Louvre Abu Dhabi: Talking Art Series Discussion with Cinema Legend James Ivory held at Manarat Al Saadiyat

James Ivory discusses Miniature Paintings and Film to a full house at Manarat Al Saadiyat last night

Abu Dhabi, January 31, 2015: Louvre Abu Dhabi: Talking Art Series returned for 2015 on Wednesday with a discussion on Miniature Paintings and Film led by the world-renowned filmmaker James Ivory, at Manarat Al Saadiyat. Following a lecture about his outstanding collection of 98 Indian miniatures that has been acquired by Louvre Abu Dhabi, James Ivory treated the audience to an exclusive screening of his movie Hullabaloo Over Georgie and Bonnie’s Pictures (1978).

Presented by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) in collaboration with the Agence France-Muséums and École du Louvre, Louvre Abu Dhabi: Talking Art Series will hold two more panel discussions on 25 March 2015 and 27 May 2015. Exploring significant themes from the history of art through artworks that form part of Louvre Abu Dhabi's growing permanent collection as well as key works on loan from partner institutions, this dynamic programme aims to bring together eminent specialists, curators, academics, architects, philosophers, writers and artists, whilst sharing their thoughts and ideas with the UAE public.

Hissa Al Dhaheri, Programmes Manager of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, said: “Placed in comparison with the miniature paintings from Iran, Central Asia and India, found in the Pierre Jourdan-Barry collection, James Ivory’s beautiful miniatures will form a vibrant part of Louvre Abu Dhabi’s permanent collection. This Talking Art Series lecture offered an insight into the stories behind the museum’s collection, given by the invaluable personal account of a collector. The Talking Art Series is a vital part of Louvre Abu Dhabi’s pre-opening engagement with the community exploring themes of the museum and opening up avenues of discussion.”

Mr Ivory said: “I have the great satisfaction of knowing my collection remains intact at Louvre Abu Dhabi. It would have been terrible if it had been broken up after my death. Collections of beautiful works of art are so living, so personal.”  

Presented at Manarat Al Saadiyat located in the Saadiyat Cultural District in Abu Dhabi, the next talk entitled Light and Religion will take place on the 25 March 2015.