Second exhibition of works from Guggenheim Abu Dhabi collection opens

WAM -- Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, TCA Abu Dhabi, celebrated today the opening of 'The Creative Act: Performance, Process, Presence' at Manarat Al Saadiyat on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi.

Featuring works by more than 25 artists of different nationalities and generations, the exhibition explores the related themes of performance, process, and presence through a variety of mediums. Running until 29th July, 2017, 'The Creative Act' is the second major exhibition of works from the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi collection.

Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director-General of TCA Abu Dhabi, commented on the exhibition, saying, "The Creative Act offers a transcultural perspective on defining aspects of contemporary art by highlighting interconnections among artists working in various corners of the world since the 1960s. The works in the exhibition reveal common sources of inspiration, lines of influence, and distinctive contributions.

"Two commissions featured in the exhibition reflect the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi’s commitment to supporting the production of new work by living artists. This exhibition marks not only the next defining step for the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, but also the establishment of the future museum’s role to encourage, inspire, and inform.

"Only through direct interaction with artworks, themes, creative professionals, and artists can we provide future generations with a fully rounded set of tools through which to understand the development of artistic expression," he added.

Richard Armstrong, Director of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation, commented, "The exhibition brings into focus the complexity, poetry, and power of the human spirit. It also reflects our shared understanding of the vital necessity of global exchange that is at the heart of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi project. The foundation is proud to be working with TCA Abu Dhabi to realise this exhibition that celebrates the considerable scholarship underpinning the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi collection and the catalytic potential of the future museum as a vital addition to the cultural landscape of the region and the world."

In line with the commitment of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi to support original work by living artists, TCA Abu Dhabi has commissioned artists Ramin Haerizadeh, Rokni Haerizadeh and Hesam Rahmanian to create an installation inspired by the core themes of The Creative Act. Another Happy Day (2016–17) is a multi-room, immersive installation featuring artworks by the commissioned artists and others, which, like the selections from the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi collection, probe the nature of the creative artistic process while inviting visitors to become engaged and activated. This project, coupled with photographs by Tarek Al-Ghoussein, part of a series commissioned by TCA Abu Dhabi for the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi collection, offers a convergence of past, present, and future in our own time.

The Creative Act: Performance, Process, Presence is curated by Valerie Hillings Ph.D., Curator and Manager of Curatorial Affairs, Sasha Kalter-Wasserman, Assistant Curator, with Sara Dwider, Curatorial Assistant, Abu Dhabi Project, Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and Maisa Al Qassimi, Programmes Manager at Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, with Muneera Al Sayegh, Programmes Officer at Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority.