Louvre Abu Dhabi is delighted to announce a momentous occasion: one of its esteemed patrons, Snow Li, has graciously gifted the museum with four iconic artworks. These exceptional pieces will now find a permanent home within Louvre Abu Dhabi’s renowned collection.
The event, held in a private intimate setting, was graced by several distinguished guests including H.E. Zhang Yiming, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), H.E. Mr. Nicolas Niemtchinow, Ambassador of France to the UAE and officials from the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) including Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi. The event also featured the presence of the gifted artists—Ramin Haerizadeh, Rokni Haerizadeh, Hesam Rahmanian, and Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim—whose attendance underscores the profound significance of this extraordinary donation.
Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, expresses deep gratitude for Snow Li’s generous donation of exquisite artworks: “Snow Li’s gracious gesture epitomizes the spirit of cultural philanthropy, a cornerstone of our mission at Louvre Abu Dhabi. Such gifts not only enrich our museum but also exemplify the power of individuals to support cultural exchange and education. Furthermore, Snow’s donation aids us in accessing collections of the region, fostering a deeper connection with the cultural heritage of our surroundings while simultaneously expanding our esteemed collection. While these artworks are indeed a gift, they are acquired through a meticulous process of accessioning, ensuring their seamless integration into our museum’s narrative and universal identity as a global cultural institution.”
Snow Li, esteemed patron of Louvre Abu Dhabi, said: “Art has the power to go beyond borders, cultures, and time. It is a universal language that speaks to our shared humanity. As a patron of Louvre Abu Dhabi, I am honored to contribute these four artworks to the museum’s collection. Each artwork tells a story—a narrative of resilience, evolution, and creativity. By sharing these treasures, we bridge the past and the present, inviting visitors to explore the intricate beauty of our collective history. I’d like to extend my appreciation to Louvre Abu Dhabi, a place where art converges, and where patrons like myself find purpose in preserving and celebrating the beauty of cultural diversity.”
The four exquisite artworks that will grace the permanent collection of Louvre Abu Dhabi include:
- Madame Tussaud (Nothing Has Changed. Except The Run of The Rivers, The Shape of Forests, Shores, Deserts, and Glaciers) (2021)
A remarkable work of art created by the artists Ramin Haerizadeh, Rokni Haerizadeh, and Hesam Rahmanian in 2021. The title itself suggests a transformation, a shift in the natural world, and perhaps a commentary on the impermanence of our surroundings.
- Where One Holds: A Golden Flag in One Hand, Calling: Quick and A Torch in One Hand, Whining: Gone (2019)
Another collaborative work by Ramin Haerizadeh, Rokni Haerizadeh, and Hesam Rahmanian, this artwork weaves together symbolism and human experience. The juxtaposition of elements—flag, torch, and the act of calling—invites us to explore themes of identity, urgency, and impermanence.
- Venus and Fish No. 6 (2009)
In this arresting piece, Hassan Sharif combines disparate elements—a Venus figure and a fish—into a harmonious whole. The choice of juxtaposing Venus, a symbol of beauty and love, with the fish, a creature deeply rooted in maritime culture and local symbolism, is a strange choice which could speak to Sharif’s exploration of identity, tradition, and the evolving cultural landscape of the UAE.
- Untitled (2019)
Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim’s untitled work invites contemplation. The symbols used are a language that he has created for himself and can be seen transforming from 2D forms in his paintings and drawings to 3D forms in his sculptures. These forms are built by basic shapes; the square, the circle, and the triangle. These same shapes are then consistently and meditatively repeated in an obsessive yet gentle manner, which in turn creates symmetric patterns. The repetition, and proximity to one another bring a sense of dynamism into his work.
With the inclusion of these remarkable artworks into the esteemed collection of Louvre Abu Dhabi, the museum’s cultural narrative is further enriched. The museum’s access to both local and regional artists, including the creative vision of Ramin Haerizadeh, Rokni Haerizadeh, Hesam Rahmanian, Hassan Sharif, and Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim, highlights the museum’s commitment to fostering cultural exchange and celebrating artistic diversity. These artworks stand as timeless symbols of the universal language of art, inviting audiences to embark on a journey of exploration and appreciation.
