Warehouse 421 reopens after six months
The Cup and The Saucer by Hashel Al Lamki (installation view). Exhibition is curated by Munira Al Sayegh. Image courtesy of Warehouse 421
Warehouse 421, reopened on September 1, 2020 following its temporary closure on March 15, due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
This means, that anyone who is yet to see, The Cup and The Saucer by artist Hashel Al Lamki and curator Munira Al Sayegh or The Stonebreakers, by curator Murtaza Vali now has the chance to visit.
The Cup and The Saucer is a commissioned exhibition that interrogates themes such as individualism, collectivism, separation, and unity. The contemporary pieces work with a wide range of mediums, from a striking variety of paintings including one that measures 10 meters by 2.75 meters in size and an installation made-up of 52 paintings as one body of work; to sculptures, video works and a sound piece. Each colourful and vibrant work complements its neighbour to form a playful compendium, inviting the viewer to explore the collective vs the individual. The exhibition will run until October 25, 2020
The Stonebreakers focuses on ship-breaking yards in three South Asian countries: Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India. Artists Hira Nabi, Ranjit Kandalgaokar, and Shumon Ahmed converge through the mixed use of archival, photographic, acoustic, and filmic elements to create a surreal vision of maritime landscapes, drawing inspiration from the historical and continued importance of the port cities of the Arabian Gulf. The exhibition will run until the end of the year.
Following the health and safety guidelines set by The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Warehouse421 will only ever run at 40% capacity and a thermal camera and disinfection tunnel are installed at the entrance. Visitors and staff are all required to wear face masks, which will also be made available for visitors upon request.
Cleaning and sanitizing operations will take place during operating hours and after closure, in all common areas and exhibition spaces, and a dedicated team will be available on-site.
Warehouse 421, entrance view. Image courtesy of Warehouse 421.
Since its temporary closure, Warehouse421 has started renovation works at the space to include three new studios, a revamp of the Warehouse421 shop, and a library nook.
Additionally, Warehouse421 continues to collaborate with emerging artists, and has recently commissioned artist Khalid Mezaina to illustrate precautionary guidelines that will be showcased around the center. Mezaina is an independent graphic designer, illustrator, and artist with an MFA in Textiles from Rhode Island School of Design.
Faisal Al Hassan, Head of Warehouse421 said: “We are excited to be opening our doors again and for the public to have the opportunity to experience our new spaces, in addition to the exhibitions that opened back in March of this year. Our visitors’ and staff safety remains our top priority, and Warehouse421 has taken all the necessary precautionary measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for our visitors.”
“We are working hard to set up an environment where physical distancing plays a major role in how we gather together to enjoy the upcoming program. The new spaces within the centre will facilitate an environment of creative production and inspiration.” he added.