UAE Exhibition 'Proximities' Showcases Art in Seoul

With the support of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, along with H.H. Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF) has partnered with the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) to present Proximities, a significant showcase of Emirati visual art in Seoul, Republic of Korea. This exhibition will be on display from December 16, 2025, to March 29, 2026.

Featuring over 100 pieces from 47 artists, including 33 Emirati creators, the exhibition highlights five decades of artistic growth and diversity across three generations. It encompasses a variety of mediums such as photography, video, painting, sculpture, performance, and installation. Prominent artists on display include Hassan Sharif, Abdullah Al Saadi, Shaikha Al Mazroui, Alaa Younis, Rand Abduljabbar, and Jumairy, showcasing the dynamic landscape of contemporary Emirati art.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed emphasized the robust bilateral relations between the UAE and the Republic of Korea, significantly bolstered through cultural initiatives. He remarked that the exhibition embodies the leadership’s dedication to fostering cultural exchange, understanding, and collaboration on the international stage. This event also shines a light on the expanding global presence of Emirati artists, particularly in South and East Asia.

Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, ADMAF Founder and Abu Dhabi Festival director, stated that Proximities delves into the evolving meanings and cultural dialogues among generations of Emirati artists. “This exhibition amplifies the global visibility of Emirati artists and demonstrates how art can influence societal perceptions and advancement,” she noted. The exhibition aims to showcase the interplay of tradition and modernity while providing genuine artistic perspectives to an international audience.

Co-curated by Maya El Khalil and Eunju Kim, the exhibition is organized around three thematic propositions, featuring contributions from guest curators including Farah Al Qasimi, Mohammed Kazem, Cristiana de Marchi, along with the artist trio Ramin Haerizadeh, Rokni Haerizadeh, and Hesam Rahmanian (RRH). Each segment encourages visitors to engage with varied viewpoints, global interconnections, and the significance of shared identities.

Maya El Khalil highlighted that Proximities is founded on interconnected dynamics of collaboration and artistic sharing. “We examined various scales—from daily experiences to abstraction and narratives—to create a captivating environment for the audience,” she explained. Eunju Kim added that the exhibition seeks to instigate dialogue, creativity, and understanding between diverse cultures, crafting stories that transcend geographic and cultural divisions.

Proximities marks the continuation of a three-year institutional collaboration between ADMAF and SeMA. This follows their previous exhibition, Layered Medium: We Are in Open Circuits, which displayed Korean media practices at Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi earlier in 2025. The ongoing collaboration includes co-commissioned artworks, artist residencies, cross-institutional knowledge exchange, and public initiatives such as panels and performances in both Abu Dhabi and Seoul.

Through Proximities, the UAE underscores its dedication to fostering international cultural dialogue and building significant creative collaborations. This exhibition not only celebrates the accomplishments of Emirati artists but also fortifies the cultural relationship between the UAE and Korea, providing a platform for shared discoveries and global artistic interaction.