Under the patronage of UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and as part of the activities accompanying the ceremony for honoring the winners of the 18th edition of Al Burda Award 2024, the Ministry of Culture organized an art exhibition titled “As the Sun Appears from Beyond" at the Louvre Abu Dhabi museum, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.
This exhibition, running until January 19, showcases Islamic art's evolution over two decades. It features award-winning pieces from the Ministry of Culture's collection and highlights the UAE's leadership in fostering artistic innovation, WAM said.
The exhibition focuses on the concept of “light,” which explains the title of the exhibition and links to the core theme of this year’s Al Burda Award. The theme draws inspiration from Surat Al-Ma’idah, verse 15: “There has come to you from Allah a light and a clear Book.”
The exhibition takes its visitors on a tour through more than 60 unique works of art in various artistic fields, including Arabic calligraphy, ornamentation, and poetry.
It offers Islamic art enthusiasts an immersive interactive experience that brings to life the ability of Islamic art to blend classical methods of expression with the spirit of modern creativity, creating a unique harmony, WAM said.
The exhibition is the result of the first edition of Al Burda Grant program and the "Capacity Building Program," and the collaboration between the Ministry of Culture and the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, Canada, under the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two parties. It showcases works that illustrate the evolution of Islamic arts across time and space, ranging from traditional pieces to contemporary interpretations.
Minister of Culture Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi said: “The exhibition ‘As the Sun Appears from Beyond’ is an exceptional opportunity to celebrate Islamic art and its development throughout the ages, and an affirmation of the UAE’s commitment and belief that art is a vital tool for promoting cultural dialogue between peoples, which is reflected in this exhibition.
“We are proud to be part of this distinguished artistic journey provided by this exhibition, which exemplifies how art influences the strengthening of communication between civilizations and constitutes an opportunity to contemplate the light that Islamic art reflects across various generations. Art is not just an expression of beauty; it is also a means of transmitting spiritual and faith values that lead humanity towards unity and brotherhood,” he added.
