‘We are cultural interpreters at the museum’
Name: Hissa Al Zarooni, 22 Studying at: Zayed University (almost graduating, just completed my internship two weeks ago) Course: BFA in Visual Arts (major), Curatorial Practices (minor) 1) Are you a fan of museums? Yes, I am. When I was young, my parents used to travel a lot and my dad always made sure to add a museum visit somewhere in our agenda. He took us to museums around China, Turkey, France, and the UK. Now that I am older and get to travel independently, I have adopted that habit. I’ve visited museums all around Europe, and admired the works of the masters all around Italy. I also revisited museums in London with a better understanding of art. My favourite museum would be the National Gallery in London. 2) Art: Traditional or contemporary? I like a bit of both. I am more attracted to a certain medium and style rather than period. I appreciate paintings mostly because that is my specialisation, portraiture to be specific. Artworks that include the living never fail to strike questions in my mind. If it were traditional there are always hidden symbols and motifs that tell you more about the subject in the painting, which is always interesting to interpret. I like daring contemporary paintings. Kuwaiti painter Shurooq Amin is one of my favourites, and I admire the bravery within her work. 3) Why do you fit the role of Louvre Abu Dhabi ambassador? I’ve always wanted to be a part of the Louvre Abu Dhabi project, even if it meant volunteering or lending a helping hand. When I found out that applications were open for the ambassador’s programme I knew it was perfect timing. I had just completed my art classes and was confident that my background and experiences have trained me well for this role. I wanted to learn more about the project and the way a museum functions even before it opens its doors. I am always open to learning new things and to engage with people from different backgrounds. 4) What question do you think visitors will ask most? I believe the questions would differ depending on the visitor’s background. I was present at the museum during the private opening days. Surprisingly I got many questions about the distribution of the artworks within the galleries. “Why are they grouped by era rather than medium,” someone asked. Louvre Abu Dhabi is more than just a museum that will show arts from all over the world, it is also about drawing comparisons and raising questions. 5) What answer clinched your role as ambassador? I don’t think it was one answer, it was the manner that I presented, the choice of key words pronounced and the confident outlet that got me the role I was aiming for. Judges also looked for the spirit and aura around an individual. 6) What will be your role as ambassador? The trainings we received beforehand were to prepare us to be “cultural interpreters”. To be knowledgeable individuals, with distinguished merit, and be qualified to volunteer around the museum when needed. I enjoy being a part of something that will allow me to engage with people from different backgrounds and all over the world. That is what I am looking forward to the most.