Curated by Dr. Michaela Watrelot, Hour Eternal - Emirati Abstraction will feature 14 Emirati artists who have played a role in shaping contemporary art in the Emirates, with works on loan from the Ministry of Culture, artists’ studios and galleries, and private collectors.
Abstract art has evolved significantly over the past two decades, and Hour Eternal will offer an overview of this transformation. As reflected in the exhibition’s paradoxical title, the pieces chosen for display all reflect on time’s duality, in that it is both fleeting and everlasting. In particular, works deal with the relationship between time, tradition and contemporary identity, and delve into individual experiences felt by the artists while offering an insight into the wider cultural identity of the UAE. Learn More.
Shaikha Al Mazrou is recognized for her sculptural experiments that challenge perceptions of space, form and materiality, exemplifying her exploration of minimalism and geometric abstraction. Her use of industrial materials to create forms questions the viewer’s understanding of physical space.
Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim, deeply connected to the natural environment of Khorfakkan, employs abstract forms to explore the relationship between the landscape and human experience. His works, imbued with primitive symbols and earthy textures, reflect a profound connection to the natural world.
Along with others, these artists represent the rich diversity of approaches to abstract art in the UAE, each contributing to the ongoing evolution of the nation’s contemporary art scene. Their works in Hour Eternal’offer a unique perspective on the interplay between the eternal and the ephemeral, inviting viewers to explore the profound layers of meaning embedded within Emirati abstraction.