Art for our sake

So, I have decided to give fashion a skip this week, and write about a new passion of mine - art. It's something I have started appreciating lately, though I would not call myself an expert. This is why I enjoy going to fairs, they are the best places to soak in art. As Art Dubai starts in a few days, you will find me camped there. Now in its 12th year, Art Dubai is the leading art event of this region. Usually, a few friends from India, who actually know their art, travel to Dubai for the grand event. This year, many have decided to give it a miss. To quote one of them, "There is a lack of energy both in terms of the art and vibe." She feels that with there now being so many art fairs in the region - be it Bahrain or Sharjah - Dubai needs to re-examine what it could do to stand out. She is off to Art Basel Hong Kong instead, which takes place towards the end of the month.
Given that I am a learner at this stage, Art Dubai works for me. This year, 105 galleries from 48 countries will participate, so prepare to see the best of global art. Recently, I got excited when an art editor informed me that I was right in looking at Art Dubai as a great place for picking up contemporary pieces that are also well-priced. But, of course, buying art, even if it's not a masterpiece, is an investment, so you ought to do your homework. Preparation is key. I have a Dubai-based friend who is an avid collector; she will be my companion for the pre-opening party, which is this Tuesday evening (Art Dubai officially opens on Wednesday). The same day, she is attending a Julius Baer lunch, which is a private affair and where they run through the highlights of the fair, listing out the good buys so that by the pre-opening, you're "in the know". Personally, the pre-opening is when I usually find out what I really like.
This, in a nutshell, is the golden rule: to figure out what you really like. A collection should have a feel to it, and if you just buy pieces thinking of them as investments, you will end up stacking art that, when put together, has no meaning. Art, while it surely is an investment at the end of the day, cannot be treated as stocks and shares. There has to be a connect. For instance, I like non-traditional works that use mixed media, textile in particular (stems from my love for fashion, I guess). Also, I relate better to pieces from India.
Art Dubai is on till March 24. If this is your first visit to the fair, I would suggest you understand the layout first and do not try to see everything at the first go. The event is taking place at Madinat Jumeirah, so there are plenty of places where you can take quick coffee breaks. Always make at least two trips; I'll go on my own the day after the pre-opening to check out the art. Lastly, don't be afraid to address any queries you may have to gallery owners, friends who know their art or even someone from the Art Dubai team - you will be surprised how helpful they are.
(For more information, go to www.artdubai.ae)
sujata@khaleejtimes.com

• Dress sense