Sheikh Nahyan Inaugurates Landmark Korean Contemporary Art Exhibition in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Patron of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), officially inaugurated the exhibition ‘Layered Medium: We Are in Open Circuits – Contemporary Art from Korea, 1960s to Today’ on 15 May at Manarat Al Saadiyat.
The high-profile event was attended by a distinguished gathering of ministers, diplomats, and cultural leaders including Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture; Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State; Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of State; Jae Song-yoo, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the UAE; Choi Sook-ma, Deputy Mayor for Cultural Affairs at the Seoul Metropolitan Government; and several other eminent figures from the cultural and artistic community.
The exhibition is the first large-scale showcase of contemporary Korean art in the Middle East and will run until 30 June 2025. It marks a historic cultural milestone and is part of a three-year strategic partnership between ADMAF and the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA).
Spanning six decades of artistic evolution, the exhibition captures the profound social and technological changes in South Korea through a diverse array of mediums. The works on display highlight how Korean artists have continuously responded to their changing world, offering a dynamic and immersive artistic narrative.
During the opening ceremony, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak emphasized the broader significance of the initiative, stating:
“Hosting this exhibition in Abu Dhabi reaffirms the depth of cultural relations between the UAE and the Republic of South Korea. It embodies the vision of our wise leadership, led by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in strengthening soft power and cultural diplomacy efforts.”
He further highlighted Abu Dhabi’s ongoing mission to position itself as a leading global hub for civilisational dialogue and cultural exchange, underpinned by strategic partnerships, memoranda of understanding, and groundbreaking initiatives in the arts.
The exhibition reflects a shared vision between the UAE and South Korea to promote cross-cultural collaboration and artistic dialogue, reinforcing the role of the arts in building bridges between societies.
