The specially curated exhibition showcased the works of many artists selected=”true” following an open call across the UAE for submissions of proposals or completed artworks.
Alkhamis-Kanoo said “In the past decade, the UAE has made great strides in the promotion and sharing of creative and artistic knowledge. Abu Dhabi?s cultural identity is built on the importance of safeguarding our heritage and development for the future, and ?Soft Power? has played an integral role in the development of our nation. In keeping with the commemoration of Sheikh Zayed?s legacy in this Year of Zayed, ADMAF is proud to dedicate its Abu Dhabi Art Pavilion theme to celebrating ?Zayed: The Soft Power?, which features eight unique and diverse masterpieces inspired by his core values: Wisdom and Peace, Tolerance and Respect, Unity, Sustainability and the Environment, Human Development and Knowledge. The foundation?s unwavering support and nurturing of Emirati and UAE-based talent continues to be a force for good in delivering on the promise of culture.”

During the fair, ADMAF also displayed an emotive and unique piece of art by the Ewa’a Shelters for Victims of Human Trafficking in Abu Dhabi. Conceptualised by the artist Jennifer Simon in collaboration with ADMAF, Skittles, was the result of an intense two years of work by more than 20 survivors of human trafficking. It featured 10 individually painted and decorated, human-sized bowling pins standing before a ball featuring the word ?life? in English and Arabic. The artwork embodies the struggles of the survivors, inspiring them to rise up in the face adversity. /WAM