About

This new edition of the Emirati Expressions continued the thematic of the first and reflected on the ‘movement of thoughts’; particularly on Emirati cultural heritage, that was translated through an exhibition of photographs created by Emirati artists but also visiting photographers invited to work with the artists to tell an Emirati expression that is inherently global.

Under the artistic direction of renowned photographer Stephen Shore, the exhibition brought together 10 Emirati artists practicing in the medium of photography.

These artists are: Afra Al Daheri,  Afra Bin Daher, Alia Al Shamsi, Ammar Al Attar, Fatima Al Yousef, Hadeyeh Badri, Lateefa Bint Maktoum, Maitha Demithan, Mira Obaid Al Qaseer and Salem Al Qassimi.

An interactive process:
In addition to the works of the 10 Emiratis photographers, Emirati Expressions showed some of Stephen Shore’s photographs of Abu Dhabi, commissioned by TDIC as well as the works of photographer JR, known for his larger than life photographic installations in public places, and Tarek Al Ghoussein, photographer and Professor of the American University of Sharjah, whose work has been exhibited extensively and collected by museums all over the world.

These artists worked together with the support of other Emirati artists who contributed to elements of the exhibition, including:
- The artist and calligrapher Mohammed Al Mandi, who designed the UAE’s paper money and passport, who created the artistic identity of the exhibition
- Faiza Mubarak who designed the cover of the exhibition catalogue
- Sheikha Wafa Hasher Al Maktoum who developed the exhibition brochure
- twofour54 ibtikar, known for financing and supporting businesses and individuals in the Arab media and entertainment industry, is responsible for the exhibition’s film
- A group of students on an internship from UAE universities were also supporting the exhibition lighting and design
- Möbius Design Studio, a group of female designers from different parts of the Middle East, whose expertise range from visual communication, multimedia design, and architecture. It is lead by Hala Al-Ani, Riem Hassan and Hadeyeh Badri (one of the Emirati artists participating in the exhibition)

An exhibition from and for the Community:
Building on its public outreach, TDIC, for the first time, extended the exhibition beyond the walls of Manarat Al Saadiyat on Saadiyat Island to share the experience with the people of the UAE in outdoor public spaces.  As the aim of the temporary exhibitions created by TDIC is to engage the community in a vibrant cultural and artistic effervescence that Abu Dhabi and the UAE are witnessing, the exhibition also featured a public programme.

Guided Tours
Guided tours of the exhibition, led by a professional tour guide, are complimentary and available in a number of languages. Tours and specific languages are subject to availability.

Group Tours
We would be pleased to schedule a guided group tour of Emirati Expressions, led by a professional tour guide, for groups of all ages, with a maximum of 10-15 people per group.

Please be aware that a minimum of 48 hours is required for tour bookings, and is subject to availability. Special language requests will be honoured whenever possible. Please call +971 2 657 5800 for more information

19 October 2011 - 28 January 2012
Manarat Al Saadiyat
Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi, UAE