Emirati Art Takes Center Stage in Seoul with 'PROXIMITIES' Exhibition

Post by : Mara Rahim

In a momentous occasion, Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, inaugurated the prestigious exhibition ‘PROXIMITIES’ at the Seoul Museum of Art, spotlighting contemporary artistry from the United Arab Emirates. This event, orchestrated by the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF) in collaboration with SeMA, marks the inaugural showcase of Emirati art in South Korea and the broader East Asian region. The exhibition is set to continue until 29th March 2026, representing a significant step in fostering long-term cultural partnerships aimed at enhancing artistic dialogue and exchange between the two nations.

The launch event saw the attendance of distinguished guests, including Kim Hea Kyung, First Lady of South Korea; Chae Hwi-young, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, founder of ADMAF; Abdulla Saif Ali Slayem AlNuaimi, the UAE Ambassador to South Korea; Choi Eun-ju, Director-General of SeMA; and Kim Tae-kyun, First Deputy Mayor of Seoul. Their presence underscores the significance of cultural synergy between the UAE and South Korea.

This major exhibition stands out as the largest dedicated to contemporary Emirati art in South Korea, featuring a remarkable collection of around 110 artworks created by 47 artists representing a diverse spectrum of generations. The art pieces chronicle the evolution of Emirati art since the 1980s, showcasing how themes of creativity have evolved over time.

Included in the exhibition are creations by pioneering, contemporary, and emerging Emirati artists, each reflecting both local and global human themes such as identity, memory, time, corporeality, nature, and social connections. Attendees are invited to immerse themselves in the rich variety of artistic expressions that have defined the UAE's visual arts landscape.

The project follows a series of collaborative ventures between SeMA and ADMAF initiated in 2024. Its objective is to forge a robust framework for international cultural collaboration, facilitating the international recognition of Emirati art while cultivating dialogue among artists, curators, and audiences across diverse cultural backgrounds.

Ultimately, ‘PROXIMITIES’ not only celebrates the vibrancy of the UAE’s art scene but also promotes a deeper cultural understanding and exchange between the UAE and South Korea, offering visitors a unique opportunity to engage with contemporary Emirati artistry on a profound level.