Colomboscope festival arrives at 421 Arts Campus in Abu Dhabi 

Discover African and Asian artists from around the world.

421 Arts Campus in Abu Dhabi is welcoming Way of the Forest. The touring edition of the arts festival, Colomboscope, brings together artists from Africa and Asia. The event opens on 22 September, and here’s what to expect. 

The forest holds different meanings across different cultures. Way of the Forest celebrates the idea of the forest, and draws inspiration from mountain, rainforests and the wilderness. The exhibition explores climate change and colonisation, and explores who owns forests. Plus, it looks back at ancient folktales and legends about forests. 

Way of the Forest has been curated by Hit Man Gurung, Natasha Ginwala, Sheelasha Rajbhandari, Sarker Protick and Vidhi Todi. Plus, the artists include Rakibul Anwar, Moza Almatrooshi, Shiraz Bayjoo, Kulagu Tu Buvongan, Thava Thajendran and more.

Faisal Al Hassan, Director of 421 Arts Campus, explained: “We are delighted to showcase these works to communities in Abu Dhabi and across the Emirates. This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to fostering cultural dialogue, forging new modes of institutional support, and inspiring ways of thinking about art and its role in addressing global challenges.” 

Natasha Ginwala, Artistic Director of Colomboscope, added: “It is with great joy that Colomboscope presents its second major presentation with 421 Arts Campus. The organisation’s commitment toward critical thought, participatory ethos, and experimental vision across diverse creative approaches resonates with the way we have shaped the latest edition Way of the Forest in Sri Lanka. This is also a significant step in our engagement with the United Arab Emirates cultural scene and global audiences”.

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GO: Visit https://www.421.online/home for more information.