culture Archives - Arte & Lusso

Mermaid Imagery in Egyptian Amulets: Protection & Meaning

May 26, 2026May 26, 2026 0

The terrifying truth behind mermaid imagery! At the end of the 19th century, silver amulets with images of mermaids were widely available in Egypt’s jewellery souks. In Egyptian folklore, water spirits and protective amulets went hand in hand: images of mermaids were believed to guard against illness, child mortality, and misfortune. Their blend of folklore, protection, and jewellery makes mermaid imagery on amulets especially fascinating. Why were these so popular, and what world hides behind the use of these things?

The First Solo Sculptural Exhibition “We Thought We Were Alone” by Koen Vanmechelen at Palazzo Rota Ivancich, Venice

May 7, 2026May 11, 2026 0

Belgian artist Koen Vanmechelen presents his first solo sculptural exhibition in Venice, “We Thought We Were Alone”, at Palazzo Rota Ivancich, which is now officially open to the public as of 6 May 2026, coinciding with the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia.

National Pavilion Of Saudi Arabia Opens with “May Your Tears Never Dry, You Who Weep Over Stones” by Dana Awartani

May 7, 2026May 7, 2026 0

The National Pavilion of Saudi Arabia at the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, commissioned by the Visual Arts Commission of the Ministry of Culture, will open on 9 May with Dana Awartani’s “May your tears never dry, you who weep over stones”, curated by Antonia Carver, with assistant curator Hafsa Alkhudairi.

A Solo Exhibition “Unfolding” by Moza Al Falasi at Tashkeel, Dubai

May 7, 2026May 7, 2026 0

Tashkeel presents “Unfolding”, a solo exhibition by Emirati artist Moza Al Falasi, slated to open on 15 May 2026.

Inside the UAE National Pavilion at the Venice Biennale: Interview with Bana Kattan

May 6, 2026May 6, 2026 0

In this conversation for Arte&Lusso, Bana Kattan reflects on her curatorial approach to the UAE National Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, where the exhibition “Washwasha” unfolds as a meditation on sound, memory, and subtle forms of transmission.

The National Pavilion of the United Arab Emirates at La Biennale di Venezia

April 30, 2026April 30, 2026 0

The National Pavilion of the United Arab Emirates announces its forthcoming exhibition “Washwasha” at the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia. “Washwasha” is curated by Bana Kattan, Curator and Associate Head of Exhibitions at the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Project, and Assistant Curator Tala Nassar.

Art Basel Unveils Basel Exclusive and Further Program Highlights for Its June Flagship Show

April 26, 2026May 7, 2026

Art Basel has long been the fair at which the international art world gathers to encounter the finest works on the market, first-hand and in an unrivalled setting of quality, expertise, and influence.

The Pavilion of the Sultanate of Oman Announces Artist and Concept for the 61st International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia

April 23, 2026April 30, 2026

Haitham Al Busafi will represent Oman at the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, running from 9 May – 22 November 2026, where he will also serve as its curator. Commissioned by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, and located in the Arsenale Artiglierie, Zīnah transforms the tradition of Omani silver horse adornment (Al-zannah) into a monumental, participatory environment of sand, suspended metal, and collectively generated sound.

La Biennale di Venezia, 61st International Art Exhibition: In Minor Keys by Koyo Kouoh

April 14, 2026April 21, 2026

The 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, In Minor Keys by Koyo Kouoh, – which will run from Saturday 9 May to Sunday 22 November 2026 at the Giardini, the Arsenale and in various locations around Venice. The pre-opening will take place on May 6, 7, and 8, while the awards ceremony and inauguration will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

Abu Dhabi’s April Events Round Up

April 6, 2026April 6, 2026

Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi shares a selection of upcoming cultural programmes and community-led initiatives taking place across the emirate.

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