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Guggenheim’s collection growing

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi may be yet to be built, but the museum’s art collection is rapidly growing.

Some of the latest additions are three works by Chant Avedissian (The Arab Resistance, The Arab Nation and The Arab Production); two works by Youssef Nabil (Natacha & Crown and Lonely Pasha); El Anatsui’s Earth’s Skin; Feng Mengbo’s Game Over-Long March; and James Rosenquist’s Conveyor Belt.

All these contemporary artists will be in Abu Dhabi this year to talk about art and run free art workshops, as part of this year’s Talking Art Series, which will run from May 6 to 8 and November 20 to 23.

“Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, through its transnational perspective on art history, pioneers a novel, visionary model that will redefine the art-historical canon. Through its collection, exhibitions and educational programmes, this museum will contribute to expanding the critical histories of contemporary art in the 21^st century and foster appreciation of outstanding creative achievements amongst the regional and international audiences,” said series organiser and Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority chairman Shaikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan.

The programme will feature public panels, screenings, workshops and demonstrations by several leading contemporary artists, which will take place at Manarat Al Saadiyat art gallery. Signed up for the May season are El Anatsui, Chant Avedissian, Feng Mengbo, Youssef Nabil and James Rosenquist, while the November programme, which will coincide with Abu Dhabi Art fair, is expected to welcome Heinz Mack, Marwan, Hassan Sharif, Monika Sosnowska and Yang Fudong.

They will explore the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi’s collection with topics such as Popular Culture and the Mediated Image, or the concept and process behind establishing this collection.

“Talking Art Series is a dynamic platform for the Saadiyat Cultural District, giving insight into the types of art and ideas that people can expect to encounter when each museum opens. We hope that bringing major contemporary artists to Abu Dhabi for this public programme encourages continued engagement with Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and results in inspiring dialogue between local and global perspectives,” added ADTCA director general Mubarak Hamad Al Muhairi.

The Talking Art Series are free of charge, but due to limited capacity and high demand, registration is required, which starts from April 1. People can register at www.saadiyatculturaldistrict.ae.

silvia@khaleejtimes.com