Louvre Abu Dhabi is set to host the fifth edition of the Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Here exhibition and the Richard Mille Art Prize, with the submission period for proposals open from 26 February until 30 April.
This edition of Art Here 2025 expands its geographic scope by including artists from Japan, fostering a deeper cultural dialogue between the UAE, Japan and the wider region. The fifth invites contemporary artists from the GCC, Japan and the MENA region, as well as artists with a GCC connection to submit proposals.
The exhibition will be curated by Swiss-Japanese curator and editor Sophie Mayuko Arni under the theme, Shadows.
The theme of Shadows delves into the dynamic relationship between light and dark, drawing inspiration from the architectural and artistic traditions of both the Arabian Gulf and Japan. Arni’s curatorial vision encourages artists to explore the aesthetic of shadows, influenced by elements such as the Japanese concept of In’Ei (陰影) and the traditional mashrabiyya windows in Gulf architecture, which diffuse light in intricate patterns.
The exhibition focuses on sculpture and immersive installations designed for outdoor spaces. Set beneath the dome of Louvre Abu Dhabi, which echoes the shadows of palm trees, the exhibition will reinterpret these cultural traditions in a contemporary context.
Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, praised the initiative’s growth and the ongoing partnership with Richard Mille: “As we mark the fifth edition of Art Here, we reflect on the incredible journey this initiative has taken. We are proud of our partnership with Richard Mille, which has supported the celebration of 30 talented artists and the recognition of four winners who have left a lasting impact. We have remained rooted in our region by holding an open call for contemporary artists based in the GCC, as well as artists connected to the GCC.”
Peter Harrison, CEO of Richard Mille EMEA, added, “The fifth edition of the Richard Mille Art Prize marks a momentous milestone, celebrating five years of a distinguished partnership with Louvre Abu Dhabi in our shared pursuit of artistic excellence and cultural exchange. This year, we are particularly pleased to open the prize to Japanese artists, a decision that underscores the strong cultural ties between the UAE and Japan—two nations that have long balanced tradition with modern innovation.”
