Abu Dhabi, Oct 22nd, 2009 (WAM)--In partnership with the Louvre museum, Abu Dhabi Art will present The Funerals of Mona Lisa, a series of monumental paintings by renowned Chinese artist Yan Pei-Ming. This installation will be one part of the rich platform of cultural events created specifically for the inaugural edition of Abu Dhabi Art, an innovative platform for modern and contemporary art taking place at Emirates Palace from 19 to 22 November, 2009.
Conveying the artist's singular perspective on the most famous painting in the Louvre's collection, Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, the series will be installed in the main foyer of Emirates Palace under Yan Pei-Ming's personal supervision. In this way, the epitome of European painting will be reinterpreted by a Chinese-born artist within the setting of the Middle East-a striking example of how Abu Dhabi Art is at a crossroads of global culture, in line with Abu Dhabis vision of fostering a rich dialogue between cultures. "The goal of Abu Dhabis cultural programme is to help make Abu Dhabi a place where our people express their talents and exchange ideas and insights with other people from around the world-a place where cultural dialogue builds bridges among people," stated Mubarak Al Muhairi, Managing Director of Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC). "In this sense, there can be no better realisation of our aspiration than to present Yan Pei-Mings extraordinary series-which is symbolic of the plurality of culture and universality of art-during Abu Dhabi Art, a new milestone in the evolution of Abu Dhabi into a global centre of arts and culture."The Funerals of Mona Lisa was first exhibited at the Louvre in spring 2009 as part of a contemporary art programme curated by Marie-Laure Bernadac under the supervision of Henri Loyrette, Director of the Louvre. "The installation of The Funerals of Mona Lisa in Abu Dhabi is a symbol of the Louvres presence today in the Emirates and of the museums collaboration with Abu Dhabi to create the extraordinary and unique Louvre Abu Dhabi," stated Henri Loyrette, Director of the Louvre. "The universality of the Louvre is recalled here at this time of globalisation through the strong link that is made between the museums exceptional collections and contemporary artistic creation. It emphasises the power of a great work of art to unite the people of all nations regardless of their differences. "The five canvases that make up The Funerals of Mona Lisa tell a tale of different points in time surrounding the famous painting as well as the painters life, reflecting upon the cycle of life and death, the strength of family, and the power of painting. Painted predominantly in white-a color associated with mourning in China-the canvases include a depiction of Mona Lisa with tears in her eyes, two landscapes scattered with skulls, and intimate portraits of the artist and his father. The exhibition of The Funerals of Mona Lisa in Abu Dhabi is one part of the inaugural edition of Abu Dhabi Art, which will feature presentations by 50 leading art dealers and innovative new galleries from the four corners of the world, as well as a wide selection of cultural events, many of them developed with partners, including the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, New York University Abu Dhabi, Paris Sorbonne-University Abu Dhabi, Vitra Design Museum and the Sharjah Foundation. The rich roster of special exhibitions, public programmes and cultural events will be a must-see event for an audience of collectors, artists, designers, art dealers, curators, critics and art lovers from the region and around the world.Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2009.
