Abu Dhabi's lakes, parks, pedestrian crossings, and streets have transformed into vibrant art spaces as the emirate launches its inaugural public art biennial. Named the Public Art Abu Dhabi (PAAD) Biennial, this event unites some of the most celebrated artists from the UAE and around the world to turn public areas in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain into hubs of dialogue and enjoyment. Some installations are interactive, while others offer societal commentary and personal reflections. The biennial, running until April 30, delves into themes such as the environment, community, urban life, and indigeneity. Here are some of the must-see exhibits:

Barzakh
Located near the Abu Dhabi Corniche, this interactive exhibit by Lebanese artist Wael Al Awar reimagines future architectural possibilities using recycled plastic, palm fiber, and brine. Visitors can traverse the pavilion and even scale its walls, which symbolize a boundary or liminal space.

Floating Fragments
Designed by Pakistani artist Seema Nusrat, this installation at Corniche Lake highlights the growing risk of flooding due to climate change. The terracotta shingling pays homage to traditional Abu Dhabi roofing.

Homesickness
Created by Emirati designer Farah Al Qasimi, this interactive piece features oysters containing pearls, a tribute to the Emirati heritage of pearl diving. Each oyster plays music based on 'Tob Tob Ya Bahar,' a chant sung by pearl divers' wives.

Ari, an homage to cats
Polish artist Pawel Althamer was struck by the abundance of stray cats in Abu Dhabi. This cat-shaped tent has blank walls for visitors to adorn, with a bronze cat sculpture named Ari, cast from branches and other materials, sitting in front.

Clearing
Artist Athar Jaber's interactive piece, made from a single block of limestone from Hatta, explores the relationship between humans and stone throughout history. The central passage invites visitors to walk through and engage with the artwork.

The wired Peugeot
Designed by Sammy Baloji, this 1:1 scale Peugeot 504 references 'kombwelo,' miniature wire cars made by Congolese children from discarded materials. The black irrigation tubes symbolize the lifeblood that sustains Abu Dhabi's greenery.

Sweet Potato
Emirati artist Abdullah Al Saadi's quirky series of sweet potato-shaped chairs are scattered around Abu Dhabi's parks, reflecting his connection to the eastern region's mountains.

Water Drums
Fountains around the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry have been fitted with drums to produce percussion sounds as water flows. Designed by Lawrence Abu Hamdan, this installation is inspired by Damascene courtyard fountains, which provided privacy for conversations.

Olive Garden
An immersive installation by Palestinian artist Khalil Rabah features fifteen mature olive trees planted in rusted metal containers within Abu Dhabi's Recreation Park. Some trees remain stationary, while others rotate.

Source link:   https://www.khaleejtimes.com