Art Dubai’s 17th fair: A showcase of global talent and cultural commentary

Art Dubai’s 17th fair: A showcase of global talent and cultural commentary
Art Dubai 2024. Installation view. (Supplied)
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Updated 02 March 2024
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Art Dubai’s 17th fair: A showcase of global talent and cultural commentary

Art Dubai’s 17th fair: A showcase of global talent and cultural commentary

DUBAI: The 17th Art Dubai fair, where more than 100 galleries from around the world put on their best presentations of contemporary, modern and digital art, is open for business.

Non-commercial activities, such as artist talks and children’s programming, have also been organized for the event, which runs from March 1 until March 3.




Art Dubai 2024, Installation view. (Supplied)

Event organizers have reinforced their longtime commitment to shining a light on talent emerging from the Global South, from Latin America to North Africa and the Far East.

“We have our own way of reading what contemporary art is,” the fair’s Spanish artistic director Pablo del Val said. “We exhibit and try to push proposals that are coming from geographies that aren’t the focus in any major art fair in the West.”




Art Dubai 2024, Installation view. (Supplied)

The concept of healing is the theme of the fair’s contemporary section, featuring paintings, installations, sculptures, textile works, among other artistic mediums. Meanwhile, the modern section pays tribute to regional masters who were active in the 20th century. This year, the focus is on ties between Arab artists and the Soviet Union, where some received their formal education.

An interesting booth at Art Dubai Digital comes courtesy of a London-based design practice, Looty, which is implementing technological means to “digitally take back” stolen African artifacts stored in Western museums. “We were inspired by a fact that comes from the UN: 95 percent of African culture and heritage is held outside of Africa. Hearing that shocked us and also inspired us,” Looty’s co-founder, Ahmed Abokor, told Arab News.

With their faces covered in masks, Abokor and his gallery partner Chidirim Nwaubani went inside London’s British Museum, committing a “digital heist,” in which they 3D-scanned African artifacts with their phones and iPads. “It’s symbolic,” said Abokor. “We incited a bit of worry, probably, but we didn’t actually take anything. We actually did our due diligence, speaking to lawyers three months before we went in there. We didn’t want to do anything illegal.” At the fair, a handful of Benin statues are displayed in eye-catching 3D hologram presentations.




Art Dubai 2024, Installation view. (Supplied)

Meanwhile, in the contemporary section, Dubai’s Tabari Art Space is returning to the fair with an all-women booth, showcasing colorful works on paper, paintings and stitched pieces, exploring themes of the land and the body, by Levant and Gulf artists Tagreed Darghouth, Maitha Abdalla, Chafa Ghaddar, Hana Almilli, Miramar Al-Nayyar and Aya Haidar. “Corporeal: Lands Through The Female Gaze” is the title of the overall exhibit, envisioned by the gallery’s founder, Maliha Tabari, who, in her own words, “wanted to do something different.

“We’re female-led as a gallery,” Tabari told Arab News. “In these past three years, we naturally picked up many female artists from this part of the world because we want to represent them ... The woman in our region is strong and we wanted to show her strength.”

At a time of continuing violence in Gaza, some fairgoers expressed their solidarity by wearing Palestinian-inspired garments, such as the black-and-white “keffiyeh” headscarf. Based between Dubai and Ramallah, Zawyeh Gallery, specializing in showcasing emerging and established Palestinian artists, is represented at the fair. At its multi-artist booth, the Palestinian painter Khaled Hourani is showing a series of watermelon images (many of which have been sold). The fruit, bearing the same colors as the Palestinian flag, has become a symbol of solidarity with the Palestinian cause.




Art Dubai 2024, Installation view. (Supplied)

From Marrakech, Comptoir des Mines Galerie is presenting a selection of works by Moroccan artists who use natural materials, such as soil and metal, in their creations. In particular, a standout work comes from French-Moroccan artist Sara Ouhaddou, who juxtaposed geometrical pieces of tinted Iraqi glass into a large circular form made of wood. The work, entitled “Time is still long — beyond our perception” is partially about regional artisans and how the cultural legacy of hand craftsmanship is being lost.

A number of the older generation of artists are also represented at Art Dubai by nine galleries, hailing from Beirut, Dubai, Kampala, London, among other cities. Jeddah’s Hafez Gallery is showcasing one large, vibrant painting by the Yemeni artist Hakim Al-Akel, who was born in 1965. Entitled “Dialogue in the Market,” the highly patterned painting was created in 1991, portraying a leafy scene populated by a few workers and sellers.




Art Dubai 2024, Installation view. (Supplied)

There are also monochromatic works by the Saudi artist Abdulsattar Al-Mussa, who formerly lived in Russia and Ukraine. Being away from his homeland inspired him to make images that were based on his memories.

“I think it’s important to show Abdulsattar at Art Dubai because he has had a lot of success abroad,” Hafez Gallery’s curatorial director, Alexandra Stock, told Arab News, “but it’s very nice that he is having another upwind, a push in the region, that he’s being acknowledged back home.”


Coldplay ticket scalping fiasco sparks backlash in India

Coldplay ticket scalping fiasco sparks backlash in India
Updated 01 October 2024
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Coldplay ticket scalping fiasco sparks backlash in India

Coldplay ticket scalping fiasco sparks backlash in India
  • Disgruntled fans say tickets for Mumbai concert being sold for 30 times the original price
  • Local media reports say police questioned local ticket seller BookMyShow regarding controversy

MUMBAI: British rock band Coldplay’s upcoming tour of India has triggered a police investigation and dismayed fans after scalpers bought up cheap tickets to resell online for more than $1,000 apiece.

Thousands of music fans tried and failed to buy tickets for three concerts scheduled in financial hub Mumbai next January, sold by popular Indian online ticket portal BookMyShow.

All three shows sold out in minutes, and those who missed out were infuriated when they saw $70 (6,000-rupee) tickets appear on resale websites at vastly inflated prices.

“The tickets are being sold at 10 times, 20 times, 30 times the price that is being sold on the website itself,” student Anna Abraham, 19, told AFP.

“I wouldn’t feel good about it myself if I knew that I paid for something 30 times more than what I could have paid for.”

Local media reports said BookMyShow’s chief operating officer was questioned by police Monday after a complaint brought by Mumbai lawyer Amit Vyas, who claimed the vendor was working with “black marketeers” to make an extra windfall on ticket sales.

“I checked with nearly 100 people who I know are regulars at concerts, none of them had gotten a ticket,” Vyas said, according to the Indian Express newspaper.

“This made me suspicious. I then decided to approach the police as I knew that something was amiss.”

BookMyShow issued a statement after the public backlash began last week, saying it had “no association” with unauthorized ticket selling.

“Scalping and black marketing of tickets is strictly condemned and punishable by law in India and BookMyShow vehemently opposes this practice,” the company said.
Controversies surrounding tickets for major international musical or sporting events are not new.

US megastar Taylor Swift lashed out at Ticketmaster in 2022 following fan anger over sales to concerts staged for her globe-spanning ‘The Eras Tour’.

The debacle sparked debate over the Ticketmaster’s privileged position in the industry amid fan complaints of hidden fees, rampant ticket scalping and limited tickets due to presales.


Nojoud Al-Rumaihi stuns at Zimmermann’s Paris Fashion Week Show

Nojoud Al-Rumaihi stuns at Zimmermann’s Paris Fashion Week Show
Updated 01 October 2024
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Nojoud Al-Rumaihi stuns at Zimmermann’s Paris Fashion Week Show

Nojoud Al-Rumaihi stuns at Zimmermann’s Paris Fashion Week Show
  • Saudi influencer at show featuring spring/summer 2025 collection
  • Amira Al-Zuhair, Nora Attal were among top models on the runway

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia influencer and fashion consultant Nojoud Al-Rumaihi on Monday brought her signature style to Australian luxury fashion label Zimmermann’s runway show during Paris Fashion Week.

Al-Rumaihi arrived wearing a chunky-knit turtleneck sweater in a rich burnt orange, paired with a high-waisted leather midi skirt in a matching shade that featured functional pockets.

She completed the ensemble with brown pointed-toe ankle boots and carried a small, structured handbag in a deep red hue.

Al-Rumaihi arrived wearing a chunky-knit turtleneck sweater in a rich burnt orange, paired with a high-waisted leather midi skirt in a matching shade that featured functional pockets. (Getty Images)

Al-Rumaihi sat among the guests watching the models — which included Saudi French star Amira Al-Zuhair and British Moroccan model Nora Attal — walk the runway showcasing the brand’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection.

Al-Zuhair’s outfit featured a deep V-neck bodysuit in a rich, chocolate brown hue, paired with a voluminous, metallic organza skirt. The look was accessorized with a statement brown wide-brim hat and seashell necklaces, giving it a bohemian yet elegant style.

Attal wore a flowing, ruffled two-piece ensemble in soft, pastel tones of peach and cream. (Getty Images)

Attal wore a flowing, ruffled two-piece ensemble in soft, pastel tones of peach and cream. The top was cropped, with long, billowing sleeves and a halter neckline, while the matching skirt was tied at the waist and cascaded to the floor, adorned with layers of ruffles.

Meanwhile, French Algerian model Loli Bahia is making waves on the runway, recently gracing multiple shows at Paris Fashion Week, with her latest appearance being for the Japanese luxury fashion label Sacai on Monday.

Loli Bahia walked the runway for the Japanese luxury fashion label Sacai. (Getty Images)

She donned a black double-breasted mini dress featuring bold gold buttons and an embroidered emblem on the left side. The dress had exaggerated shoulder details, adding volume and a dramatic flair to the otherwise sleek silhouette.

Beneath the dress, she wore a crisp white blouse with an oversized bow at the neckline. She completed the outfit with knee-high black leather boots, which were accented with gold hardware.

She was joined by model Mona Tougaard, who has Danish, Turkish, Somali and Ethiopian ancestry.

Tougaard sported a sleek black mini dress with structured, slightly exaggerated shoulders. It featured minimal detailing, allowing the oversized white bow at the neckline to stand out as a bold focal point. The look was paired with knee-high black leather boots.


Dutch Moroccan DJ and producer R3hab promises Saudi gig

Dutch Moroccan DJ and producer R3hab promises Saudi gig
Updated 01 October 2024
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Dutch Moroccan DJ and producer R3hab promises Saudi gig

Dutch Moroccan DJ and producer R3hab promises Saudi gig

DUBAI: Dutch Moroccan DJ and record producer R3hab plans to return to Saudi Arabia before the end of the year, he told Arab News, hot on the heels of a busy six-month period during which he has hit the decks in Finland, China, Spain and beyond.

The DJ, who took to the stage at the E-Sports World Cup in Riyadh alongside Wiz Khalifa this summer, said in an interview with Arab News. “I’ve been to Riyadh many times, the energy of the city is unique. I really love performing in Saudi Arabia, the crowd energy is something else,” he said.

Asked if his Saudi fans will get to see him again soon, R3hab said: “All I can say is I’ll be back in Saudi before the end of the year and I can’t wait to play all the unreleased music I’ve been working on in the last months.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by R3HAB (@r3hab)

R3hab’s love story with the Kingdom does not end there. He shot a music video for his track “Run Till Dark” at the historic city of AlUla.

“The ‘Run Till Dark’ shoot was exceptional. AlUla has so much history and we shot in some amazing locations. One that I won’t forget is Gharameel — this is a stunning desert reserve with beautiful natural stone pillars unlike anywhere else in the world. We were lucky to be the first film featuring this incredible site,” he said.

Last month, R3hab released two singles, each a collaborative effort.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by R3HAB (@r3hab)

On his track “Gozalo” with Deorro, he said: “It’s been 10 years since Deorro and I produced our hit ‘Flashlight.’ We thought it’s time to get in the studio together again and combine his Latin influence with my energetic vision.”

And on his more recent release, “All Night,” a collaboration with Sophie and the Giants, he praised the artist’s vocal talent and shed light on the track’s pop influences.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by R3HAB (@r3hab)

“Sophie’s voice stands out and I wanted to work with her on a record since I heard ‘Hypnotized.’ ‘All Night’ is a party anthem to keep us all dancing towards the end of the summer, it has a retro influence with a dance-pop touch.”

The second half of the year has been as busy as the first for the jet-setting producer with appearances at Dreambeach Festival (Spain), WKND Festival (Finland), Unseen Festival (Thailand), Smukfest (Denmark), Ministry of Sound (UK), Mysteryland (The Netherlands), EDC China and the Mega DJ Festival (South Korea).

“Touring can get very intense, so I take special care to recover, exercise and eat well on tour. The motivation is simple — the people. Connecting with the crowd every time I go on stage is a very rewarding feeling and my main drive,” he said.


Chinese art exhibition highlights parallels with Arab culture

Exhibition exploring parallels between Chinese and Arab cultures has opened at Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art
Exhibition exploring parallels between Chinese and Arab cultures has opened at Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art
Updated 30 September 2024
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Chinese art exhibition highlights parallels with Arab culture

Exhibition exploring parallels between Chinese and Arab cultures has opened at Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Titled The Writings of Today Are a Promise for Tomorrow, the exhibition hosted by the Saudi Ministry of Culture’s Museums Commission features work from more than 30 artists
  • Curated by Martina Koppel Yang, the exhibition focuses on two elements shared by Arab and Chinese cultures: calligraphy and the garden

RIYADH: A new art exhibition exploring parallels between Chinese and Arab cultures has opened at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art.

Titled “The Writings of Today Are a Promise for Tomorrow,” the exhibition hosted by the Saudi Ministry of Culture’s Museums Commission features work from more than 30 artists.

Curated by Martina Koppel Yang, the exhibition focuses on two elements shared by Arab and Chinese cultures: calligraphy and the garden.

Both cultures regard calligraphy as a significant cultural and spiritual practice, elevating the written word beyond mere communication.

Ibrahim Al-Sanousi, acting CEO of the Museums Commission, emphasized the art museum’s role as a venue for temporary rotating exhibitions rather than a collecting museum. “We aim to integrate contemporary art into everyday life,” he said.

“This exhibition, focused on Chinese artists, is the beginning of a series of collaborations with countries worldwide, aimed at fostering cross-cultural dialogue and international exchange,” he told Arab News.

Artist Dexi Tian shared insights about his creative process, highlighting how he incorporates elements of Saudi culture into his work.

“I use discarded objects that I find during my explorations of the city and desert, reassembling them into new creations that reflect this culture,” he explained.

Wang Du, a Chinese artist residing in France, also spoke about his artwork, saying: “My work doesn’t have a direct connection to Chinese culture; instead, it addresses contemporary media and its impact on society.

“The sculpture you see is made from crumpled newspapers. It symbolizes how we consume news and information in our modern world. Each day, we receive a newspaper, only to crumple it up and toss it aside. This act reflects our habits — while we consume news, it also consumes us in return.”

Wang emphasized the notion of a “throwaway reality,” highlighting how easily we discard information. “Most news is fleeting, and this piece serves as a monument to that short-lived nature of news,” he explained.

The exhibition also explores the connection between the discipline of calligraphy and the natural order found in gardens. In both cultures, gardens are seen as representations of creation — spaces designed for beauty, spirituality, contemplation, and community.

“The Writings of Today Are a Promise for Tomorrow” also conveys aspirations for future dialogues and possibilities, addressing themes of energy flow and synergy. In this context, writing is viewed as a meaningful act of participation and communication.

The exhibition features a thoughtfully designed scenography by Studio GGSV, guiding visitors through thematic stages that explore the dynamics of presence and absence, action and contemplation, memory and imagination.

Visitors will have the chance to view pieces from prominent collections of contemporary Chinese art, such as the Donnersberg Collection and the Dslcollection, alongside site-specific works created in Saudi Arabia.

Notably, the exhibition includes works from French-Algerian artist Adel Abdessemed and Taiwanese artist Michael Lin, both of whom are exhibiting in Saudi Arabia for the first time.

“The Writings of Today Are a Promise for Tomorrow” highlights the ongoing evolution of contemporary art, reflecting cultural energy and bridging the past with the future, embodying the promise of what lies ahead.

The exhibition will run until Jan. 18, 2025, and tickets are available at https://webook.com/en/events/chinese-contemporary-art-exhibition.


Cultural Week in Greece showcases rich Saudi heritage

Cultural Week in Greece showcases rich Saudi heritage
Updated 30 September 2024
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Cultural Week in Greece showcases rich Saudi heritage

Cultural Week in Greece showcases rich Saudi heritage
  • Program included various events and cultural and artistic activities that showcased the rich Saudi culture across different creative industries
  • Libraries Commission showcased rare Arabic and Islamic manuscripts, demonstrating the beauty of Arabic calligraphy to visitors

MAKKAH: The Saudi Cultural Week was held from Sept. 27 to Oct. 1 in the Greek capital, Athens by the Ministry of Culture to familiarize visitors with Saudi traditions and customs.

The program included various events and cultural and artistic activities that showcased the rich Saudi culture across different creative industries.

Abdulrahman Almutawa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Culture, told Arab News that the Culinary Arts Commission also participated to introduce traditional Saudi dishes and Saudi coffee to visitors, highlighting the authenticity and hospitality of the Saudi community.

The participation aimed to introduce Saudi culture and heritage to the international community.

The Libraries Commission showcased rare Arabic and Islamic manuscripts, demonstrating the beauty of Arabic calligraphy to visitors.  

Its participation was in cooperation with the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy Initiative, with Saudi calligraphers showcasing their creativity in calligraphy and inscriptions that reflect the beauty of the art form.

The Fashion Commission displayed traditional Saudi clothes, presented an exhibition that reflected the creativity of Saudi designers in fashion, introduced Saudi fashion and its diverse aesthetics, and screened Saudi short films.

The Music Commission presented performances by Saudi musicians using traditional musical instruments, while the Theater and Performing Arts Commission featured various traditional performances from different regions of the Kingdom.

The Heritage Commission set up an archeological tent for visitors to learn about Saudi cultural heritage, treasures, and prominent traditional games in the Kingdom. 

The Culinary Arts Commission provided a live cooking demonstration to prepare the Kingdom's most famous traditional dishes, featuring Saudi food products.

Almutawa indicated that a pavilion was dedicated to the Year of the Camel initiative, which aimed to highlight the importance of camels and introduce visitors to their historical and cultural role in Arab and Saudi heritage.