Venice Biennale: Emirati Artist Abdullah Al-Saadi Showcases UAE’s Talent
Representing the UAE at the 60th Venice Biennale, curated by Adriano Pedrosa under the theme of “Foreigners Everywhere. Stranieri Ovunque,” conceptual artist Abdullah Al-Saadi is making waves with his unique exhibition. The pavilion’s showcase, curated by Tarek Abou El-Fetouh, opened on April 20 and will run until Nov. 24.
Al-Saadi, a key figure in the UAE’s art scene, displays a diverse range of artistic mediums in his work, including painting, drawing, sculpture, performance, and photography. His practice also involves collecting and cataloguing found objects and creating new alphabets.
In a statement, Al-Saadi expressed, “Art has been an integral part of my life for four decades. My art is a reflection of my daily interactions with people, places, ideas, and aesthetics. Through visual documentation and written diaries, I seek to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary over time.”
Artistic Journey in Venice
Speaking about his representation in Venice, Al-Saadi shared, “In Venice, I present myself as an artist first and foremost, followed by a local Emirati artist. The pavilion will showcase my artistic evolution over the years through eight works, including two new commissions, in the ongoing exhibition titled “Abdullah Al-Saadi: Sites of Memory, Sites of Amnesia.”
One of the highlighted new artworks by Al-Saadi captures his artistic journey in the Arabian landscape. He spent time in the valley studying tea, coffee, and bread before cycling to the mountains, drawing inspiration from the historic Silk Road.
Diaries and Sketches: Abdullah Al-Saadi’s Artistic Process
Laila Binbrek, Director of the National Pavilion UAE, elaborated on Al-Saadi’s artistic process, stating, “Abdullah’s work encompasses various elements, from diaries to sketches, landscapes, scrolls, and handmade objects. All of these stem from his 40-year-old diary, where he diligently records his daily experiences and thoughts.”