JD Malat Gallery, a prominent name in the Mayfair art scene, is set to make its mark in the Middle East with a new 1,700-square-foot space in downtown Dubai. Situated on the vibrant boulevard beside the world’s tallest tower, the gallery’s expansion reflects its commitment to fostering a global dialogue through contemporary art.
Founder Jean-David Malat, a London-based gallerist with over 15 years of experience, aims to not only showcase the gallery’s established roster of artists but also discover and nurture emerging talents from the region. With a focus on public art and community initiatives, JD Malat Gallery Dubai hopes to become an integral part of the local cultural landscape, offering unique experiences for both local and international collectors. The gallery’s opening in January 2025 promises to add a new dimension to Dubai’s burgeoning art hub.
What specific factors influenced your decision to expand JD Malat Gallery to Dubai, and how does this align with your overall global strategy?
I had visited Dubai a number of times before deciding to open a space here. Dubai is incredible, it’s extremely dynamic. The city has a racing pulse. Each time I visited, there was something new to see and a new influx of exciting people had just moved from other major cities. Everyone who is in Dubai wants to be in Dubai…and after the third time I visited, I knew I was one of those people, personally and professionally. JD Malat Gallery has a proven track record of presenting work in prestigious collections, museums, and foundations worldwide. Building an additional base in the Middle East makes space for further growth among a dynamic audience.
How do you perceive the contemporary art market in the Middle East, and what unique opportunities do you see for JD Malat Gallery in this region?
Many parts of the region…Dubai specifically…are contemporary. It is only natural that contemporary art would thrive in such an environment. In our Mayfair gallery, we already have a number of collectors from the region. It was the natural next step. The Mayfair gallery became a sort of brand to many in the region so we wanted to open an outpost, so we could further cultivate our collector base as well as have an additional space to bring on more artists. We are already looking for artists from the region so we can build in programming that will have reciprocity with the UK & UAE space.
How do you plan to integrate the gallery’s programming with the local cultural landscape and artistic community in Dubai?
The programming is what will set us apart from other galleries. We don’t want to come in as a strictly commercial space, we want to complement the community and build in programming that recognizes the community and builds on larger ones from collector to family activities. We are fortunate enough to have a space in London that can cater to those who travel between the two great cities. My relationships with the artists I represent come before everything. The connections I have with them and their work is really the center of a much wider nexus within my gallery ethos and its position within the art world. We have a fast-paced program with a monthly changeover of exhibitions. As the gallery roster consists mainly of young and emerging talent based on my belief in their vision, it is my mission to provide them with solo exhibitions presented on a “blue-chip scale” complete with international projects, events, and placemaking through cross-cultural collaborations and contributions from academics and institutions. We have a special program for later in the year, where we will work with emerging Middle East talents, providing them with the opportunity to gain visibility in the region, as well as in London.
What is the curatorial vision for JD Malat Gallery Dubai, and how will it differentiate itself from other galleries in the region?
We are a very different kind of gallery, we have a very unique program, we are well known for the primary market but we have an exclusive image that has been rendered by our programming in London. JD Malat Gallery is not just another gallery…I will continue to follow my intuition and build shows and programming that pique the interest of collectors that are looking for something special or speaks to their intuition and in turn, drives the careers of our artists. As noted, an additional space in this curious city will allow us to show a more diverse series of openings, every 6-8 weeks.
How do you plan to engage with local and international collectors, and what unique experiences will you offer to foster long-term relationships?
As you alluded to, relationships are everything in this business. It is our responsibility to build on those relationships. Our artists make that task a little easier, as they are exciting to talk about…share images of…and foster deeper connections. On the other side of that, however, I have to say, I am a pretty social person so while I will be living between Dubai and London, I intend to spend more of my time in Dubai, to further build on those relationships. I also want JD Malat Gallery Dubai to be an open space, a space that feels welcoming and easy. I want people to pass by with their friends to see what we’re up to and a space that you feel intrigued to walk into when you’re getting a coffee on the boulevard. I also have a slight obsession with public art, I am extremely intrigued by how we can bring our artists outside of the gallery and create a relationship with people that hadn’t intended on seeing any art that day.
What initially drew you to the world of contemporary art, and what continues to inspire your passion for supporting artists?
The artwork that changed my life was by Tracey Emin. I knew very little about art and had just been to a few exhibitions in London. I remember the first time I saw the installation of My Bed by Tracey Emin at the Saatchi. I didn’t have any idea what it was about but I was very excited by it. I then gained experience by visiting exhibitions and art fairs. I later signed up for a Sotheby’s evening course on contemporary art and the market and worked in various commercial galleries before opening my own gallery in 2018. The adrenaline then kicked in when I sold a virtually unknown artist…I felt like I had really done something powerful. Suddenly the artists trust you and the collectors believe in your vision.
How has your vision for JD Malat Gallery evolved since its inception, and what are your long-term goals for the gallery’s growth and impact?
My mission has always remained the same…and that is to shine a light on talent and to sell beautiful things to people who see the beauty in it. As JD Malat Gallery became a trusted source for that, my vision was to make the spotlight brighter and provide more space for more beauty to be shown. As JD Malat Gallery became a sort of brand, it allowed me to be international and that is where the mission and vision came together.
What are your thoughts on the growing art scene in Dubai, and how do you see JD Malat Gallery contributing?
The growing art scene is here, we are just spreading it out. JD Malat Gallery Dubai is located on the boulevard in the opera district in Downtown. The location is beautifully central for residents and visitors and I hope our being there will be a catalyst to a further growing community.
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