Global view of art

Artworks selected by renowned curators is all set to get underway in Abu Dhabi

Five renowned curators from around the globe will participate in Abu Dhabi Art 2016, scheduled to run from November 16-19 at Manarat Al Saadiyat in the UAE capital. The four-day programme is expected to be packed with innovative exhibitions, talks and performances.
For the eighth edition, Abu Dhabi Art is introducing a new and innovative vision with a curated exhibition titled 'Gateway', which will present modern and contemporary artists and artworks that are displayed by leading commercial galleries.
'Gateway' will showcase art to the highest standards of selection and display. "Abu Dhabi Art has established itself as a highlight of the art calendar, bringing together a selection of successful ongoing initiatives," said Rita Aoun-Abdo, Executive Director, Culture Sector, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority. "This edition will present a unique curatorial programme, transforming the concept of Abu Dhabi Art to a place of discovery and discourse, reflecting the exceptional calibre of contemporary cultural practice for which Abu Dhabi Art is renowned for. The curated series of exhibitions and programme will bring diverse perspectives on global trends to an inspiring schedule of cultural engagement."
Each edition of Abu Dhabi Art brings together experts from Louvre Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and international arts institutions. The art fair sector exhibits exceptional modern and contemporary artworks for sale from leading commercial galleries from around the world.
Part of 'Gateway' will present a large-scale installation by the influential Beijing artist Gu Dexin, and curated by Alexandra Munroe, Samsung Senior Curator, Asian Art and Senior Advisor, Global Arts at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation. Gu's installations, often using organic material left to deform over time, compel viewers to encounter the raw matter of life and decay.
An exhibition on Modern Arab art also included in 'Gateway' will be curated by Catherine David, Deputy Director of the National Museum of Modern Art (Musée National d'Art Moderne) at Paris' Centre Georges Pompidou.
Abu Dhabi Art will also present '(Re) Birth', a thematic group exhibition including emerging and established artists from diverse times and geographies, curated by artistic director and long-term Abu Dhabi Art collaborator Fabrice Bousteau.
As part of the public programme, 'Durub Al Tawaya', a multi-disciplinary platform for performing arts, curated by Tarek Abou El Fetouh, will bring together a slew of artists with diverse perspectives.
Now in its fourth edition as a signature element of Abu Dhabi Art, 'Durub Al Tawaya' will reach beyond Manarat Al Saadiyat to engage with the city and people of Abu Dhabi through public performances and artistic engagements. 
Anna Rispoli's light engagement on the Corniche is going to be another highlight of the event. It includes a participatory performance that interacts with the community and residents from the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
- supplements@khaleejtimes.com