Artist Talk; Abdullah Al Saadi and Tarek Abou El Fetouh
Join a conversation between National Pavilion UAE – La Biennale di Venezia’s appointed artist for 2024 Abdullah Al Saadi and curator Tarek Abou El Fetouh around the artist’s practice as they offer glimpses into his solo exhibition; Sites of Memory, Sites of Amnesia for the National Pavilion UAE at the 60th International Art Exhibition at La Biennale Venezia.
Considered a key figure in the development of contemporary art in the UAE, Al Saadi’s prolific practice ranges from painting, drawing, sculpture, performance, and photography, to collecting and cataloguing found objects, and the creation of new alphabets. His work is informed by the UAE’s landscape and his own family history, often exploring relationships between individuals and their natural and social environment.
Abdullah Al Saadi has chosen to work with curator Al Fetouh, who developed an intellectual and artistic framework for the exhibition and titled it ‘Abdullah Al Saadi: Sites of Memory, Sites of Amnesia.’ It will feature eight artworks that were produced on his journeys in the wilderness and proposes to look at his creative process in relation to the practices of Arab poets centuries ago.
Abou El Fetouh is currently Senior Curator and Director of the Performance Department of Sharjah Art Foundation. Over the last 25 years, Abou El Fetouh has been curating numerous exhibitions in the region and worldwide, and has been dedicated to creating institutional platforms that provide opportunities for contemporary artists in the region through commissions, co-productions, touring projects, residencies, and events. His curatorial practice is influenced by classic Arab intellectual and scientific literature.
The talk will be conducted in Arabic with English translation available. Please note registration is recommended through the Art Dubai App through the registration link on this page.