The Louvre Abu Dhabi’s Taking Art Series III came to a close last week with its last talk given by Jean-Luc Martinez, President-Director of Musée du Louvre in conversation with scholar and novelist Waciny Laredj on the topic of ‘Universal Museums: From Enlightenment to Abu Dhabi’. The evening came to a close with a special performance by renowned Arabic singer and composer Jahida Wehbe who performed a selection of her revered poetry and heartfelt songs at Manarat Al Saadiyat.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi Talking Art Series III offered audiences a selection of talks and workshops with scholars and museum specialists as well as an extensive preview of the permanent collection. In this last talk, novelist Waciny Laredji and Louvre’s president-director Jean-Luc Martinez, archaeologist and art historian specialized in Ancient Greece, refered to the Greek Archaic Sphinx, a recently acquired sculpture for the Louvre Abu Dhabi – which symbolizes the geographical, trade and cultural connection between Egypt, Near Eastern civilizations and Greece – to discuss the development of the universal museum.
“The third edition of the Louvre Abu Dhabi Talking Art Series provides audiences an exclusive opportunity to be part of the museum’s journey to completion,” said Hissa Al Dhaheri, Louvre Abu Dhabi Programmes Manager Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority. “Through a variety of talks, performances and workshops, carefully complemented with high-profile participants and artists, the works and collection are having their stories told in a vibrant and interactive way. We encourage citizens and residents to experience and engage with the history and culture behind the collection of the Louvre Abu Dhabi.”
Following the talk, Wehbe’s songs were performed. They are inspired from musical genres throughout the ages and from across the Arab world. Her repertoire includes sounds and harmonies from India, Persia and Europe and she takes the listener into an auditory journey of poetic expression and history, reflecting the universality of the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
For more information on the Louvre Taking Art Series visit www.saadiyatculturaldistrict.ae
