ROYAL ARTS VISIONS; Bassam Freiha Art Foundation unveils two new exhibitions by Italian artist The Prism

Bassam Freiha

 Art Foundation 

unveils two new exhibitions by Italian artist 

The Prism

Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, 2024. Designed by Rasha Gebran, Director of Architecture and Design at A.D.D. Consultants. Photography by Muhammed Shameem of Dreambox.

Launching in March,   are beautiful and moving immersive experiences that engage viewers on both a sensory and conceptual level

Bassam Freiha Art Foundation (BFAF) on Saadiyat Island is delighted to host two new exhibitions by the visionary Italian artist commonly known as ‘The Prism’.

Curated by PhD philosopher and contemporary art theorist Marco Senaldi, the exhibitions Project Oneness and Trust, Gratitude and Love Journey will showcase The Prism’s unique perspective and extensive creative depth. Transcending mere aesthetics and designed to connect with viewers emotionally and spiritually, the exhibitions transform light and space and create memorable and immersive experience that challenge perceptions and encourage deep reflection.

 

Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, 2024. Designed by Rasha Gebran, Director of Architecture and Design at A.D.D. Consultants. Photography by Sergio Ghetti.

Featuring dynamic interplays between form and color, circular compositions, and reflective surfaces that allow viewers to incorporate their own image into the art, the pieces constantly communicate with their surroundings, and leave viewers feeling newly connected to the world of art.

A multi-layered and unique experience, The Prism exhibitions will also be accompanied by a series of engaging public programmes themed around well-being, self-reflection and mindfulness. Providing a new and exciting way of interacting with art, and including activities such as sound healing, guided meditations, yoga classes, artist talks, and interactive workshops, the sessions are designed to reinforce the immersive nature of The Prism and encourage introspection and connection.

Michaela Watrelot PhD, Curator and Director of Exhibitions at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, said: “Project Oneness and Trust, Gratitude and Love Journey are dedicated to the work of The Prism, an artist who has a unique talent for utilizing light and space in new and interesting ways. Whether through the use of illuminated panels or polished metallic surfaces, he uses light to transform his work into dynamic, interactive experiences, and we are excited to see how his pieces will challenge perceptions, initiate conversations, and bring the community together here at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation on Saadiyat Island. Visitors will also have the chance to engage further with the exhibitions through various experiences that are focused on well-being, self-reflection and mindfulness, and we hope The Prism will further reinforce the connection between art and the people of Abu Dhabi, enhance awareness, and connect with family members of all ages.”

 

Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, 2024. Designed by Rasha Gebran, Director of Architecture and Design at A.D.D. Consultants. Photography by Muhammed Shameem of Dreambox.

Stefano Simontacchi, aka The Prism, said: “Following the success of our appearance at Abu Dhabi Art Fair and The Prism’s exhibitions in Italy and New York, I am immensely excited to bring my works to the  beautiful Bassam Freiha Art Foundation. Designed to help viewers reconnect with their inner universe, discover a new appreciation for life, and feel inspired to discover their true purpose, all my pieces are drawn from deep contemplation and artistic reflection. Based on circular emblems and innovative use of light and space, I want the exhibitions to bring the community of Abu Dhabi closer to art, and help every individual find inner peace.”

Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, 2024. Designed by Rasha Gebran, Director of Architecture and Design at A.D.D. Consultants. Photography by Muhammed Shameem of Dreambox.

His Excellency Lorenzo Fanara, Ambassador of Italy to the United Arab Emirates, said: “It is a great honour to contribute to promote Italian contemporary art in Abu Dhabi in the splendid set up of the BFAF.  I am delighted to do it on the occasion of the first exhibition to the UAE of the Prism, an extraordinary Italian artist who is going to share his spiritual and unique vision of life. It is a new and inspiring bridge between Italy and the UAE built with love for creativity by two great actors, the Prism and the BFAF. I sincerely thank both of them.”

Project Oneness

Enlightenment in Blue, Project Oneness, 2024 will be on display at Bassam Freiha Art Foundation

The first part of The Prism at BFAF explores the notions of perception and interconnectedness through an immersive, multi-room experience that challenges the typical notions of form, light and symbolic meaning.

Unfolded across three interconnected rooms, the first part of Project Oneness focuses on the concept of duality and emphasizes mankind’s connection with the universe. The second part then presents a space where color, form and movement unfold without imposed separations, while the third features four works that each represent the essential elements – water, earth, air and fire. By the end of the exhibition, each viewer is left with a new sense and understanding of their ‘Oneness’ with the universe.

Trust, Gratitude and Love Journey

Energy Reset, 2025, part of Trust, Gratitude and Love Journey

Meanwhile, The Prism’s second path symbolizes the inner dynamism of 'Oneness'. Located in the Annex Gallery, Trust, Gratitude and Love Journey explores why embracing the tools of Trust, Gratitude and Love allows individuals to connect with the energy of the universe. 

 

By integrating contemporary materials with timeless symbols, the exhibition provides a space for reflection, and it challenges the viewer to consider their place within a broader continuum of light, form, and meaning.

 

The Prism will run at BFAF between March 12 and August 31

About Bassam Freiha Art Foundation: 

Bassam Freiha Art Foundation (BFAF) is the first and only private art foundation on Saadiyat Island. Founded by philanthropist and art collector His Excellency Bassam Freiha, the non-profit institution opened in March 2024.

Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, 2024. Designed by Rasha Gebran, Director of Architecture and Design at A.D.D. Consultants. Photography by Muhammed Shameem of Dreambox.

Founded with the dual purpose of giving the public access to private art collections around the world and providing a platform to local and regional artists, BFAF has three main exhibition spaces: The Main Gallery, the Annex Gallery, and the Sculpture Garden. Exhibitions across the art foundation are free to visit, and are supported by an extensive cross-generational educational programme which includes art history evenings, panel discussions and workshops. The foundation also works closely with schools to encourage the next generation of artists and collectors.

Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, 2024. Designed by Rasha Gebran, Director of Architecture and Design at A.D.D. Consultants. Photography by Muhammed Shameem of Dreambox.

Designed by A.D.D. Consultants, the space draws inspiration from His Excellency Bassam Freiha, and embodies his legacy of artistic vision, strength and timeless elegance.

 

Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, 2024. Designed by Rasha Gebran, Director of Architecture and Design at A.D.D. Consultants. Photography by Sergio Ghetti

About H.E. Bassam Said Freiha: 

Beirut-born H.E. Bassam Said Freiha (b.1939) is a philanthropist and collector. His collection focuses on the Orientalist art movement, and includes works by Rudolphe Ernst, Léon Comerre, Paul Leroy, Jan-Baptist Huysmans, Vincent Stiepevich, Georges Washington, Fabio Fabbi, Aloysius O'Kelly, Théodore Frère, Maguelonne Lefebvre-Glaize, and Marie-Antoinette Izart, among others. In 1976, H.E. Bassam Said Freiha co-founded the Mathaf gallery in London with his business partner, the late financier Brian MacDermot. The gallery was the first in the city dedicated to art from the Orientalist movement. A passionate collector, H.E. Bassam Said Freiha’s first acquisitions of pieces from the Orientalist movement include Prayers in the Mosque by Henry Livy, Saturday of Light in Jerusalem by Eugene Girardet, and The Carpet Seller by Charles Robertson.

He is the son of Said Freiha, a pioneering journalist and founder of pan-Arab publishing house Dar Assayad, which has offices in Abu Dhabi, Cairo, Damascus, Dubai, Kuwait, and Riyadh. At the age of 21, H.E. Bassam Said Freiha was appointed Managing Director of Dar Assayad by his father, after he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the American University of Beirut in 1961.

Beyond his role as a business leader, H.E. Bassam Said Freiha has served as a special diplomatic envoy to Lebanese presidents since 1978. He is also dedicated to humanitarian efforts, providing longstanding support to The Said and Hassiba Freiha & Sons Foundation for Humanitarian Services, an organization he established in 1970, further exemplifying his commitment to making a positive impact on society.

Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, 2024. Designed by Rasha Gebran, Director of Architecture and Design at A.D.D. Consultants. Photography by Sergio Ghetti.