Dana Almazrouei wants children to see art differently at Umm Al Emarat Park

Abu Dhabi is hosting a unique Children's Biennale at Umm Al Emarat Park, running from November 6 to December 6. The exhibition, presented by Abu Dhabi Festival, focuses on how children perceive and engage with art. Curator Dana Almazrouei has taken a different approach, encouraging children to touch, listen, experiment, and contribute to the artworks themselves.

Instead of viewing art from a distance, children are invited to interact with the pieces in various ways, transforming them into active participants. The park's outdoor setting and changing environment were considered essential, with the artworks designed to blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings. This approach aims to rekindle children's sense of wonder and connection to the space around them.

The Biennale features seven new commissions by UAE artists and an installation by Indonesian artist Eko Nugroho, titled "Kenangan Kunang-Kunang" (Memories of Fireflies). The installation, an immersive experience inspired by traditional Eastern Javanese lanterns, is complemented by a garden of memories where children can draw or create stamps from natural objects.

Other activities include drawing, weaving, lantern-making, sound exploration, and collective art-making. Guided tours are available for schools, offering children the opportunity to explore the artworks in an open-air setting that fosters curiosity and imaginative thinking. Almazrouei hopes that this experience will foster a sense of responsibility and care for the park among the children.