Artists Rand Abdul Jabbar, Nasser Al Zayani, Maitha Abdalla and Hashel Al Lamki. Photo: Instagram/@abudhabiculture
Titled ‘In the Studio’, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi‘s latest virtual program is a celebration of emerging local art. Featuring four up and coming artists based in the nation’s capital, the program will include the work of Baghdad-born, Rand Abdul Jabbar, Bahraini-American Nasser Al Zayani, and Emirati artists, Maitha Abdalla and Hashel Al Lamki. Through a series of studio visits and interviews, which will also feature on the Abu Dhabi Culture YouTube page, the month-long initiative will provide audiences around the world with insight into the artists’ work and inspiration.
Ranging from a variety of topics; including Khaleeji folklore on behalf of Abdalla, archaeology and myth by Abdul Jabbar, glass-blowing techniques as researched by Al Zayani and a range of recent projects by Al Lakmi, the project will acquaint members of the public with the creative pursuits of local artists. Launching on Tuesday, July 21, Abdalla will open the series from her Bait 15 studio, which she founded with Al Lakma and fellow Abu Dhabi artist, Afra Al Dhaheri. Followed by Abdul Jabbar’s session which will debut on July 28 and Al Lakmi’s session on August 4, the program will then close with an interview with Al Zayani on August 11. Following the end of the program, artists will take part in a virtual roundtable discussion with Sara Bin Safwan and Sasha Kalter-Wasserman, both curators at the long-awaited Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
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“Guggenheim Abu Dhabi continually strives to engage with the local arts community here in Abu Dhabi,” said Maisa Al Qassimi, senior project manager of Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, in a statement. “We hope to continue to highlight the creativity and great work being done here in the emirate, and create a sense of togetherness in the local arts community through these digital interactions.”
Having launched a number of interactive programs recently, most notably the Talking Art series, the museum is also in the process of building its collection, which will focus on art from West Asia, North Africa, and South Asia across the 1960s to present day.
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