The annual Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Here exhibition returns with an expanded vision for 2025, this year accepting proposals from contemporary artists based in the GCC and Japan, as well as artists based in MENA. In partnership with luxury Swiss watchmaking brand Richard Mille, the theme for this year, Shadows, invites artists to reflect on the interplay of light and shadow, exploring the shared artistic and cultural traditions of the Arabian Gulf and Japan in architecture, art and poetry.
This year’s exhibition will be curated by Sophie Mayuko Arni, a Swiss Japanese curator and editor based in the GCC. Renowned for her innovative approach to site-specific exhibitions, public art and digital publishing, Arni continues to shape the narrative of contemporary art in the GCC and beyond. Her curatorial work bridges inter-Asian geographies and explores architecture, traditions, consumer culture, and technology, making her uniquely positioned to lead this year’s exploration of light and shadow.
Shadows is more than an artistic theme; it is an invitation to reflect on the beauty of dimly lit spaces where light and darkness merge to create moments of introspection. The Japanese concept of In’Ei (陰影), meaning shadow, captures the delicate balance of light and shade, often reflected in elements like alcoves and under shoji screens. This aesthetic resonates with the Arabian Gulf’s architectural traditions, such as mashrabiyya windows, which diffuse sunlight into serene patterns in shadowed interiors.
Set under the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi dome, inspired by the layered shadows palm trees, Art Here 2025 seeks to reinterpret these timeless traditions in a contemporary context. Through materials like Japanese lacquerware, subtly reflecting light, or the carved wood geometries of mashrabiyya windows, this year’s exhibition encourages artists to explore how shadows can be framed or enhanced. It also invites them to examine how colours, shapes, and materials interact with dimness instead of brightness and uncover new patterns and meanings that emerge from obscuring and recreating light.
Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, said: “As we mark the fifth edition of Art Here, we reflect on the incredible journey this initiative has taken. We are proud of our partnership with Richard Mille, which has supported the celebration of 30 talented artists and the recognition of four winners who have left a lasting impact. We have remained rooted in our region by holding an open call for contemporary artists based in the GCC, as well as artists who are connected to the GCC. This year we are excited to extend the call to Japan, broadening the exhibition’s geographical and cultural horizons. Featuring sculptures and installations perfectly suited for outdoor spaces, this edition continues to celebrate the evolving dialogue between cultures, offering a fresh lens to reimagine the poetic interplay of light and shadow."
Dr Guilhem André, Acting Director of Scientific, Curatorial, and Collections Management at Louvre Abu Dhabi, said: "The theme In’Ei offers a profound exploration of the subtle balance between light and shadow, encouraging artists to engage with the interplay of texture, material, and form. This year’s focus highlights the universal language of art, creating connections that resonate deeply with global audiences. By embracing the unique characteristics of light and shadow, the exhibition offers a platform to rediscover shared cultural values and inspire innovative artistic practices within the exceptional spaces of Louvre Abu Dhabi.”
Peter Harrison, CEO of Richard Mille EMEA, said: “The fifth edition of the Richard Mille Art Prize marks a momentous milestone, celebrating five years of a distinguished partnership with Louvre Abu Dhabi in our shared pursuit of artistic excellence and cultural exchange. This year, we are particularly pleased to open the prize to Japanese artists, a decision that underscores the strong cultural ties between the UAE and Japan—two nations that skilfully balance tradition with modern innovation. Art, in particular, remains a powerful force for uniting diverse perspectives, fostering meaningful dialogue, and inspiring creativity on a global scale. With this new chapter, we look forward to further enriching the legacy of this prestigious prize and reinforcing its role as a catalyst for cultural and artistic development.”
Sophie Mayuko Arni, Art Here 2025 Curator and jury member, said: “A new horizon is set for the 2025 edition of the Richard Mille Art Prize. The fifth edition of the prize expands its geographical reach to Japan with an opportunity to foster dialogue between East and East, exploring the relationship between Japanese aesthetics and the MENA region. Shadows, the theme of this year's edition, responds directly to the architecture of Louvre Abu Dhabi. Outdoor installations will be exhibited under the shade of the dome, equally celebrating light and darkness. To be understood in both material and conceptual form, the theme invites artists from both regions to create moments of contemplation in dimness, to find light in subtle reflections.”
This year’s Art Here exhibition bridges East and West Asia, celebrating the shared beauty of shadows and fostering a dialogue on tradition, innovation, and the universal human experience of light and shade. Artists from the Gulf region, MENA and Japan are invited to submit proposals that reflect their own observations and interpretations.
To learn more about Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Here 2025 and the Richard Mille Art Prize, visit here.
