Louvre Abu Dhabi launches 5th Art Here & Richard Mille Art Prize

Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office

Louvre Abu Dhabi is excited to announce the return of its annual Art Here exhibition in 2025, featuring an expanded vision and a new theme. This year, the exhibition will accept proposals from contemporary artists based in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), Japan, and the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region. The exhibition is presented in partnership with the luxury Swiss watch brand Richard Mille.

The theme for this year’s exhibition is “Shadows.” Artists are invited to explore how light and shadow work together, reflecting on the shared artistic and cultural traditions of both the Arabian Gulf and Japan. These traditions can be seen in the architecture, art, and poetry of both regions. The exhibition aims to examine how light and shadow influence the way we see and interpret the world around us.

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Sophie Mayuko Arni, a Swiss-Japanese curator based in the GCC, will curate this year’s exhibition. She is known for her innovative approach to exhibitions that focus on public art, digital publishing, and site-specific projects. Arni has a deep understanding of the connections between different cultures and regions, making her the perfect choice to lead the exploration of the theme “Shadows.”

The theme of “Shadows” is more than just an artistic concept. It’s a way to look at the beauty in spaces where light and darkness come together to create moments of reflection. The Japanese concept of "In’Ei" (陰影), which means shadow, represents the balance between light and shade. In Japan, this can be seen in traditional spaces like alcoves and under shoji screens. This idea connects with the Arabian Gulf’s architectural traditions, such as the mashrabiyya windows, which allow sunlight to enter in beautiful, patterned shadows.

This year’s exhibition will be set beneath the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi dome, which is inspired by the way light and shadow play on palm trees. Art Here 2025 will reinterpret these age-old traditions through contemporary art. Artists will use materials like Japanese lacquerware, which reflects light subtly, and the carved wooden patterns found in mashrabiyya windows, exploring how shadows can add depth and meaning to their work. The exhibition invites artists to think about how colours, shapes, and materials interact with darkness instead of brightness, revealing new patterns and insights from this play between light and shadow.

Manuel Rabaté, the Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, expressed his excitement about this year’s exhibition, saying: “As we celebrate the fifth edition of Art Here, we look back on the amazing journey this initiative has had. We’re proud of our partnership with Richard Mille, which has helped us showcase the work of 30 talented artists and honor four winners who’ve made a lasting impact. We’ve always focused on our region, inviting contemporary artists from the GCC, and this year, we are thrilled to extend this invitation to Japan, broadening the exhibition’s cultural and geographical scope. The exhibition will feature sculptures and installations perfect for outdoor spaces, continuing our celebration of the rich dialogue between cultures and offering a fresh way to think about the beauty of light and shadow.”

Dr. Guilhem André, the Acting Director of Scientific, Curatorial, and Collections Management at Louvre Abu Dhabi, added: “The theme of In’Ei allows for a deep exploration of how light and shadow balance each other. This exhibition encourages artists to think about how texture, material, and form come together in this interplay. The focus this year will show how universal art can create meaningful connections between cultures and inspire new artistic ideas. By embracing the unique qualities of light and shadow, the exhibition offers a chance to rediscover shared values and push the boundaries of creativity within the stunning spaces of Louvre Abu Dhabi.”

Peter Harrison, CEO of Richard Mille EMEA, also shared his thoughts: “This year’s Richard Mille Art Prize marks a special milestone, celebrating five years of partnership with Louvre Abu Dhabi. We’re excited to open the prize to Japanese artists, strengthening the cultural ties between Japan and the UAE, two nations that beautifully blend tradition with modern innovation. Art continues to be a powerful tool for bringing people together, sparking conversation, and inspiring creativity around the world. We’re excited to be a part of this new chapter and to continue supporting the growth of this important prize.”

Sophie Mayuko Arni, the curator and jury member for Art Here 2025, spoke about her vision for the exhibition: “The fifth edition of the Richard Mille Art Prize opens up new possibilities, bringing together artists from Japan and the MENA region. The theme of ‘Shadows’ directly connects with the architecture of the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The exhibition will feature outdoor installations under the shade of the dome, celebrating both light and darkness. This theme invites artists to create moments for quiet reflection and to find beauty in subtle reflections and shadows.”

This year’s Art Here exhibition aims to bring together the art and culture of the Gulf, MENA, and Japan, celebrating the shared beauty of shadows. It provides a platform for artists from these regions to share their thoughts and ideas, exploring how light and shadow connect us all. Artists are encouraged to submit proposals that reflect their unique perspectives and interpretations of this theme.

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