Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Bassam Freiha Art Foundation (BFAF), the private art foundation on Saadiyat Island, celebrated its one-year anniversary on Saturday night with a variety of activities and showcases.
The highlight of BFAF’s anniversary was the opening of the Education Gallery, the foundation’s newly completed expansion. Featuring exhibitions, workshop areas and an outdoor auditorium, the expansion seeks to foster artistic talent, and provide an inspiring space where artists, students and the public can enrich their minds with meaningful cultural experiences.
In addition to the Education Gallery, the anniversary event also featured the launch of a new student showcase by Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, and a sculpture by world-renowned Italian artist Lorenzo Quinn.
Titled “First Impressions”, the student showcase brings together diverse and richly imaginative works created by Cranleigh Abu Dhabi students during a series of BFAF art workshops. Inviting youth to explore a variety of artistic approaches, from figurative realism to abstraction, each session was guided by practising artists and educators. Designed to encourage experimentation and self-expression, the exhibition is available to view until May 11, 2025, and is the first of many similar student showcases which will be exhibited over the coming months and years.
The LOVE by Lorenzo Quinn features a monumental sculpture created from stainless steel wire mesh and LED lights. Featuring two hands suspended in an embrace, the sculpture evokes a powerful sense of unity, tenderness, and shared humanity. Designed to reflect the spirit of shared responsibility that embodies the UAE’s Year of Community (2025), it offers a visual reminder of the ties that bind communities, and it will be available to view until August 31, 2025.
The anniversary also provided the ideal opportunity for BFAF to look back and reflect on the successes of its first year.
Recognised for its impactful design and vision, and the skillful way it integrates art, culture, and architecture into a cohesive and inspiring space, the foundation was awarded the Design Middle East Award 2024 for Cultural Project of the Year, while its packed programme of mentorship sessions, workshops, and educational initiatives continues to be well attended by community members of all ages.
Committed to empowering local, regional and international artists by providing them with a platform for their work, and growing Abu Dhabi’s thriving artistic scene, the foundation has also hosted many pivotal exhibitions since its launch in March 2024.
For instance, one of its most memorable collections was Hour Eternal – 20 Years of Emirati Abstraction. Created in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Culture, and a number of regional artists, collectors, and galleries, it provided audiences with a profound exploration of contemporary Emirati abstract art.
Fascinating Western portrayals of the Orientalist movement from the private collection of Bassam Freiha were also depicted in the Visions of the Orient: Highlights from the Bassam Freiha Art Collection exhibition, while Mineral Garden featured a thought-provoking exhibition presented in partnership with the Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil.
Most recently, the foundation introduced two new exhibitions by Stefano Simontacchi, the visionary Italian artist more commonly known as “The Prism”.
Curated by contemporary art theorist Marco Senaldi, the exhibitions “Project Oneness and Trust, Gratitude and Love Journey” feature dynamic interplays between form and colour, circular compositions, and reflective surfaces. Accompanied by a programme of wellness experiences, including sound healing sessions, guided meditations, yoga experiences, artist talks and interactive workshops, “The Prism” is available to experience until August 31.
Michaela Watrelot, Curator and Director of Exhibitions at Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, said: “It is with immense pride that we celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation. Over the past 12 months, we have demonstrated the transformative power of art through a variety of world-class exhibitions, educational initiatives, and public workshops, which have helped to support the growth of our artistic community since we first opened our doors.
“Our new expansion demonstrates our commitment to showcasing the work of the region’s emerging talents in front of a global audience, and our dedication to making art accessible to all, fostering emerging talent, and developing Abu Dhabi’s creative community.”
