The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), in collaboration with the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY), recently unveiled the “Folktales Reimagined” exhibition at the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi. This captivating exhibition, open from October 16 to November 16, showcases a unique fusion of cultures through the reinterpretation of folktales by talented artists from the United Arab Emirates, Italy, and Mexico. The event is not only a celebration of cultural diversity but also a testament to the power of storytelling in bridging geographical and generational gaps.
Dignitaries Present
The inauguration of the “Folktales Reimagined” exhibition was graced by the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including 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, among other senior officials. This impressive gathering exemplified the significance of the event in the cultural calendar of Abu Dhabi.
The heart of this exhibition lies in its artistic reimagining of characters from traditional folktales, offering a fresh perspective and contemporary take on age-old stories. With ten Emirati, five Italian, and five Mexican illustrators contributing their artistic talents, the exhibition showcases the cultural richness of these nations and the collective creativity of a new generation.
The ‘Folktales Reimagined’ Exhibition
Marwa Al Aqroubi, the Director of the House of Wisdom and President of the UAE Board on Books for Young People, expressed her pleasure in bringing the exhibition to Abu Dhabi after its success in Italy, Mexico, and South Korea. She emphasized that the project aims to introduce a new generation of illustrators who reinterpret traditional stories through their unique viewpoints and experiences. Through this, “Folktales Reimagined” underscores the universal human values that unite us, transcending geographical boundaries. Folktales, as Al Aqroubi rightly puts it, reaffirm that what connects us as human beings is often more powerful than what sets us apart.
Shaikha Al Muhairi, the Library Management Department Director in the Culture Sector at DCT Abu Dhabi, highlighted the exhibition’s significance in celebrating national heritage as a reflection of societies’ ethics and ancient traditions. By presenting popular folktales from different cultures in a modern, artistic manner, the ‘Folktales Reimagined’ exhibition captures the convergence of civilizations and cultures through the shared narratives and heritage stories that form an integral part of human memory and identity. “Folktales Reimagined” beautifully underscores the importance of preserving cultural heritage in a contemporary and visually appealing manner.
The “Folktales Reimagined” exhibition primarily caters to children and young people, providing them with an engaging and educational experience. It will be complemented by a public program focused on folktales from Emirati, Italian, and Mexican cultures. “Folktales with a New Vision through Painting,” a special event presented by artist Magdy Al-Kafrawi, will be organized from October 26 to 29. This interactive experience will breathe new life into folktales through drawing and is open to professional artists, illustrators, and individuals passionate about folktales, regardless of their expertise in traditional or digital drawing techniques.
Visitors of all ages
For young visitors, there will be engaging reading sessions in the ‘Folktales Reimagined’ exhibition that allow them to explore various cultural stories, offering an enriching experience that connects them to the world’s diverse narrative traditions. Additionally, arts and crafts workshops will be organized to inspire creativity in children and provide them with a hands-on experience that complements the exhibition’s themes.
To enhance the educational aspect of the exhibition, school visits are planned during the mornings from Mondays through Thursdays, providing students with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich world of folktales and expand their cultural horizons. These visits will not only be informative but also interactive, encouraging young minds to engage with the exhibition on a deeper level.
In a world that often emphasizes differences and divisions, the “Folktales Reimagined” exhibition serves as a powerful reminder of the unifying force of storytelling. Folktales have been passed down through generations, transcending time and place, to connect us with the wisdom and traditions of our ancestors. By reimagining these stories through the lens of contemporary artists, this exhibition breathes new life into age-old narratives and highlights the enduring power of storytelling in preserving cultural heritage.
Moreover, the event symbolizes the UAE’s commitment to promoting cultural diversity and fostering an inclusive society. It provides a platform for artists to express their creative interpretations of traditional tales, offering a fresh perspective on cultural storytelling. Through this initiative, the UAE is not only celebrating its rich heritage but also embracing the cultures of Italy and Mexico, thereby strengthening international bonds and showcasing the country’s openness to global cultural exchange.
