ArtDayME: A landmark exhibition of contemporary Emirati art has opened in Seoul, marking the largest presentation of UAE visual arts ever staged in East Asia. “Proximities” brings together 47 UAE-based artists spanning five decades, under the honorary patronage of UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

On view until March 29 at the Seoul Museum of Art, the exhibition features over 110 works by 33 Emirati artists across photography, video, painting, sculpture, performance, and installation. Key contributors include Hassan Sharif, Abdullah al-Saadi, Nujoom al-Ghanem, Shaikha al-Mazrou, Ala Younis, Rand Abdul Jabbar and Jumairy.

UAE cultural leaders have described the exhibition as a platform for international exchange.

During the opening ceremony, several prominent cultural figures and officials were in attendance, including Minister of Culture Salem bin Khalid al-Qassimi, ADMAF founder Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, UAE Ambassador to Korea Abdulla Saif al-Nuaimi, and representatives from the Seoul Museum of Art.

As part of the 23rd Abu Dhabi Festival Abroad, Proximities represents the second chapter of a three-year institutional collaboration between ADMAF and SeMA, including co-curated exhibitions, co-commissioned works, artist residencies and public programming. The exhibition positions Emirati artists not merely as creators but as cultural ambassadors, fostering dialogue and shared creativity between the UAE and South Korea.