Louvre Abu Dhabi’s New Exhibition, Post-Impressionism: Beyond Appearances, Opens to the Public

In the rapidly emerging artistic hub of Abu Dhabi, where tradition meets modernity, Louvre Abu Dhabi has unveiled its newest exhibition, Post-Impressionism: Beyond Appearances, offering visitors a rare glimpse into one of the most transformative periods in art history. Housed in the museum’s world-renowned spaces, the exhibition invites art enthusiasts to explore the works of legendary artists like Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, and Henri-Edmond Cross. These visionary creators redefined artistic expression in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, laying the foundation for modern art.

Organised by Louvre Abu Dhabi in partnership with Musée d’Orsay and France Muséums , the exhibition features masterpieces by visionary artists including Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, Georges Seurat, Henri-Edmond Cross, Emile Bernard, Paul Sérusier, Paul Gauguin et Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, which defined the Post-Impressionist movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Curated by Jean-Rémi Touzet, Curator of Painting at Musée d’Orsay, and Jérôme Farigoule, Chief Curator at Louvre Abu Dhabi, with the support of Aisha Alahmadi, Curatorial Assistant at Louvre Abu Dhabi, Estelle Bégué and Fanny Matz, Scientific Documentalists for Paintings at Musée d’Orsay, the exhibition will display around 100 artworks including paintings, works on paper, and textile from nine museums and cultural institutions. The exhibition is sponsored by Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) and L’Officiel Arabia is delighted to support the initiative as media partner.

 

A Journey Through Post-Impressionism:

The exhibition offers an immersive experience through various mediums: painting, textiles, sculpture, and works on paper. As you step inside, you're guided through nine distinct sections, each highlighting the artistic journeys of these Post-Impressionist masters. From Van Gogh’s expressive brushstrokes in Bedroom in Arles (1889) to Cézanne’s iconic Portrait of Madam Cézanne (1885-1890), each section is a masterclass in innovation and a testament to how these artists reshaped the boundaries of art.

The Intersection of Innovation and Tradition:

Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, highlighted the exhibition's significance: “In the wake of our exceptional exhibition with Musée d’Orsay, Impressionism: Pathways to Modernity, in 2022, we collaborated again to present Post-Impressionism: Beyond Appearances. The exhibition, whose colourful scenography echoes the artists’ palettes, allows visitors to discover and rediscover a period whose key words are innovation and a quest for openness, qualities that resonate with the blossoming artistic sector in the region, while fulfilling Louvre Abu Dhabi’s mission of presenting key moments in the history of art. Our sincere thanks to Musée d’Orsay, the exhibition curators, all the lenders and the sponsors for bringing to life what promises to be an exceptional exhibition.”

Dr. Guilhem André, Scientific, Curatorial and Collection Management Director, expanded on the brilliance of the artists on display: “From the stippling of Seurat to the vibrant palette of Henri-Edmond Cross, the Post-Impressionist era was defined by diversity, creativity, and an openness to new forms. While each artist had a distinct voice, the movement as a whole signified a moment of great artistic transformation.”

A Celebration of Artistic Collaboration:

As visitors explore the exhibition, they’re also invited to engage with interactive multimedia devices that deepen their understanding of the art. The exhibition’s scenography, bursting with colour and vibrancy, echoes the very palettes that defined this groundbreaking movement. Through films, video projections, and interactive storytelling, guests are encouraged to participate in the narrative of the exhibition, exploring how these artists challenged convention and opened the doors to modernism.

For those looking to dive deeper into the world of Post-Impressionism, the museum offers a rich cultural programme including public talks with the curators, guided tours, and even a secret culinary experience that draws inspiration from the art itself. Additionally, a film screening of Loving Vincent and educational workshops for all ages ensure that this exhibition is accessible and engaging for everyone.

 

Beyond the Exhibition:

The exhibition also highlights the broader reach of Post-Impressionism, with works from artists like Georges Hanna Sabbagh, whose pieces The Artist and His Family at the Church of La Clarté (1920) and The Family: The Sabbaghs in Paris (1921) are on loan from the Centre Pompidou and Musée de Grenoble. These additions emphasize the far-reaching influence of the movement, extending beyond Europe to artists around the globe.

Continuing the Dialogue:

As Jean-Rémi Touzet and Jérôme Farigoule, the exhibition’s curators, explain, the Post-Impressionists broke away from tradition, redefining the relationship between artist and viewer, technique and emotion. “A constellation of artists reinvented the conception of painting and art as a whole,” they note. “It was this very reinvention that laid the groundwork for abstraction and modernism.”

Louvre Abu Dhabi’s Post-Impressionism: Beyond Appearances is on display until February 9, 2025, offering art lovers a rare opportunity to engage with one of the most pivotal movements in art history. As Sylvain Amic, President of Musée d’Orsay, said: “This exhibition marks a significant cultural exchange between the UAE and France, creating a dialogue that will inspire future generations of artists and thinkers.”

 

The Post-Impressionism: Beyond Appearances exhibition catalogue is available in Arabic, English and French at the museum’s boutique.

For more details and to plan your visit, head to www.louvreabudhabi.ae  or call Louvre Abu Dhabi at +971 600 56 55 66. Entrance to the exhibition is free with the museum’s general admission tickets and promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Post-Impressionism.