ArtDayME: The National Pavilion UAE announced its upcoming exhibition at the Biennale Arte 2024 in Venice – titled “Abdullah Al-Saadi: Sites of Memory, Sites of Amnesia” – marking the country’s eighth participation at the festival.

The exhibition will present eight artworks, produced by Emirati artist Abdullah Al-Saadi, a conceptual art pioneer in the UAE.

Curated by Tarek Abou El-Fetouh, currently senior curator and director of the performance department of Sharjah Art Foundation, “Abdullah Al-Saadi: Sites of Memory, Sites of Amnesia” proposes to look at his creative process in relation to the practices of Arab poets centuries ago. Al-Saadi starts to draw, paint, or write during his journeys once he feels immersed in nature.  Similarly, classical Arab poets described this immersion as the process leading up to the composition of their poems. 

Al-Saadi said in a statement: “I draw inspiration from my environment during my various journeys. I always like to travel alone, with the company of a specific book, music, animal friends, or means of transportation. The presence of these travel companions has a significant impact on my artworks, as they accompany me during my exploration of the land and humankind’s place in it.” 

The 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia will open to the public between April 20 to Nov. 24.