«Cultural Complex - Abu Dhabi» .. 40 years in the love of culture and creativity

Photography by Eric Arzas

For nearly 40 years, the Cultural Complex in Abu Dhabi has been able to occupy a very special place in the hearts of the residents of the capital, not only as a center for culture and arts and an incubator for talents, it has been a witness to the development of the city, and a partner for its residents in their social life, as it was a destination for families and families. And a window that opens up horizons of knowledge, insight and experimentation for adults and children.

Even during the period of its closure to restore it, it retained this position through indelible memories from the memory of its fans.

In celebration of this busy march of the Cultural Complex, the exhibition that opened yesterday morning, Wednesday, came under the title "The Complex", which is the name that Abu Dhabi residents used to give to the place, an expression of belonging to it, and its embrace of all aspects of culture and arts. The exhibition, which runs until February 15, 2022, also combines the archival aspect, installation artwork, and short films. The archival side of the exhibition tells the story of the "cultural complex", starting with the vision set by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace, which resulted in the establishment of the cultural complex in 1973 and its opening in 1981. The exhibition also traces the journey of the complex until its closure. In 2010 and reopened in 2018. According to the value of the exhibition, Aisha Al-Humairi, explained to "Emirates Today", noting that it consists of six sections, the first section of which deals with the stages of establishing the building, which began as an idea and then a decision to establish the National Library and Cultural Foundation in 1971.Until the issuance of the law regulating work in the Cultural Complex in 1981, dealing with the location of the building and its architectural design, while reviewing some of the visits of Sheikh Zayed, may God rest his soul, on various occasions, as he used to invite the rulers of the Emirates and even foreign envoys to the complex, and attend the opening ceremonies of exhibitions and activities itself.

The second section includes the activities and programs organized by the complex, such as the book fair, cultural weeks, etc., and the third section focuses on the National Library, which displayed 680,000 volumes on its shelves, as well as 1.5 million volumes in additional closed spaces, in addition to the children's library. . While the fourth section deals with the fine arts in the Cultural Complex, the art exhibitions that it organized and contributed to the flourishing of the cultural scene, and the art groups formed between its corridors, such as “The Wall” and “Friends of Art.” The fifth section of the exhibition was devoted to poetry in the cultural complex, while the last section presented information about the restoration phase of the building from 2010 to 2018.

Artistic generations

In addition to the documentary part, the exhibition includes three installation works by three Emirati artists depicting the role of the complex as a global edifice of culture and arts in the heart of the capital, according to the curator on the fine and films side in the exhibition, Sumaya Al Suwaidi, explaining that the selection of polytheistic artists relied on those who were part From the story of the place, and each of the three artists represents a different generation in the life of the cultural complex, as Mahmoud Al-Ramahi represents the eighties, and Jalal Luqman represents the nineties, while Azza Al Qubaisi represents the first decade of the third millennium. Each of them adds a different perspective to the Cultural Foundation, but at the same time unites them to present a story with one general framework that expresses the efforts of the Cultural Foundation in building links between the artist and society, and its role as a platform to enrich dialogue on the art scene in Abu Dhabi.Al Suwaidi explained that the exhibition also includes the screening of six short films that highlight the march of artists in the UAE, namely Obaid Sorour, Dr. Muhammad Yousef, Abdul Rahim Salem, Mahmoud Al Ramahi, Kholoud Al Jabri and Mona Al Khaja, all of whom have extended relations with the Cultural Foundation that began early in parallel with the launch of their artistic career.

3 composition works

 The artist Azza Al Qubaisi indicated to "Emirates Today", that her artwork represents the letter "H", and consists of two parts, the first referring to the past and the second symbolizing the future, and in general, the factor reflects the status of the complex and its role in inspiring different generations, and what it has planted in their souls. From memories that will not be erased.

The artist's work, Jalal Luqman, was entitled "Cultural Calm", and he used Islamic patterns such as leaves and arches that characterize the design of the place to create a shelter for those looking for calm and contemplation. While the work of the artist Mahmoud Al Ramahi, "The Seven Birds", refers to the emirates of the country as they fly freely in the space of creativity and culture.

Journey

to

Mars

alongside the exhibition;

The Cultural Foundation presents an experience for children entitled "Journey to Mars", designed specifically to celebrate the UAE's achievements in the field of space, stimulate creativity, and inspire children and younger generations.

The experiment offers innovative ways to interact with knowledge through rich media technologies and sensory experiences, to get an overview of what a future based on excellence, science and imagination may hold for us.

Visitors will embark on a mission that will take them from Earth to space, and then to the surface of Mars, passing through many interesting and interesting stations.

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