Historic UAE Art Exhibition Opens at Seoul Museum of Art

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Under the distinguished patronage of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) has proudly collaborated with the Seoul Museum of Art to present Proximities, the most extensive showcase of contemporary Emirati visual art in East Asia.

Officially inaugurated on 15 December 2025 by Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, UAE Minister of Culture, the event drew senior dignitaries from both the UAE and South Korea, including Kim Hea Kyung, Korean Minister of Culture, and Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, Artistic Director of the Abu Dhabi Festival.

During the inauguration, Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi emphasized that the exhibition serves as a testament to the UAE’s dedication to fostering international cultural collaboration and enhancing creative exchanges with partner nations. He highlighted how Proximities showcases an extensive representation of Emirati contemporary art in the Korean market and beyond.

Al Qassimi reiterated that this partnership with ADMAF is pivotal in bolstering national initiatives to cultivate cultural and creative sectors. Moreover, the Abu Dhabi Festival Abroad program seeks to establish significant dialogue through collaborations with esteemed institutions like the Seoul Museum of Art.

Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo explained that the exhibition incorporates various forms of art—photography, video, painting, sculpture, performance, and installations—to illustrate evolving meanings and identities across generations. She noted that Proximities strengthens UAE-Korea artistic ties, elevating Emirati artists on an international platform and reflecting the complex narratives of three generations affected by the UAE’s swift cultural evolution.

UAE Ambassador Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi characterized the exhibition as a rich representation of the deep-rooted cultural bond between the UAE and South Korea. He stated that the displayed works encapsulate the narrative of Emirati visual arts' transformation, spotlighting both pioneering and contemporary artists while illustrating the UAE’s cultural maturity. This initiative underscores the countries' strategic partnership and supports cultural diplomacy through people-to-people relationships.

Open to the public until 29 March 2026, Proximities features over 110 works from 47 artists, among whom are 33 Emirati creators spanning three generations. The exhibit outlines five decades of artistic innovation and includes works from notable artists such as Hassan Sharif and Ala Younis. This exhibition is part of the 23rd edition of the Abu Dhabi Festival Abroad program.

Choi Eunju remarked that the Seoul Museum of Art takes pride in showcasing the most comprehensive Emirati art presentation ever held in Korea. She believes that Proximities allows both nations to transcend cultural and geographical barriers while enhancing Seoul’s status as a hub for global artistic exchange.

Co-curated by Maya El Khalil and Eunju Kim, the exhibition is organized into three thematic sections, enhanced by guest curators such as Farah Al Qasimi and Mohammed Kazem. Each section investigates themes of memory, identity, and transformation, ultimately offering varied perspectives on how proximity—social, cultural, and geographical—influences artistic expression while respecting uniqueness.

Accompanied by a series of public panels and artist talks, Proximities also marks the continuation of a three-year partnership between ADMAF and SeMA, initiated under a memorandum with the Seoul Metropolitan Government. This enduring collaboration includes co-curated exhibitions, artist residencies, and ongoing exchanges of knowledge, fostering cultural relations between the UAE and South Korea through art and shared dialogues.