If you’re an art connoisseur or a budding one, gear up for one of the biggest art seasons in the Middle East (and the world!). Dubai is set to offer an exciting perspective on the rich cultural heritage and contemporary art practices of the region as well as internationally. Here’s what’s in store for you:
World Art Dubai
The region’s largest affordable retail art fair, World Art Dubai returns for its 8th edition in 2022. Bringing more than 4,000 works from over 300 international galleries and artists, you will find a wide audience of art enthusiasts, collectors, connoisseurs, and first-time buyers. Explore the exhibition and enjoy a variety of art styles, from street art to Arabic calligraphy. The four-day event from 16th to 19th March will offer activities for every art enthusiast, including practical workshops, talks, art consultancy, auctions, live performances, and an inaugural NFT art gallery.
Art Dubai
One of the major attractions of the art season in the city, Art Dubai which returns with its 15th edition to Madinat Jumeirah from 11th to 13th March. The three-day event will display artworks from across the region and the globe, with a particular focus on Africa, Latin America, and Southeast and Central Asia. Some of the exhibitions you can look forward to being:
Contemporary Art
The Contemporary Art section at Art Dubai features artists and galleries from around the globe. The fair gives a platform to emerging artists as well as established names alike, giving them a global stage to showcase their work. In 2022, Art Dubai Contemporary will feature 77 galleries from 33 countries. The fair will also welcome 15 first-time exhibitors, showcasing a varied mix of art and artists that reflect the multicultural identity of the city. Explore the gallery list here.
Modern Art
During its annual showcase, Art Dubai features artworks by Master of Modern Art in the MENASA (Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia) region. Curated by Sam Bardaouil and Till Fellarth, Founders and Directors of Art Reoriented and Directors of the Hamburger Bahnhof, Berlin, the showcase features exceptional 20th-century artists breaking new barriers with their work. This year, Art Dubai Modern will return with a showcase of 10 presentations, and each participating gallery will showcase works by one leading modernist artist. Explore the gallery list here.
Bawwaba
In Arabic, the word ‘Bawaaba’ means gateway. Curated by Nancy Adajania, cultural theorist and independent curator, the Bawaaba showcase for Art Dubai serves as a portal to discover new art created over the past year or specifically for the fair. This offers the visitors a curated viewing of current and relevant artistic developments across The Global South. In 2022, the section will feature solo presentations, including artists from Angola, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Peru, including others. Explore the gallery list here.
Art Dubai Digital
Owing to the growing popularity of digital art, this year, Art Dubai will debut a new section. Called ‘Art Dubai Digital’, this new section will feature several international platforms working with NFTs and will be curated by cultural researcher Chris Fussner, from the Tropical Futures Institute. This includes contemporary galleries with new media and digital art projects, galleries that have been working with digital art since the 1980s, and NFT e-commerce sites and organizations that are turning existing physical art into NFTs. Explore the gallery list here.
Infinity des Lumières
Engage yourself in the immersive digital art world of Infinity des Lumières. Located at the Dubai Mall, this art haven currently features works by Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Hokusai’s Dreamed Japan, and Verse by Thomas Vanz. The art centre has recently opened a new space-themed exhibition called Destination Cosmos: The Ultimate Challenge, a tribute to the UAE’s recent achievements in space exploration. Surround yourself with a fusion of light, movement, and sound, and don’t miss out on the musical demonstration where cosmic movements and beauty align with orchestral tunes.
Alserkal Art Week
Celebrate the contemporary art scene in Dubai with some of the most prominent experimental artists at the Arserkal Art Week from 3rd to 13th March. The eleven-day long event at the Alserkal Avenue promises 20+ exhibitions including the city’s first ambisonic sound exhibition. You can indulge in some fun workshops available for visitors of all ages, create your very own artwork, and enjoy a day of inspiration for the whole family at the creative district.
Art Tour at Hotel Indigo
If you wish to stay closer to the art scene, make your reservations at the art boutique Hotel Indigo. Located in Downtown Dubai, the hotel is known for its eclectic art collections, bespoke furniture, and renowned art tours. Throughout the hotel, you will find over 200 pieces of artwork commissioned from Emirati, local and international artists. Take a journey down memory lane with the latest collection of self-taught Emirati artist Badr Abbas currently on display at the hotel till 31st March. You can sign up to book a guided tour of this specially curated collection called ‘Hobbies of Yesterday’ and prepare to be mesmerized by the brilliant tale of nostalgia.
Book your tickets and get ready to witness a season of art extravaganza in Dubai!
