Elevating Emirati Art: ‘PROXIMITIES’ Unveiled in Seoul

Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, the UAE's Minister of Culture, officially launched the exhibition ‘PROXIMITIES’ in Seoul, South Korea, presenting cutting-edge art from the United Arab Emirates. Curated by the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF) in collaboration with the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA), this exhibit marks the first display of Emirati art in South Korea and East Asia. Scheduled to run until March 29, 2026, it is part of a lasting cultural alliance aimed at fostering artistic dialogue and connections between both nations.

Attendees included notable personalities such as Kim Hea Kyung, South Korea's First Lady; Chae Hwi-young, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, ADMAF founder; Abdulla Saif Ali Slayem AlNuaimi, the UAE Ambassador to South Korea; Choi Eun-ju, Director-General of SeMA; and Kim Tae-kyun, First Deputy Mayor of Seoul. Their presence underscores the significance of cultural synergy between the UAE and South Korea.

This exhibition stands as the most extensive showcase in South Korea dedicated to contemporary Emirati art, featuring approximately 110 pieces from 47 male and female artists spanning three generations. The displayed artworks depict the evolution of Emirati art since the 1980s, emphasizing how artists have navigated various creative themes over time.

The collection includes contributions from leading, contemporary, and emerging Emirati talents. Their pieces resonate with both local and universal human experiences, addressing themes such as identity, memory, time, the body, nature, and social dynamics. Visitors will be immersed in a wide array of artistic practices that define the UAE's rich visual arts landscape.

‘PROXIMITIES’ is part of an ongoing series of collaborative initiatives between SeMA and ADMAF initiated in 2024. This project aims to establish a robust framework for global cultural engagement, promoting Emirati art internationally while creating avenues for dialogue among artists, curators, and diverse audiences.

The exhibition serves not only to spotlight the UAE's dynamic art scene but also to enhance cultural comprehension and collaboration between the UAE and South Korea, providing audiences an exceptional opportunity to delve into contemporary Emirati artistry.