Mirror Mirror on the wall…

This week we headed to one of our favourite places in Abu Dhabi, Manarat al Saadiyat, to check out the Changing Rooms Exhibition by Argentinean artist Leandro Erlich. Located in the gardens of Manarat al Saadiyat this interactive exhibition draws the viewer inside and plays visual tricks on them within the spaces created, both real and perceived.

Described as “an architect of the uncertain,” Erlich’s exhibit is meant to disorient and misguide. So with only the tiniest bit of foreboding we enter the unassuming, modest white structure.

Built to resemble a simple changing room with a red velvet curtain and mirror we’re quickly surprised and confused by the reflections we face. We find ourselves not in one changing room but facing a seemingly endless corridor filled with identical changing rooms. With arms outstretched we manage to make our way through the maze of mirrors but not before being completely disoriented and walking into a few on our way out. Definitely a delight, this exhibition is a quick and fun way to get your fix of a more refined version of a hall of mirrors.

Our visit wasn’t complete without the obligatory trip back inside to check out InsideOut. An enormous cube building that works essentially like a giant photo booth, we line up for our very own giant headshots. After we’d posed with our goofiest grin, we rushed outside to see our face (magnified much more than we’d like) being printed out and delivered from a slot on the other side.

If you haven’t yet been to Saadiyat Island then there’s no better time than now. Catch the Changing Room Exhibition until 16th February in the gardens of Manarat al Saadiyat, and afterwards grab a drink at Al Fanr café whilst you while away a lovely and inspired day.

Sawaiba Khan