The National

Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial is in the second stretch of its inaugural event, having rolled out several new works across the capital.

Running until April 30, the biennial has effectively transformed sections of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain into open-air galleries. However, the initiative is not merely an attempt at “beautifying” these public spaces, says Alia Lootah, a curator of the biennial. Rather, the works reflect upon specific aspects of the sites they are located in. They celebrate existing features across Abu Dhabi’s public spaces by introducing new, often surprising elements.

“Public art creates an opportunity for residents to stop and truly take stock of the places they call home,” Lootah says. “Through these installations, artworks and interventions, we can challenge people to develop deeper connections and understanding of their relationship to public spaces they may otherwise take for granted."

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Afra Al Dhaheri’s installation offers refuge from the bustle and pace of city life. D-Constructing Collective Exhaustion is made of wooden structures, tangled ropes, light and sound. The installation aims to instil a meditative feeling among visitors, helping them establish a balance between their physical and mental space.