Gagosian serves Campell's Soup in Abu Dhabi

Works by some of the last century’s most iconic artists are on display in Abu Dhabi until the end of January, as part of a new exhibition featuring works from gallerist Larry Gagosian’s private collection.

The show at Manarat Al Saadiyat, the new cultural exhibitions space at the capital’s Saadiyat Island, is the first time the influential art dealer has shown his own collection in public, he told journalists at a launch event on Tuesday. 

Works by Robert Rauschenberg, Ed Ruscha, Richard Serra, Cy Twombly, Andy Warhol and Christopher Wool are among those on show. The exhibition is called RSTW, a name arrived at by stringing together the initials of the artists’ surnames. It aims to challenge the perception of what it means to be a private collector and public figure simultaneously.

Gagosian has been collecting art for more than 25 years. “I am thrilled to be able to exhibit part of my collection here and look forward to witnessing the development of Abu Dhabi on the world’s art stage,” he said in a statement to media.

For Mubarak Hamad Al Muhairi, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Development & Investment Company, which is presenting the show, the event was a milestone on the emirate’s road to establishing itself as one of the world’s great art capitals. “The opening of this exhibition is a significant milestone in the continued development of Abu Dhabi’s cultural offering. Organising an exhibition with new contemporary themes takes our capital city further on the world’s art scene,” he said.

RSTW is open to the public from 10am to 8pm every day.