Rachid Koraïchi is one of the most innovative and engaging artists working in the MENASA region at the moment. His beautiful new installation, inspired by the poetry of Rumi, ‘The Path Of Roses’ (‘Tariq al Ward’) will be displayed at the Emirates Palace hotel, during the annual Abu Dhabi Festival and amply demonstrates the historical, spiritual and artistic scope of this extraordinary Algerian-born artist. Influenced by the Islamic concept of ‘safar’ (travel and transcendence), the installation traces the journey of medieval Muslim traveller Jalal Al Din Al Rumi across the Mediterranean, to meet the Sufi mystic and poet Ibn El Arabi.

Koraïchi’s sculptural explorations extend across an impressive range of media, with his installations including ceramics, textiles, various metals and painted work on silk, paper or canvas. His art is influenced by a fascination with signs - both real and imaginary. Beginning with the intricate beauties of the Arabic calligraphic scripts his work is composed of symbols, glyphs and ciphers drawn from a variety of other languages and cultures.

There will be a public artist-led walk-through on March 20 at 11.30am in the foyer of the Emirates Palace, followed by a tour with the artists featured in ADMAF’s new ‘Nationals’ Gallery’ project on March 22 at 11.30am. Both tours are free but need registration – email rima.k@admaf.org or call (02) 651 0303. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi’s Ghaf Gallery will be hosting a special Student Workshop with the artist, at 10am on Wednesday March 23, by invitation only. Finally, Koraïchi will be presenting a lecture looking back over his career and influences at the Zaha Hadid Pavilion at the Emirates Palace at 7pm on Thursday March 24. Admission is free, registration
is required by contacting sheryl.b@admaf.org.

March 19–April 14. Daily 6pm–midnight. Auditorium foyer of Emirates Palace (02 651 0300).