Louvre Abu Dhabi gives peek at collection

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) ― Abu Dhabi’s new branch of the Louvre considers no artistic subject to be off limits but will not “shock for the sake of shocking,’’ a top overseer said Tuesday. She spoke as the museum prepared to open a sample of its growing collection to public view, shedding light on the choices the city makes as it expands its international profile while testing how far to open its conservative culture.

Objects including a medieval nude sculpture and Christian icons suggest the Abu Dhabi Louvre will not steer clear of themes such as sexuality and religion that could draw fierce criticism in many other parts of the Islamic world.

The Abu Dhabi Louvre is building its collection to open in 2015, one of the centerpieces of a planned cultural district that will also include a branch of New York’s Guggenheim and a national museum.

But recent UAE moves described by rights groups as a crackdown on expression and academic freedom, including closing international research groups and arresting online activists discussing Arab Spring reforms, have raised concerns about possible artistic red lines at the museums as well.

Laurence Des Cars, curatorial director of Agence France-Museums, said there are no “sensitive issues’’ that are out of bounds. She spoke to reporters during an early viewing of 130 works acquired for the future museum ranging from ancient Persian artifacts to 20th century paintings.

The works include a 1940 primitive-style painting by French artist Yves Klein that suggests naked male and female forms, and a 13th century North African wood carving of an anatomically correct man. An illuminated medieval Quran from Damascus shared a display case with 14th century European diptych showing scenes from the life of Christ.