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Exhibition reimagines beloved folktales from Emirati, Mexican, and Italian cultures
Folktales Reimagined exhibition is being held from 16th October to 16th November at the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi. All details inside.
MAKTABA, the library management department of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), in cooperation with the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY), today inaugurated the Folktales Reimagined exhibition, which is being held from October 16-November 16 at the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi. The exhibition was inaugurated in the presence of Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of the DCT Abu Dhabi; Saleh Al Geziry, Director-General of Tourism at the DCT Abu Dhabi; Marwa Al Aqroubi, Director of the House of Wisdom and President of the UAE Board on Books for Young People; and Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam, Chairperson of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage. Senior officials from both parties also attended the opening ceremony.
The exhibition will present artworks by 10 Emirati, five Italian, and five Mexican illustrators, who have reimagined characters from the most popular folktales of their respective cultures to showcase the perspectives and experiences of the new generation.
Al Aqroubi said, "We are pleased to organise the exhibition in Abu Dhabi after three successful editions in Italy, Mexico and South Korea. The project contributed to introducing a new generation of illustrators who reinterpret traditional stories from their points of view and experiences. Through this exhibition, we look forward to emphasising our shared human cultural values, which bring us together despite our geographical diversity. Folktales prove once again that what unites us as human beings is more than what sets us apart."
Shaikha Al Muhairi, Library Management Department Director, Culture Sector at DCT Abu Dhabi, said, "The Folktales Reimagined exhibition presents popular folktales by artists from different cultures in an artistic and modern way, celebrating national heritage as a means of societies' ethics and ancient traditions. It embodies the convergence of civilisations and culture through heritage stories, an essential element of people's memory and cultural and human identity."
The exhibition caters to children and young people and will be accompanied by a public programme centred around folktales from the three cultures.
"Folktales with a New Vision through Painting", presented by artist Magdy Al-Kafrawi, will be organised from October 26-29, offering an interactive experience to breathe new life into folktales through drawing. It is open to professional artists, illustrators, and individuals passionate about folktales, whether or not they have expertise in traditional or digital drawing techniques.
There will also be reading sessions tailored for children, where they can explore various cultural stories. Additionally, arts and crafts workshops will be organised for children to enjoy throughout the exhibition period. School visits to the exhibition are also planned for the mornings on Mondays through Thursdays.
