This showcase draws similarities between Seoul and the UAE capital.
Abu Dhabi is no stranger to cultural excellence, and now the capital is welcoming a major new Korean art exhibition that bridges continents through creativity. Layered Medium: We Are in Open Circuits has taken over Manarat Al Saadiyat and will run until 30 June, offering an in-depth journey through six decades of Korean contemporary art.
This landmark showcase is the first of its kind in the GCC. Jointly curated by Kyung-hwan Yeo from the Seoul Museum of Art and Maya El Khalil from the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, the exhibition brings together various mediums, from sculpture and video art to installation and performance. Each piece speaks to the shifting social, political, and technological landscapes of Korea from the 1960s to the present day.
The layout of this Korean art exhibition in Abu Dhabi is inspired by Nam June Paik’s concept of the “open circuit” — encouraging visitors to move freely through the space, where artworks serve as connecting nodes in a larger conversation. The result is an immersive and reflective experience, where the body, environment, and identity are explored in layered, thought-provoking ways.
What makes Layered Medium especially relevant is how it draws unexpected parallels between Abu Dhabi and Seoul. Both cities are modern metropolises built on centuries of tradition, rapidly evolving yet deeply rooted in culture. Through this lens, the exhibition encourages viewers to see both locations in a new light.
Whether you’re an art aficionado or simply curious, this Korean art exhibition demands attention. Entry is free and open to the public, so take the opportunity to discover a dialogue between the Far East and the Middle East, right here in the capital.
GO: Visit abudhabifestival.ae for more information.