Now in its eighth year, the annual art fair is gearing up to celebrate all things creative from across the region and around the globe. With exhibitions, events and awards aplenty, we bring you the Emirates Woman guide to Art Dubai.
CATEGORIES
Contemporary
With over 70 participating galleries in the contemporary category, this is by far the biggest group in the fair. A huge range of countries are involved, with exhibitors attending from the likes of America and Switzerland. The UAE is also well represented with local galleries including Carbon 12, Grey Noises and Gallery Isabelle van den Eynde.
Modern
Devoted to Middle Eastern and South Asian modern art from the 20th century, this programme is a debutant for Art Dubai. Eleven galleries will put on a solo or two-person show, featuring the work of a renowned modern artist. Prominent curators and historians Savita Apte, Catherine David, Kristine Khouri and Nada Shabout have reviewed submissions ahead of this year’s festival, to ensure only the best will be on show.
Huseyn Haqverdiyev, profile, courtesy of Bakumoma
Marker
Each year the Maker category focuses on a particular topic or destination and 2014’s theme, Central Asia and the Caucasus, is set to be one of the best yet. The works, curated by artists Slavs and Tatars, aim to display cross-cultural diversity. Participating galleries are all from Central Asia.
“The fair echoes the expansion of the arts infrastructure in Dubai and the region. Our roots are firmly grounded in the UAE arts scene and we believe this year’s fair reflects Dubai’s identity as a major cultural city, alongside its role as a hub for trade, finance and transport. We’re aiming to welcome even more visitors than the 25,000 that walked through the doors in 2013.” – Antonia Carver, Fair Director.
Brownbook Music Festival
The Archive in Safa Park is part of Brownbook’s Art Dubai programme, hosting a contemporary Middle Eastern library as well as events, ranging from music to sport. The Brownbook Music Festival, taking place on March 22, is one of the most exciting events on the schedule, staging emerging and established talent from the region.
Abdulkader Al Rais, Obaid & Moosa, courtesy of the artist
Art Dubai In Numbers
85 galleries
34 countries participating
500 artists involved across
all programmes
8 years since the first Art Dubai event
25,000 people attended the last event
THE ABRAAJ GROUP ART PRIZE
Encouraging artists who often fly under the radar, the Abraaj Group Art Prize will be given to a flourishing artist in order to encourage them to develop their talent. The winner will gain valuable exposure across the world. Previous victors have seen their art displayed in galleries in the Middle East, Europe and the US. Submissions for the 2015 edition of the prize open
this month.
SAVE THE DATE
The fair takes place from March 19 to 22. For more information, visit artdubai.ae
Main image: Nelson Wilbert, Untitled, courtesy of Bolsa De Art
