Daniel H. Rey, Class of 2020
Major: Theater, Social Research and Public Policy
Current Role: Independent curator
Current Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Home Country: Paraguay, Colombia
Daniel H. Rey
Shaping the UAE Arts Scene
As an independent curator, Daniel H. Rey, Class of 2020 says, “As young people we can challenge the art world and say, ‘Hey, I’m only 23 but I have a voice.’”
NYUAD: Nice to see you again, Daniel.
Daniel H. Rey: Hello!
NYUAD: Tell us what you’re up to these days.
I’m an independent curator. I currently have affiliations with two platforms in the UAE: Dirwaza Curatorial Lab, an Abu Dhabi-based platform covering all aspects of curation from research to collections to exhibitions; and Art Jameel, where I tutor young creatives in the The Assembly program.
NYUAD: What does it mean to be a curator?
Through my eyes, a curator amplifies conversations and generates public awareness about themes or moments in our societies via exhibitions, writing, and more. To curate is to amplify creatively who we are and where we are.
NYUAD: What does being a curator mean to you, personally?
I advocate for #YouthCuratingYouth and cross-pollination in the Global South in order to challenge hierarchies in the art world. I mostly work with creatives from the Global South under 25 years old.
In the UAE, we’re a young demographic, in a relatively young arts scene, in a youth-focused nation. As young people we can challenge the art world and say, ‘Hey, I’m only 23 but I have a voice to create a community.’ Youth are equally deserving of exhibition spaces and artistic resources, just as the generations of creatives above us are. My approach working with fellow young people is to say, “I understand you. I’m with you.”
NYUAD gave me all the room in the world to explore the things I progressively became passionate about. The university’s art community was a huge motivation.
NYUAD: What’s your day-to-day like?
My practice covers connecting artists, collections, and institutions, reviewing art fairs and showcases, designing learning programs, hosting panels and workshops, as well as conceiving whole exhibition experiences from scratch. Research is a big part of what I do.
NYUAD: What’s inspiring you lately?
I’m progressively seeing how my college education is translating into multiple social responsibilities. I’ve discovered that thinking responsibly means thinking creatively, and vice versa. I find myself asking, “How can I use the arts and creativity to advance social causes that matter to me?” As an artist or curator, I think it’s key to understand what one’s values are and what they aren’t.
Lately, I just realized, I’m extremely inspired by plants! Maybe it’s the fact that I’m constantly searching for my roots.
NYUAD: Do you feel any roots forming for you in Abu Dhabi?
Oh, yes. After five years here solo, my sister is moving from Colombia to live and work in Abu Dhabi. My education at NYUAD has enabled the city to progressively become a center of gravity for my family.
NYUAD: What three words best describe your NYUAD experience?
Dynamic. Energy comes and goes at NYUAD. I think pauses are important.
Stimulating. Abu Dhabi plays with your senses and perspective. No matter how far from the city we end up, this place will stay with us for the rest of our lives.
Creative. NYUAD gave me all the room in the world to explore the things I progressively became passionate about. The university’s art community was a huge motivation.