A chat with Art Dubai's Myrna Ayad

Top Stories

A chat with Art Dubais Myrna Ayad

Published: Mon 19 Mar 2018, 3:09 PM

Last updated: Wed 21 Mar 2018, 3:16 PM

The 12th edition of Art Dubai opens tomorrow (with a special preview being held today for 'patrons') and ends on Saturday, March 24. This is the largest art fair in the region - there are 105 galleries from 48 countries taking part. Diversity has always been key to Art Dubai - in terms of prices (from affordable to extravagant) as well as its global reach. The woman behind Art Dubai is Myrna Ayad. She is the Fair Director and this is her second year at the helm of Art Dubai. The fair's growth and stability, now for over 11 years, has ensured that it is seen as one of art's most important global events, but  keeping things dynamic can be a challenge with the fair becoming a regular annual event. Here are Myrna's tips on how to make the most of Art Dubai.
 
What makes Art Dubai a must-attend event?
It is the largest exhibition of modern and contemporary art in the MENASA. Art Dubai gathers the most fascinating and inspiring minds in the creative sectors. There is more to see and experience that goes beyond the gallery halls. It is visually and intellectually stimulating. It serves as a mandate for Dubai. So, let's support this city.

What makes Art Dubai stand out from other global art fairs?
It is an art fair born in Dubai and representing the world. It is the most globally diverse fair and is the pre-eminent platform to discover and engage with art from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia. It's also got satellite programming that is extraordinarily diverse and augments the fair model by offering audiences multiple events and activities for everyone.

What are the must visits at Art Dubai 2018?
Make sure to visit Residents, our new section at the fair that has 11 artists from around the world exhibit work that they have produced during their 4-8 week residency in the UAE prior to the fair. Do go to That Feverish Leap into the Fierceness of Life, a museum-quality show that looks to modernist schools in five Arab cities (Baghdad, Cairo, Khartoum, Riyadh and Casablanca) over 50 years. It is curated by Sam Bardaouil and Till Fellrath and supported by the Misk Art Institute. Attend sessions at the Modern Symposium where great minds will come together to discuss the lives and legacies of modernist masters in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. Also explore how much robots will impact our lives in the years to come through the Global Art Forum's sessions under the title, I am not a Robot. Do remember to pace yourself as you walk through the galleries and greet 48 countries that they are coming from. And most importantly, enjoy it!
Interesting facts about Art Dubai

. 105 galleries from all over the world will be exhibiting at Art Dubai 2018.
.  This year's fair will house galleries from 48 countries.
. The fair is split into three gallery sections: Contemporary, Modern and Residents
. There is a special non-selling exhibition at the 'Modern' hall which surveys modernist practices in five Arab cities over five decades.
. 11 artists from all over the world travelled to Dubai in mid-February to complete an artist's residency, producing works which will be displayed in Art Dubai's newly launched Residents section.
. The winner of 10th edition of the Abraaj Group Art Prize, Lawrence Abu Hamdan will be felicitated and handed over a prize of $100,000.
Art Dubai 2018 details
While Art Dubai is taking place at the Madinat Jumeirah from March 21-24, the entire city will come alive with art. For example, restaurants like La Petite Masion will be displaying the work of celebrated American artist Jeff Koons. Christie's will be holding an auction of Modern and Contemporary Art and Important Watches.
Day tickets (valid for one day only) will cost Dhs60 if purchased online, Dhs90 if purchased on site. Three-day tickets will cost Dhs100 if purchased online and Dhs150 if purchased on site. For more details, visit www.artdubai.ae
sujata@khaleejtimes.com

By Sujata Assomull

  • Follow us on
  • google-news
  • whatsapp
  • telegram

More news from