
Manar Abu Dhabi 2025 runs until January 4 in Al Ain, and from November 15 to January 4 in Abu Dhabi.
Published on 1766838812 • Category: Arts & Culture Team