Sharjah 24 – WAM: The Ministry of Culture and Youth has announced the participation of three artists at the 16th Lyon Biennale of Contemporary Art, from 14th September to 31st December, 2022.

The ministry is collaborating with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) to support the UAE artists’ participation in the exhibition, which is being held under the theme "Manifesto of Fragility".

Multi-disciplinary artist, Hashel Al Lamki, conceptual artist, Mohammed Kazem, and mural artist, Chafa Ghaddar, represent the UAE at the biennale and showcase their interpretations of fragility and the impermanence of the world around them.

Curated by Sam Bardaouil and Till Fellrath, the 16th Lyon Biennale brings together artworks spanning historical, geographical and socio-political spheres. The exhibition, according to the curators, "represents varied understandings of our current state of global uncertainty".

Noura Bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth, said, "It is a wonderful opportunity for the UAE to showcase its talent at such a prestigious platform. We have immense respect for the Lyon Biennale, which is marking its 16th edition this year. The UAE is making its presence felt at global art events and this is one of its significant participations.

"The UAE artists exhibiting at this event are known names in the contemporary art world and they will be presenting distinctive works enriched by Middle Eastern and Arab influences. I look forward to seeing their participation in the biennale, wish them a very successful exhibition and I look forward to seeing the fruitful results of the collaboration between these artists come to life."

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the DCT Abu Dhabi, said, "The artists representing the UAE at the 16th Lyon Biennale of Contemporary Art are continuing a proud tradition of sharing our culture with the world whilst at the same time exploring how our influences react when placed in dialogue with cultures from the rest of the world, as well as with the themes of this artistic platform."