The Louvre of Abu Dhabi is a “sanctuary” to great works of art but is also a work of art itself, one of the world’s urban wonders. It is fascinating architectural and engineering feat designed by French architect Jean Nouvel. Part of its uniqueness comes from the fact that it rises up off the island of Saadiyat and is surrounded by the waters of the Persian Gulf. And it is precisely to allow people to appreciate and admire the structure to its fullest that it is possible to tour around the museum in a kayak. Every day, except Monday, between 5 and 7 pm, it is possible to reserve a tour and paddle around this landmark, the centrepiece of an entire neighbourhood for an hour. A “city-museum” on the sea, made up of 55 different architectural structures, inspired by the “medina” and the low-rising homes typical of Arab architecture, especially one of its most emblematic elements - the dome. A double dome of 180 metres in diameter which knowingly plays with lights and shadow, creating, both day and night, a charming effect known as a “rain of light”. At certain times of the year, it is also possible to take the kayak tour at sunrise but only on Friday and Saturday, but also on full-moon nights as well.
This exhibition offers new perspectives on the research and artistic exploration of carpets and also presents the carpet as a model for understanding art and art histories in a broader sense.
Photographer Gauri Gill is the curator of this exhibition which - reflecting on the intertwined relationship between dynamic cities, the natural environment and the inseparable sacred - features twelve artists and collectives working in different contexts of urban, rural, domestic, community, public and immaterial spaces.
How to Disappear marks the conclusion of Ana Mazzei's ongoing project Love Scene Crime Scene, a three-part exhibition series centered around the fictional disappearance of a ballerina.