Boom in Cultural Offerings in Abu Dhabi with the Opening of Bassam Freiha Art Foundation
There has been a surge in cultural offerings in the UAE’s capital with the unveiling of the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation. Named after the esteemed Lebanese patron, this foundation is a treasure trove of Orientalist artwork and Arab works.
Situated in the Saadiyat Cultural District, the foundation will not only display art but also provide art education, host panel discussions, support emerging talent, and showcase private collectors’ collections.
The district is already home to the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi and has exciting upcoming projects such as the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum, and the Natural History Museum.
There has been a boom in cultural offerings in the UAE’s capital which now includes the newly-opened Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, named after the veteran Lebanese patron. (Supplied)
Bassam Freiha has curated around 50 Orientalist artworks and previously established a gallery called Mathaf in London in 1976 to exhibit some of his collection. Orientalist art, created by European artists in the 19th century, portrays Asian and Middle Eastern societies in a romanticized manner.
Michaela Watrelot, the director of exhibitions at the BFAF, stated, “This foundation is the first and only private art foundation in Abu Dhabi. Mr. Freiha has been collecting these artworks for the past 50 years, captivated by the beauty of Orientalist art influenced by museum visits, literature, and personal creativity.”
Watrelot added, “The idea of sharing his personal collection with the public was long-standing. Initially, he planned to open his private home for viewing, but with the encouragement of the UAE leadership, he decided to bring the collection to Saadiyat Cultural Island.”
The foundation opened its doors to the public in early March with an inaugural exhibition titled “Echoes of the Orient.” The exhibition features paintings of harems, odalisques, and Arab-inspired architecture by renowned artists like Rudolphe Ernst, Leon Comerre, and Paul Leroy, alongside works by Arab artists like Habib Srour, Abdul Qader Al-Rais, and Cesar Gemayel.
Water Bearer II (2019) by Sama Alshaibi. (Courtesy of the artist and Ayyam Gallery)
The exhibition aims to challenge the Orientalist narrative by juxtaposing Western portrayals with works by Arab modernists and 19th-century Orientalist photography, fostering a dialogue between the East and West.
The foundation’s modern architecture, designed by architect Rasha Gebran, stands out with its pointed structure and large glass windows. Surrounded by water, the venue offers a tranquil setting and includes a sculpture garden.