• The exhibition is a rich journey that spans over two decades and celebrates Islamic arts through the ages.
• Shedding light on the most prominent exhibits from Al Burda Award collection owned by the Ministry of Culture.
• The artworks highlight the ability of Islamic arts to blend traditional methods with contemporary innovations.

24 December 2024, Abu Dhabi, UAE: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and within the framework of the activities accompanying the ceremony for honouring the winners of the 18th edition of Al Burda Award 2024, the Ministry of Culture organized an art exhibition titled “As the Sun Appears from Beyond' at the Louvre Abu Dhabi museum, which will be open until 19 January 2025.

This exhibition is a rich visual journey that spans over two decades, and celebrates Islamic art throughout the ages, that sheds light on the most prominent exhibits owned by the Ministry of Culture including pieces of art that have won Al Burda Award, and which highlight the ability of Islamic art to blend traditional methods with contemporary innovations, which reflects the UAE’s pioneering role in supporting arts and culture on a global level.

The exhibition focuses on the concept of “light,” which explains the title of the exhibition and links to the core theme of this year’s Al Burda Award. The theme draws inspiration from Surat Al-Ma’idah, verse 15: “There has come to you from Allah a light and a clear Book.”

Interactive experience

The exhibition takes its visitors on a tour through more than 60 unique works of art in various artistic fields, including Arabic calligraphy, ornamentation, poetry. It offers Islamic art enthusiasts an immersive interactive experience that brings to life the ability of Islamic art to blend classical methods of expression with the spirit of modern creativity, creating a unique harmony.

The exhibition is the result of the first edition of Al Burda Grant program and the 'Capacity Building Program,' and the collaboration between the Ministry of Culture and the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, Canada, under the framework of the memorandum of understanding signed between the two parties. It showcases works that illustrate the evolution of Islamic arts across time and space, ranging from traditional pieces to contemporary interpretations.

Promoting cultural dialogue

His Excellency Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Culture, said: “The exhibition ‘As the Sun Appears from Beyond’ is an exceptional opportunity to celebrate Islamic art and its development throughout the ages, and an affirmation of the UAE’s commitment and belief that art is a vital tool for promoting cultural dialogue between peoples, which is reflected in this exhibition.

“We are proud to be part of this distinguished artistic journey provided by this exhibition, which exemplifies how art influences the strengthening of communication between civilizations and constitutes an opportunity to contemplate the light that Islamic art reflects across various generations. Art is not just an expression of beauty; it is also a means of transmitting spiritual and faith values ​​that lead humanity towards unity and brotherhood,” His Excellency added.

Partnership with the UAE

In this regard, Prince Rahim Aga Khan, Chairman of the Environment and Climate Committee of the Aga Khan Development Network, who attended the opening ceremony of the exhibition, said: “It gives me great pleasure to return to the UAE, and have the honour of witnessing the beautiful and inspiring creativity of the artists brought together by Al Burda Award.

“The ceremony and the related exhibition marking 20 years of Al Burda Award highlight the importance of pluralism and the great potential of art and culture to bring people together for peace and understanding. We deeply value our partnership with the UAE and the Ministry of Culture in particular,” Prince Rahim Aga Khan added.

Art and intercultural communication

The exhibition put together by Emirati curators Fatima Al Mahmoud, Sarah Bin Safwan, and Sheikha Al Zaabi, along with Dr. Ulrike Al Khamis, CEO of the Aga Khan Museum, to offer an exceptional experience that encourages visitors to explore the historical development of Islamic art through the emotional power of poetry and the contemplation of Islamic arts conveyed through calligraphy, ornamentation and contemporary works. The exhibition brings together the past and the present in an immersive journey into the beauty and depth of ancient Islamic art.

Al Burda Award represents a global platform that celebrates Islamic art, poetry, and culture. It was launched in 2004 by the Ministry of Culture to commemorate the birth of the Prophet Mohamed (PBUH). The exhibition is a tribute to innovators in the Islamic artistic domains who presented amazing works focusing on the concept of ​​“light”, which represents the essence of the 18th edition and celebrates the 20th anniversary of this prestigious award. It also promotes a deeper understanding of art as a means of spiritual communication.

A journey through time and creativity

The exhibition's visitors begin their tour in the Archive Section, which documents the development of Al Burda Award over the past two decades. This section offers a visual historical perspective featuring photographs and videos that highlight key milestones of the Award since its launch, along with the artists who contributed to shaping its legacy. This section is considered a tribute to the artistic achievements and creations that enriched Islamic art.

Soulful words

Visitors then move to the Poetry Section, which showcases the winning works from the various editions of Al Burda Award, as poetry has been one of the main pillars of the award since its launch in 2004 and is considered one of the finest forms of Islamic artistic expression. This section presents a collection of poems in classical Arabic and Nabati poetry which reflects the local dialect. The selected poems address the theme of “light” and celebrate the Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) as a symbol of light and guidance.

The Hilya

The forum area on the lower floor of the exhibition is dedicated to exploring the aesthetics of the Hilya, which is a distinctive type of Arabic calligraphy and highlights the characteristics of the Prophet Mohamed (PBUH). This section also traces the development of this noble art form and its importance in contemporary Islamic art.

Highlighted works

The exhibition also features a collection of distinctive works in the section “Holy Qur’an: Noor Ala Noor,” which focuses on Qur’anic chapters such as Surat Al Najm, Surat Al Rahman, and Surat Al Tawba, where calligraphic works interact with decorative arts. Meanwhile, the “Hadith and Khutbat Hijat Al Wadaa (Farewell Sermon)” section displays artistic reflections on the key values of unity, mercy, and spiritual guidance called for by the Prophet, in addition to “Qasidat Al Burda and Nahj Al Burda” section celebrating classical Arabic poetry through displaying traditional calligraphy, geometric patterns, and works of modern art, along with a selection of works that reflect dedication, spiritual illumination, and connection to the legacy of the Prophet.

Tangible and intangible artworks

For contemporary art enthusiasts, the back section of the upper floor includes works from Al Burda Collection, blending physical and spiritual interpretations of Islamic art. For example, Ammar Al Attar’s “Malid” offers a compelling experience that pairs physical still imagery with intangible audio recordings of the devotional performances of the Emirati Malid Expressions. This section is designed as a meditative lounge that underscores the themes of Word and Art , where visual beauty merges seamlessly with spiritual depth.