Bassam Freiha Art Foundation opens a new collection to the public this February
If you’ve ever wanted a peek inside a private art collection without needing a VIP pass, the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation is rolling out the red carpet for Reflections: Modern and Contemporary Art from the Villain Collection.
Curated from the home of Abu Dhabi-based collectors Fairouz and Jean-Paul Villain, this exhibition is your chance to explore decades of art, culture, and creativity from across the Arab world.
From the moment you step in, you’re in for a visual journey across regions, styles, and stories.
The first section, The Levant and the Greater Arab World: Voices Between the Lines, draws on Fairouz Villain’s deep ties to Syria and Lebanon.
Think striking figurative and abstract works from Paul Guiragossian, Louay Kayyali, Helen Khal, Etel Adnan, and more; art that speaks to everything from the weight of war to intimate, quiet moments of connection.
Next up is North African Art: Forms of Continuity, which highlights how artists carry traditional forms into modern practice.
Expect painted papyrus, bronze sculptures, and expressive paintings from luminaries like Adam Henein, Inji Aflatoun, and Mohamed Melehi. It’s a rich mix of history meeting contemporary expression; a feast for your eyes and your imagination.
Finally, Emirati Art: This Place, This Feeling brings it all home with works by UAE legends like Hassan Sharif, Hussein Sharif, Mohammed Kazem, and Abdul Qader Al Rais.
Alongside these giants, you’ll discover younger talents like Afra Al Dhaheri, Shaikha Al Mazroui, and Noor Al Suwaidi.
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The collection reflects the Villains’ long-standing friendships and support of the local art scene, capturing the unique pulse of Abu Dhabi’s contemporary creativity.
More than just a display of artworks, Reflections is a story about passion, curiosity, and connection
Fairouz and Jean-Paul Villain turned their home into a hub for artists, collectors, and friends over three decades, and now that spirit spills into this exhibition.
Expect to be inspired, surprised, and maybe even a little awed as you wander through this thoughtfully curated collection.
Running from 13 February to 31 May 2026, this is one exhibition art lovers won’t want to miss.
Whether you’re a seasoned gallery-goer or just love discovering beauty, Reflections proves that private collections can open up a whole world of culture, creativity, and conversation.
13 February – 31 May. Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, Saadiyat Cultural District, Abu Dhabi. For further information, visit bfaf.ae
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