Got art?
Al-Watan Al-Arabi (The Arab Nation) by Egyptian artist Chant Avedissian.
Published: Mar 24, 2010 14:32 Updated: Mar 24, 2010 14:35
Art Dubai 2010 is a myriad of unmatched artwork, intimate discussions with artists, and the opportunity to rub elbows with some of the most influential people in the international art scene
Art Dubai was more than just a great success, as over 18,000 visitors viewed artworks in 72 galleries during the four days. Around 500 artists from over 30 countries participated.
The event was held under the patronage of and inaugurated by UAE’s Vice-President, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, who is also the Ruler of Dubai.
Art Dubai gave many talented Arab artists a platform with which to create waves across the global art community.
The outcome was a tsunami of creative convergence and powerful praise.
“For four days, Art Dubai showcased the very best of what the Middle East and wider global market have to offer in terms of contemporary art — it was a snapshot of the growing importance of the region as an arts hub and a key international platform for artists, curators, galleries, and for collectors to discover the rising stars of tomorrow’s art world,” said John Martin, director and co-founder of Art Dubai.
Galleries from Australia to the Americas proudly displayed their unique perspectives on the maze-like walls of Art Dubai’s exhibition ballrooms.
Viewers made their way through, discovering inspirational cheese around every nook and corner, until they were fat with bold and daring commentary through dramatic photography, sculptures, installations, performances, and art.
Highlights included the much-anticipated unveiling of artworks by the artists of the 2010 Abraaj Capital Art Prize: History of a Myth: The Small Dome of the Rock by Algerian artist Kader Attia and curator Laurie Ann Farrell; Myths & Legends Room: The Mural by Egyptian artist Hala Elkoussy and curator Jelle Bouwhuis; and The Feast of the Damned by Lebanese artist Marwan Sahmarani and curator Mahita Elbacha Urieta.
Also, a main attraction was the specially commissioned artworks and video installations curated by Bidoun Projects.
“In its fourth year, Art Dubai has matured into a highly regarded art event on the world stage shown by the diversity of the work, the significant increase in attendance, strong sales from institutional and private buyers and the greater involvement of Dubai’s art community during the week of the fair,” said Martin.
Many of the visitors came with the intention of starting or expanding on their private collections, while museum curators scouted for new talent.
As a result, the majority of galleries at Art Dubai experienced strong sales, with buyers including both regional and international institutions and established and new art collectors from all over the world.
The Athr Gallery from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, sold almost all of their available works, along with Galerie Christian Hosp and Caprice Horn, both from Berlin, Traffic from Dubai and Priska C. Jushka from New York.
One of the first sales was a work by Saudi Arabian artist Abdulnasser Gharem for $50,000, which was showcased by the Berlin-based Galerie Caprice Horn.
It is important to note that the ethnicity of the art didn’t correlate with the origins of its buyer. Works from Korea were purchased from Arab collectors, while British art connoisseurs purchased Palestinian works. In particular, Saudi art appeared to possess a more universal appeal.
“The buyers of the Saudi art weren’t restricted to Arabs,” explains Maya El-Khalil, manager of Athr Gallery.
“Much of the art attracted Western foreigners, including private collectors from France and Germany.”
“I think Art Dubai is a great barometer for where the Middle Eastern art market is heading,” said Hisham Samawi from Ayyam Gallery, based in Damascus and Dubai.
“People seem ready to buy and build their collections, and that has us excited about the rest of the year,” he added.
“Art Dubai was an excellent opportunity to introduce the Saudi art movement to this vast mix of international art lovers and collectors,” agrees Hamza Serafi, director of Athr Gallery.
Renowned names from the international art circuit were in abundance and were often seen buzzing around Athr’s exhibits.
“These people showed great interest in the Arab art, and some museum curators, in particular, were very interested in some of our artists,” Serafi said.
Curators discussed with great interest and enthusiasm the optimistic future of Ayman Yossri, based on his intriguing “Subtitles” series, while Jowhara Al-Saud’s photographic ability was applauded on both its technique and social exploration, said El-Khalil.
Others showed an interest in sculptor Noha Al-Sherif and her praying figures. Sadek Wasil’s “Metamorphosis of a Chair” series was also very well received, while established artists such as Farouk Kondakji and Mohammed Al-Ghamdi were highly commended.
This is Athr Gallery’s second year of participation in Art Dubai.
“I found this year’s fair to be much stronger and focused, really emphasizing artists from the Middle East and presenting numerous pieces of interesting work,” said Serafi.
“Art Dubai, this year, has yet again provided a powerful platform for a cultural and artistic dialogue between the East and the West,” added Ahmed Humaid Al-Tayer, governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
“The rise in public attendance, greater participation from the global art world and the enhanced diversity of exhibited works also contributed to create a truly unique event this year.”
