Embrace art under the stars – All about Manar Abu Dhabi
Get ready for an artistic showdown at the capital’s captivating shoreline! Manar Abu Dhabi promises to transform the coastal landscape into a living canvas. This exhibition highlights the hidden gems scattered along the coast while giving local and international artists a platform to showcase their masterpieces in an open-air gallery.
Overview
Launched in 2023 by the Culture and Tourism Department in Abu Dhabi as part of Public Art Abu Dhabi, the Manar Abu Dhabi Light Exhibition is an event you can’t miss! The extravaganza will unveil original light sculptures and immersive projections crafted by local and international artists.
Manar translates to ‘Lighthouse’ in Arabic and invites locals and visitors to interact with dazzling art pieces. Additionally, it provides a platform to explore how light can dramatically alter the perception of the space and its surroundings at the famous landmarks in the capital city.
Manar Abu Dhabi 2023 Theme
The inaugural edition of Manar Abu Dhabi is themed “Grounding Light”. The event is co-organised by Reem Fadda, the Director of Abu Dhabi Cultural Programming and Artistic Director of Public Art Abu Dhabi, along with Alia Zaal Lootah, a Curator of Public Art. The exhibition offers a multi-sensory experience highlighting the UAE’s natural beauty.
Artists Lineup
Hailing from different countries (including Argentina, Belgium, France, Japan, India, Mexico, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Tunisia, the UAE, the UK and the USA), the eclectic artist list for Manar Abu Dhabi represents impressive global creative talent:
- Ahmed Al Areef Al Dhaheri
- Alaa Edris
- Asma Belhamar
- Ayesha Hadhir
- Ayman Zedani
- Carsten Holler
- Groupe F
- Jim Denevan
- Jumairy
- Latifa Saeed
- Luciana Abait
- Rain Wu
- Rafael Lozano-Hemmer
- Mohammed Kazem
- Nadia Kaabi-Linke
- Nujoom Alghanem
- Samia Halaby
- Shaikha Al Ketbi
- Shezad Dawood
- Shilpa Gupta Rawdha Al Ketbi
- teamLab
These talented artists will create over 35 exceptional artworks, including light projections, sculptures and other creative installations.
Manar Abu Dhabi Locations
The most iconic locations across Abu Dhabi, such as Lulu Island, Saadiyat Island, Jubail Island, Al Samaliyah and Al Fahid Island, will feature masterpieces from talented artists. Other locations transformed with art include the bustling Corniche Road and the serene Eastern mangroves.
Apart from the outdoor art pieces, discussions, workshops, and scintillating performances will be a part of Manar Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi Corniche
Abu Dhabi Dots by Carsten Höller
Conceptual artist Carsten Höller’s art exhibit Abu Dhabi Dots is making waves at Manar Abu Dhabi art and light show. It’s the second installation from his popular Dots series. The exhibit comprises 20 spotlights in vibrant colours, and it follows the participants’ movements and allows them to be a part of a game.
The reward-punishment game has 14 red, three blue, two green and one white dot, and players can ‘upgrade’ their assigned colour.
City and Yafa by Samia Halaby
Samia Halaby has transformed Corniche Beach into her vibrant canvas. Her art piece merges painting with kinetic technology, giving visual ideas of concrete bodies that reflect development and growth.
This Horizon Inside of Us by Shilpa Gupta
Transcending cultures, Shilpa Gupta’s piece on the Abu Dhabi Corniche is presented in three languages – Arabic, English and Urdu. The exhibit reflects on humans’ ability to change.
Coral Alchemy (Acropora Grove) by Shezad Dawood
The Acropora Downindi species inspire this masterpiece at Al Kasir beach in the waters surrounding the Abu Dhabi region. It promotes the conservation of this endangered species.
Memories of a Harbor by Ahmed Al Areef
This artwork has transformed the Abu Dhabi Chamber Building with video protection featuring archival photos of the UAE capital’s old and new skylines.
Agua by Luciana Abait
Agua by Luciana Abait is a massive waterfall projection featuring audio-visuals gathered from various places worldwide. The idea behind the exhibit is to symbolise a spiritual cleansing process.
Bait Al Nur by Nadia Kaabi-Linke
Bait Al Nur is curated by the Tunisian-Ukranian artist Nadia Kaabi-Linke. The architecture-focused piece is drawn by the medium of light itself. Its all about the constant changes in shadow shapes at different times during the day. It symbolises that although we share the same light source, the final shape might differ.
LULU ISLAND
Luciferin Shores by Jumairy
This art installation takes the bioluminescence of Abu Dhabi beaches to another level with an intricate mix of light, sound and digital technology. The fluid movements of Jumairy’s artwork are a reminder of the splendour and fragility of the natural beaches in Abu Dhabi.
Translation Island: Collider by Rafael Lozano-Hemmer
Collider, created by Mexican artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, uses hundreds of pencil-beam robotic searchlights to create a mesmerising art piece on Lulu Island.
This artwork uses special lights that react in real-time to invisible cosmic radiation from outer space, originating from stars and black holes. The cosmic rays are harmful proton and alpha particles that collide with the atmosphere to create less harmful muon particles.
These particles are detected by a sensor made with 12 Geiger counters, which can see the angle from where the muons arrive on Earth. The live information is then translated into the curtain of light.
Flying Ships by Nujoom Al Ghanem
Nujoom Al Ghanem, or the Flying Ships, is a homage to the UAE’s seafarers’ heritage. The art installation is a massive dhow boat located on Lulu Island. A 15-minute boat ride from Al Alam Street dock would be best to reach the location. A bus will take you from the dock to the artwork spot.
- Timings: 05:30 pm to 11:00 pm (boat operating hours)
- Tickets: AED 25 per person (adults) | AED 10 per child (3 to 10-) | Free for kids under 2
Eastern Mangroves
Dawaran 2023 by Ayesha Hadhir, Rawdha Al Ketbi and Shaikha Al Ketbi
Hop on a boat and take a breathtaking yet relaxing cruise in the calm waters of the Eastern Mangroves while experiencing art installation under the stars.
The Mangroves will be hosting these artworks under Manar Abu Dhabi 2023. Dedicated boats are available from the docks for anyone who plans to explore the artworks on water. The ride will take approximately 60 minutes.
- Timings: 05:30 pm to 11:30 pm (boat trips)
- Tickets: AED 25 (adults) | AED 10 per child (up to 10) | Children under 2 get a free boat ride
Saadiyat Island
Persistence of the Form’ by Groupe F
Be a part of the mesmerising show ‘Persistence of the Form’ by Groupe F at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island. The 25-minute captivating will include light painting and a drone show at various intervals.
- Timings:
- Drone Show 06:00 pm | 07:30 pm | 09:00 pm | 10:30 pm
- Light Painting Show: 06:40 pm | 08:05 pm | 09:40 pm
Fahid Island
Self Similar by Jim Denevan
Another spectacular outdoor installation at Manar Abu Dhabi is ‘Self Similar’ by Jim Denevan. The massive land art installation features 448 pyramids and mounds lit up with over 1,000 solar installations.
The mandala pattern seamlessly connects the clouds and the minute grains of sand. The art exhibit is a must-visit; it takes approximately 40 minutes to walk through the installation.
FAQs ABOUT MANAR ABU DHABI
WHAT ARE THE MANAR ABU DHABI DATES?
The exhibition will take place from 15th November 2023 to 30th January 2024.
WHICH LOCATIONS ARE INCLUDED IN MANAR ABU DHABI?
The exhibition locations include Fahid Island, Saadiyat Island, Eastern Mangroves, Lulu Island, Abu Dhabi Corniche and Jubail Island.
This concludes our guide to Manar Abu Dhabi, one of the most exciting art events to look forward to. There are plans to launch the first-ever Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial in November 2024. Since the biennial’s debut in March 2023, the initiative has been at the forefront of boosting Abu Dhabi’s aesthetics and architecture while paying homage to its rich culture and history. There are several light shows in Dubai that residents and visitors can enjoy.
There are several events in Abu Dhabi to look forward to. There is something for everyone, from concerts to standup comedy to art-related activities like Abu Dhabi Art.
Another spectacular mega-event that shouldn’t be missed is The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Especially popular among petrolheads, this mega-event will feature live shows, concerts and more.
Cover Image Credit: Abu Dhabi Culture official website
