Bassam Freiha Art Foundation Opens Paul Guiragossian Centenary Season in Abu Dhabi
The Bassam Freiha Art Foundation (BFAF) in Abu Dhabi has launched a new exhibition season dedicated to Lebanese art, centred on a retrospective marking the centenary of painter Paul Guiragossian’s birth. Titled “From a Shared Ground”, the season opened on 17 October at the foundation’s venue in the Saadiyat Cultural District. It comprises three exhibitions showcasing five artists and explores themes of homeland, displacement, memory and belonging.
Centenary Exhibition of Paul Guiragossian
The main exhibition, “Paul Guiragossian: 100 Years of Art”, displays paintings and archival materials from the artist’s estate. Guiragossian, who lived from 1926 to 1993, is widely regarded as one of the most significant artists from Lebanon and the broader Middle East in the 20th century. According to BFAF, his work was shaped by experiences of migration, family and the human condition.
The foundation states that many of these works are leaving Lebanon for the first time. Highlights include a self-portrait and a portrait of his mother Rahel, both from 1948, and “L’Etreinte” from 1973, which depicts his daughter running into her mother’s arms. The exhibition concludes with an unfinished self-portrait from the final months of his life.
The exhibition was developed in partnership with the Paul Guiragossian Foundation and is co-curated by the artist’s daughter, Manuella Guiragossian, and BFAF Head Curator Dr Michaela Watrelot. “This centenary exhibition brings art-historical scholarship into dialogue with a deeply personal perspective,” Dr Watrelot said.
Two Additional Exhibitions
In “Roots Before Petals”, UAE-based artist Lana Khayat is featured alongside Lebanese modernists Etel Adnan and Helen Khal. The exhibition examines how three generations of women artists have connected to Lebanon through paintings of flowers, landscapes and nature. Khayat’s new works include three-dimensional floral installations that transform part of the gallery into an immersive walkable space.
Contrast with Orientalist Collection
BFAF was founded by collector and philanthropist Bassam Said Freiha and opened in March 2024. The foundation describes itself as the first and only private art foundation in the Saadiyat Cultural District. Its permanent collection is Orientalist, reflecting historical Western views of the region. By contrast, the new exhibitions feature artists with roots in the region, intended to prompt visitors to consider how cultural identity is represented.
The non-profit organisation also runs educational programmes. According to BFAF, more than 2,000 people have participated in free workshops and lectures since its opening. A partnership with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Education and Knowledge has reached more than 170 students. Additionally, the foundation funds a scholarship for Emirati artist Noor Al Suwaidi’s master’s studies.
The “From a Shared Ground” season runs until 17 January 2027. It opens ahead of the first Frieze Abu Dhabi art fair, which is scheduled to begin on 20 November 2026.
