Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Culture and Youth, inaugurated the “Barren Plenty” exhibition, to celebrate the fifth participation of the UAE National Pavilion in the 18th edition of the International Architecture Exhibition at the Venice Biennale.
Curated by Faisal Tabbara, this exhibition explores the architectural possibilities that can be explored when we reimagine arid environments as bountiful spaces. It highlights the intersections between architectural practices rooted in their environment and contemporary technology within the arid regions of the UAE.
Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Culture and Youth, said: “Our participation in this prestigious international celebration of the arts translates the UAE’s cultural status and social diversity, and reflects its rich artistic heritage embodied in the creative participation of a group of unique Emirati artistic experiences, with its creative ideas that contribute to excellence.” And the success of the country’s pavilion at the Venice Biennale year after year.
He added, “It is a matter of pride for us that the national pavilion of the UAE, after 12 years since its first participation, constitutes a milestone and an inspiring creative platform of international fame and appreciation, and that its achievements within the Biennale reflect the creative scene in our country, testifying to the status of the arts in it.”
The national pavilion, in its exhibition “Barren Abundance,” relies on addressing misconceptions about arid spaces and describing them as spaces with scarce resources, highlighting the thriving ecosystems that have always existed and spread in the UAE and the surrounding regions, through practices related to the surrounding environment developed by the locals who absorbed their environment well and understand its nature and dominant features.
