The First ‘Gulf Quinquennial’ in the UAE Argues for a ‘Less Is Best’ Approach to Group Shows

How many artists does it take to change the story of the Arabian Peninsula—lands comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates? About 30, the NYU Abu Dhabi Gallery suggests in its inaugural Gulf Quinquennial, and that count includes the artist behind the inspired graphic design of its poster, Mohammad Sharaf.The stipulation being the curation is exceptionally coherent, and the spread is a satisfying array of videos, installations, paintings, and un-tra