Post by : Badri Ariffin

In a landmark collaboration, the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF) partnered with the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) to present Proximities, a pivotal exhibition of contemporary Emirati art in South Korea.

Running from December 15, 2025, to March 29, 2026, Proximities witnessed an impressive turnout of over 75,000 attendees, marking it as the largest showcase of UAE contemporary visual art in Korea and East Asia.

A Defining Cultural Achievement

As part of the Abu Dhabi Festival’s Abroad Programme, this exhibition featured over 110 pieces from 47 artists, including 33 Emirati. It illustrated five decades of artistic progression, blending traditional perspectives with modern interpretations.

This event serves as the second phase of a strategic collaborative effort between ADMAF and SeMA, following the previous exhibition, Layered Medium: We Are in Open Circuits, hosted in Abu Dhabi in 2025, which focused on Korean media art practices.

Deepening UAE-Korea Relationships

Both exhibitions engaged a global audience and promoted cultural exchange, strengthening ties between the artistic communities of the UAE and South Korea.

Her Excellency Huda Al Khamis-Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF and Artistic Director of the Abu Dhabi Festival, praised Proximities as a vital milestone for cultural dialogue, creating avenues for significant artistic exchanges that connect heritage to future aspirations.

Publication Highlights of Lasting Partnership

To commemorate their collaboration, two co-publications were introduced in March 2026:

• Layered Dialogues: We Are in Open Circuits

• Layered Dialogues: Proximities

Curated by Maya El Khalil and Eunju Kim, these catalogs document the exhibitions with essays, visual elements, and critical commentary from writers and artists from both regions.

These publications serve as a lasting reflection of the collaboration, encapsulating the shared exchange of ideas and providing diverse viewpoints for readers.

A Space for Cultural Exchange and Understanding

The curators emphasized that this initiative was fueled by a spirit of inquiry and openness, promoting cross-cultural dialogue without limiting preconceived notions. Together, the exhibitions and their accompanying publications fostered a dynamic platform for understanding and artistic innovation.

By collaborating with SeMA, ADMAF showcases its commitment to global cultural engagement, highlighting Emirati artistic talent while promoting connections through creativity, education, and shared cultural values.

#Global News #UAE News #Abu Dhabi News