Art mart

WITH THE proliferation of artistic, cultural and educational centres in the nation’s capital, the upcoming modern and contemporary art fair artparis-AbuDhabi will be one of the most important events of its kind in the UAE, and the region.

The four day event, which takes place from November 27-29 at the Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, is being held under the patronage of Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. artparis-AbuDhabi is being organised in partnership with Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) and Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC).

In the words of Shaikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) and Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH): "artparis-AbuDhabi is an important component of our wider cultural and economic developments in Abu Dhabi, which also include the Cultural District of Saadiyat Island and its museums, art academies, art centres and creative industry clusters. Through these initiatives, we aim to bring culture and the arts closer to education and public life and to position creativity as an active driver in our human, economic and industrial development."

"We chose to have an art fair in Abu Dhabi because it naturally links the artistic and financial sectors in a mutually beneficial alliance, thus bringing the synergy that we wish for between culture and economy, and between human and urban development," he added.

"Artparis-AbuDhabi aims to create an atmosphere of cultural understanding and a meeting and exchange place for artists and art lovers," said Caroline Clough-Lacoste, the fair Director. "It is an excellent opportunity to expose their artists to an international audience. Their art works will be on sale and are expected to draw in a large audience of enthusiasts and art lovers from the region."

With over 700 artists participating at artparis-AbuDhabi and 47 galleries, from 17 different countries, including Asia and MEA, the range of modern and contemporary art is as wide as it is diverse. While painting is the dominant form on display, photography and sculpture will be also be exhibited to emphasize the varying trends in art over the last century.

The special programme developed around the art fair aims to foster local knowledge about, and sensitivity and appreciation for the visual arts.

In parallel with the fair, Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage will present an exhibition, organised by Lebanese art specialist Amal Traboulsi, showcasing artists from the Arab world. The exhibition will focus on the theme of "Signs and Calligraphy", which are particular to traditional forms of art that have emerged from the Middle East and North Africa.

Another highlight of ArtParis-Abu Dhabi will be an exhibition of the latest creations of Pleyel pianos. Pleyel is the sole manufacturer of pianos in France and the oldest in the world.