Abdullah Al Saadi is a prominent conceptual artist from the UAE, known for his enigmatic yet familiar art. He is a wanderer, storyteller, poet, and nature lover. At the 2024 Venice Art Biennale, he represents the UAE with his exhibition ‘Sites of Memory, Sites of Amnesia’. This exhibition explores the intertwining of art and lived experience, focusing on memory and the struggle between remembering and forgetting.
Curated by Tarek Abou El Fetouh, the exhibition showcases over 450 artworks, documents, letters, and performers representing Al Saadi’s studio in Khor Fakkan. It chronicles eight different expeditions the artist has undertaken, often accompanied by animals. Al Saadi’s deep connection to nature and his love for the UAE countryside is evident in his work, which features journeys on bicycle, foot, and with animal companions.
Al Saadi’s studio practices involve meticulously documenting his art in metal boxes, which hold a vast library of memories. Visitors to the exhibition can unlock these boxes to explore the artist’s intimate thoughts. The emphasis on the artist’s studio atmosphere aims to provide a glimpse into Al Saadi’s creative process and the significance of memory. The exhibition offers an immersive experience, reflecting the artist’s unique perspective through various narratives.
The presence of animals in Al Saadi’s art plays a significant role, symbolizing wisdom and intuitive knowledge. His journeys in nature, inspired by his childhood on a farm, fuel his creativity and offer a different understanding of the landscape. This deep appreciation for nature is reflected in his art, where he often starts creating once immersed in his natural surroundings.
Supported by the UAE Ministry of Culture and commissioned by the Salama Bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, ‘Sites of Memory, Sites of Amnesia’ showcases Abdullah Al Saadi’s exceptional talent on a global platform. The exhibition highlights the artist’s contribution to the UAE art scene and his influence on a generation of artists. Al Saadi’s work represents a significant aspect of the UAE’s cultural landscape, gaining recognition and appreciation on an international stage.
As the UAE art scene continues to gain recognition globally, with major museums, art fairs, and exhibitions, Al Saadi’s participation in the Venice Art Biennale reflects the country’s rising soft power in the art world. The flourishing art scene in the UAE, supported by initiatives, exhibitions, and organizations, demonstrates a pivotal moment for art in the region. With the 60th Venice Art Biennale ongoing until November 24, 2024, Al Saadi’s exhibition continues to captivate and inspire audiences from around the world.
