Abu Dhabi:Louvre Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with Swiss watchmaking brand Richard Mille, has inaugurated the sixth edition of 'Art Here 2026'. The exhibition, themed "Confluences," showcases the work of six contemporary artists who investigate the historical and cultural links between the Gulf region and the Indian Ocean. The exhibition is set to run until February 28, 2027.
According to Emirates News Agency, this exhibition is part of a decade-long partnership between Louvre Abu Dhabi and Richard Mille aimed at supporting contemporary artistic endeavors and promoting cultural exchange. This year's edition features artists from India and the GCC, bringing a diverse range of perspectives to the forefront.
Curated by Kamini Sawhney, the exhibition includes six installations displayed under the museum's dome. These works delve into themes of migration, memory, belonging, and cultural exchange, exploring their influence on shaping contemporary identities and communities.
Dr. Souraya Noujaim, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, emphasized the significance of Art Here as a leading platform for contemporary art in the region. She noted the focus on human stories that connect communities across the Indian Ocean and encourage intercultural dialogue. Meanwhile, Tilly Harrison, Managing Director of Richard Mille Middle East and Türkiye, underscored the company's ongoing commitment to fostering artistic creativity and enhancing Abu Dhabi's status as a hub for contemporary art.
The exhibition features pieces by Saudi artist Ahaad Alamoudi, Emirati artist Almaha Jaralla, Malaysian artist and designer Shamin Sahrum, and Indian artists Ravikumar Kashi, Reena Saini Kallat, and Vivek Vilasini. Their works address themes of movement, migration, and human connections across different cultures.
Guest curator Kamini Sawhney remarked that "Confluences" examines the historical and cultural ties between communities and the role of human exchange in shaping contemporary identities, all through artworks that interact with the museum's unique architecture.
The sixth edition of the exhibition garnered over 300 artistic proposals, from which six were shortlisted. The winner of the Richard Mille Art Prize, valued at US$60,000, will be announced in December.