“Art becomes a universal language when cultures meet, creating connections that go beyond borders and generations through shared creativity.”
Proximities Landmark Abu Dhabi Festival Abroad Programme showcases UAE-based artists to over 75,000 visitors in South Korea
A landmark cultural collaboration between the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) and the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) has successfully concluded with the Proximities exhibition in Seoul, marking a powerful milestone in artistic exchange between the UAE and South Korea.
Presented as part of the Abu Dhabi Festival’s Abroad Programme, the exhibition welcomed more than 75,000 visitors during its run from 15 December 2025 to 29 March 2026, underscoring growing international interest in contemporary UAE art.
The Proximities exhibition brought together over 110 artworks created by 47 UAE-based artists, including 33 Emirati artists, representing three generations of creative voices. Hosted at SeMA, the showcase offered Korean and international audiences a rare opportunity to engage with the depth, diversity, and evolution of the UAE’s contemporary visual art scene.
This initiative marked the second chapter of a three-year institutional collaboration between ADMAF and SeMA. The first phase, Layered Medium: We Are in Open Circuits, was presented in Abu Dhabi in 2025 and explored Korean media-based artistic practices spanning several decades. Together, both exhibitions created a meaningful cultural bridge between the two nations, fostering dialogue and mutual understanding across artistic communities.
Her Excellency Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF and Artistic Director of Abu Dhabi Festival, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, noting that the exhibition represented a defining moment in strengthening cultural ties between the UAE and Korea. She described the showcase as a vibrant meeting point for artistic ideas, where creativity and cultural identity intersect to create a lasting legacy.
She further explained that the exhibition traced five decades of contemporary Emirati art, presenting a wide spectrum of artistic perspectives shaped by transformation, heritage, and global dialogue. The works reflected both continuity and change, offering insight into how Emirati artists preserve authenticity while engaging with broader international narratives.
A key highlight of the collaboration was the launch of two joint publications in March 2026, serving as a lasting archive of the ‘Proximities’ exhibitions in both Abu Dhabi and Seoul. These publications document the curatorial journey and provide deeper insight into the exchange of ideas that defined the project.
The publications, titled Layered Dialogues, bring together contributions from artists, curators, and writers from both countries, offering a multidimensional perspective on contemporary art practices. They explore how artistic narratives evolve when viewed through different cultural lenses, creating a dialogue that extends beyond the physical exhibitions.
“Creative dialogue between cultures transforms perspectives, allowing art to evolve as a powerful force for global unity and cultural exchange.”
Curator Maya El Khalil emphasised that the collaboration was driven by curiosity and openness, allowing for a genuine exchange of ideas without predefined boundaries. She noted that the publications reflect this approach, encouraging diverse interpretations and fostering continued dialogue across languages and cultures.
Curator Kyung-Hwan Yeo described the relationship between the Proximities exhibitions and their catalogues as complementary, explaining that each enhances the other by preserving experiences and expanding understanding. He expressed hope that the project would serve as a bridge between audiences in Abu Dhabi and Seoul, strengthening cultural connections.
Meanwhile, curator Eunju Kim highlighted that the collaboration was not simply about presenting art, but about creating a space for cultural translation and reinterpretation. She noted that the publication extends the exhibition’s life, allowing artistic dialogue to continue beyond the gallery space.
The Proximities exhibition also featured six public programmes throughout its four-month run, further enriching audience engagement and expanding opportunities for cultural exchange. These initiatives played a crucial role in deepening understanding of the artworks and their broader contexts.
“When nations collaborate through culture, they don’t just share art—they build lasting bridges of understanding, innovation, and human connection.”
Through this collaboration, ADMAF reaffirmed its commitment to cultural diplomacy, using art as a platform to strengthen international relationships and promote mutual understanding. The partnership with SeMA reflects the UAE’s broader vision of enhancing global cultural engagement while supporting creative industries.
As global interest in Middle Eastern art continues to grow, initiatives like Proximities highlight the UAE’s rising influence in the international cultural landscape. By bringing together diverse artistic voices and fostering meaningful dialogue, the project sets a new benchmark for cross-cultural collaboration.
The success of the Proximities exhibition not only celebrates artistic achievement but also reinforces the power of culture to connect communities, inspire creativity, and build lasting global partnerships.