ABU DHABI: Art has always served as a powerful way to express complex ideas. The current exhibition ‘Futurities: Envisioning New Worlds’ at Diba Art Gallery in Abu Dhabi from November 22 to December 12, 2024, showcases this concept by merging art and science. Curated by Hana Sammak Kurdi in collaboration with Sundara Art & Cultural Exchange, the exhibition focuses on sustainability, human extinction, and the future of space exploration.
This remarkable exhibition will feature an array of innovative artworks. A highlight is ‘Blue Fantasy Birds’, a captivating painting by artist Soraya Sikander. This piece challenges traditional views of nature and invites viewers to step into a dreamlike realm through its vibrant colors and imaginative classical compositions.
The Essence of 'Futurities'
‘Futurities: Envisioning New Worlds’ invites audiences to think about our planet's future and our role within it. The exhibition tackles vital issues such as the impact of climate change, ecosystem balance, and our responsibilities as space explorers.
The term "futurities" suggests the many possibilities before us. The exhibited works aim to inspire hope and reflection. They encourage viewers to engage with subjects that feel overwhelming, making complex themes accessible and engaging for everyone, from art collectors to visitors.
Meet the Artist: Soraya Sikander
Soraya Sikander’s ‘Blue Fantasy Birds’ stands out as a key artwork in ‘Futurities’. Known for her enchanting portrayals of nature, Sikander uses bold colors and unique compositions to bring her subjects to life. This particular piece suggests a whimsical yet unsettling change, evoking nostalgia of the past and raising questions about our world, common heritage, and the future.
Collaboration Between Art and Science
In ‘Futurities’, art intertwines with pressing scientific themes that address issues of sustainability and ecological conservation. This exhibition shows how the arts can foster dialogue about climate change—a problem that affects over 90% of the global population, according to the World Economic Forum.
It also explores space, illustrating our endless curiosity about the universe. For example, artworks reflecting space exploration can ignite imaginations and remind us of the fantastic possibilities beyond our world. By merging artistic interpretation and scientific inquiry, the exhibition aims to educate visitors and invite deeper reflections on crucial subjects.
The curators strive to create an engaging experience where guests can appreciate the connections between art and pressing scientific issues. This relationship enhances the overall experience, enriching each work’s impact while prompting viewers to think critically about our present and future.
The Curatorial Team
Hana Sammak Kurdi brings a thoughtful touch to the curating of ‘Futurities’. Her rich background in art and cultural exchange shapes how the exhibition is organized, ensuring each piece resonates with others and engages visitors. Kurdi’s commitment to meaningful art experiences is a core element of this exhibition, capturing emerging trends and voices.
Working alongside Sundara Art & Cultural Exchange, the exhibition highlights international narratives and emphasizes the global nature of challenges we face. By connecting different cultures, ‘Futurities’ aims to spark important conversations that affect us all, regardless of geography.
Abu Dhabi Visiting Details
Art lovers and anyone interested in the intersection of creativity and environmental consciousness are invited to visit the Diba Art Gallery at The Avenue in Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi. The gallery’s vibrant atmosphere and stunning architecture complement the thought-provoking works on display.
Visitors can come daily from 10 AM to 8 PM, providing ample opportunity to engage with the exhibition. Whether you enjoy art or seek inspiration, ‘Futurities: Envisioning New Worlds’ offers enriching experiences that should not be missed.
'Blue Fantasy Birds’ oil on canvas by Soraya Sikander. A sublime, detailed, skillfully rendered artwork that delicately explores the natural world in various forms - I make connections between: art, environment, and ecology.
I observe organic forms and the relationship between sustainability, environment, and cultural identity. My work captures the complexities of development.
Inspired by the world around me – through my artworks, I tell stories, rich in narration and fantasy, rooted in heritage and identity, about mankind’s intrinsic connection to the natural world. It is a universal, timeless message - Soraya Sikander (2024)
A Call to Engage
‘Futurities: Envisioning New Worlds’ creates a vital dialogue about the role of art in addressing society's challenges. It celebrates creativity and encourages us to rethink our connection to nature and our place in the universe.
As the exhibition approaches, art lovers and community members are invited to immerse themselves in the diverse narratives these artworks inspire. Witness how the combination of art and science can capture attention and encourage a collective vision for the future.
Visiting Diba Art Gallery will not only enhance your appreciation for stunning visual arts but also foster understanding and reflection on critical topics shaping our world. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the unseen possibilities art invites us to envision!
댓글