How Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial is reimagining the meaning of home
In a city where residents from around the world share the same streets, public spaces and daily routines, art can offer an unexpected way of bringing people together. That idea is central to the second Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial , which begins in Al Ain on October 23 before expanding to the capital on November 15. The exhibition, called Home: A Glossary for a Communal Sense of Place, brings…
Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial seeks to redefine the concept of home amidst a cosmopolitan cityscape. The exhibition, titled Home: A Glossary for a Communal Sense of Place, commences in Al Ain on October 23 before moving to the capital on November 15. Twenty-one Emirati and international artists contribute installations to be displayed until February 15.
Artistic director Elvira Dyangani Ose emphasizes the importance of public art in fostering unity among diverse residents. Ose, who previously led the Museu d Art Contemporani in Barcelona and served as a curator at Tate Modern, believes that public spaces present unique challenges. Unlike museums, where visitors actively seek out art, daily routines might bring people unexpectedly across installations. Consequently, artists and curators must craft experiences that resonate with the public's daily interactions.
Ose's exhibition revolves around the theme of home, emphasizing how personal connections to places transcend physical structures. She draws inspiration from her experiences visiting the UAE, inspired by the distinct identities of the emirates and their evolving cultural landscapes. Her focus extends to how individuals develop attachments to places through shared histories, memories, and collective experiences.
The diverse population of Abu Dhabi informs the exhibition's exploration of collective identity. Works by Emirati artist Khalid Al Banna and American artist Nari Ward explore the maritime heritage of Mina Zayed, incorporating fishing nets as symbolic elements. French artist Laure Prouvost and Argentinian artist Mercedes Azpilicueta engage with coral life and urban marine environments, respectively, highlighting the interplay between human habitation and natural surroundings.
The biennial features a diverse array of artists, including Ibrahim Mahama, Yinka Shonibare, Akram Zaatari, Kapwani Kiwanga, Marinella Senatore, and Reena Saini Kallat. Despite a more modest scale compared to its predecessor, which featured over 50 projects, the second edition places greater emphasis on monumental installations, community engagement, and varied experiences. Sites span locations in Mina Zayed, the Saadiyat Cultural District, and Al Ain.
Additionally, a public program will accompany the exhibition, offering visitors opportunities for dialogue and interaction with the artworks. Some installations may become permanent fixtures in the city, while others are envisioned as temporary experiences, reflecting the dynamic nature of public art in a rapidly evolving urban landscape.
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