The Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF) and the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) have concluded the landmark Proximities exhibition, a significant cultural exchange showcasing UAE-based artists in Seoul. Running from 15 December 2025 to 29 March 2026, the exhibition featured over 110 works by 47 artists, including 33 Emiratis, and attracted more than 75,000 visitors.
Proximities, part of the Abu Dhabi Festival's "Abroad Programme," marked the largest exhibition of contemporary UAE art in East Asia. It was the second chapter in a three-year collaboration between ADMAF and SeMA, following the Layered Medium: We Are in Open Circuits exhibition in Abu Dhabi. This partnership aims to deepen cultural ties and foster dialogue between the UAE and Korea.
The exhibition culminated in the launch of two joint publications on 27 March 2026, serving as a lasting archive. Curators Maya El Khalil and Eunju Kim introduced these catalogues, which document the exhibitions and the dialogue between the two nations' art scenes. "True exchange avoids telegraphing one scene into another," said El Khalil, emphasising the importance of mutual artistic engagement.
Her Excellency Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF, highlighted the exhibition's role in bridging cultural gaps and fostering artistic dialogue. The collaboration underscores the UAE's commitment to cultural diplomacy and strengthening international connections through art
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