Dubai – Masaader News
Warehouse421, Abu Dhabi’s vibrant creative hub, has unveiled details of its upcoming new season, which starts in September. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience a packed schedule of exhibitions from emerging and established artists, join exclusive film screenings and talks, and hone their creative skills in a series of informative workshops.
Faisal Al Hassan, Manager of Warehouse421, said “We are delighted to announce details of our upcoming schedule of exhibitions, workshops and events. The diverse program curated by our team reflects Warehouse421’s ongoing commitment to supporting emerging artists within the local and regional creative industries and providing opportunities for the community to engage with art and culture on a deeper level.”
Community & Critique: SEAF 2017/18 Cohort 5 Show
The season gets underway with the third edition of Community & Critique show, which showcases the work of the talented artists from Cohort 5 of the Salama bint Hamdan Emerging Artists Fellowship (SEAF). The show represents a culmination of their year-long engagement in the SEAF program, a unique educational initiative in partnership with the Rhode Island School of Design that offers on-site teaching in Abu Dhabi, an exchange visit to the United States, mentoring, online discussions and 24/7 access to studio facilities throughout the year.
The SEAF program encourages fellows to develop their artistic skills, establish a greater understanding of their own work and its influences, and strengthen their ability to articulate their ideas. The participating artists will present their work at Warehouse421, providing an opportunity to share it with the community – a pivotal moment within their ongoing learning process. The Community & Critique: SEAF 2017/18 Cohort 5 Show will open to public on 8 September and run until 18 November.
Abu Dhabi Art commercial gallery exhibitions
Abu Dhabi Art returns to Warehouse421 with a series of commercial gallery exhibitions showcasing artworks for sale. In what will be the third gallery exhibition of this year, Cuadro Gallery will present a solo show from Camille Zakharia. The renowned Lebanese photographer’s work explores themes of identity and belonging, with a particular focus on urban landscape and the social impact of changes in the shape and size of cities. Visitors can view and purchase his artworks from 8 to 30 September.
The fourth commercial gallery exhibition from Abu Dhabi Art will showcase the work of artists from Hafez Gallery. Founded in 2014 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Hafez Gallery aims to encourage a distinct Saudi visual identity and help to provide international exposure for local artists. Their exhibition will bring the work of talented Saudi creatives to Warehouse421 from 10 October – 3 November.
Hundred Best Arabic Posters exhibition
The Hundred Best Arabic Posters exhibition brings together the winning entries from ‘Hundred Best Arabic Posters’, a biennial competition that celebrates the work of talented graphic designers from across the Arab world. Every two years, the best entries are selected by a panel of experts and are rewarded with inclusion in a travelling exhibition that visits several countries. This year’s winners will be on display from 6 November 2018 to 20 January 2019, as Warehouse421 hosts the exhibition’s visit to the UAE for the second time.
A fresh season of film screenings, workshops and events
In addition to the series of exhibitions, visitors to Warehouse421 can expect a diverse selection of workshops and inspiring learning opportunities. Participants from all backgrounds are welcome to join, from absolute beginners to advanced practitioners. Each session is designed to help attendees develop their creative talents through a combination of theory and hands-on experience, and aims to foster a lifelong appreciation of art and culture.
September’s workshops will be led by current or former SEAF Fellows, and cover a wide range of disciplines including casting, macramé, photography, and gray-scale portraiture. Warehouse421 will also host a panel discussion featuring artists from the Salama bint Hamdan Emerging Artists Fellowship (SEAF).
October’s programming features the return of the film screening program in collaboration with Cinema Akil. Workshops in this month will be conducted across a variety of disciplines, including shadow-casting and digital embroidery, together with a special three-day workshop with SEAF Alumnus aimed at developing the critical and intellectual core of individual art practice. October also sees a collaboration with Tashkeel, whose Arabic calligraphy workshop will allow participants to try their hand at the age-old craft.
Faisal Al Hassan continued “Warehouse421 provides a platform for the development of creative practices through education, critical discourse and the exchange of ideas. We offer a friendly and inclusive space for visitors from all age groups and backgrounds. Our team looks forward to welcoming members of the community for our upcoming season of events, where they can explore exhibitions, acquire original artworks, learn new skills and develop their creativity.”
Warehouse421 will be closed during the month of August in preparation for the new season, and is set to reopen at the beginning of September.