Published: Mon 12 Nov 2018, 8:09 PM
Updated: Mon 12 Nov 2018, 10:15 PM
More than 20,000 visitors will be making their way to the Capital this week for the special 10th edition of Abu Dhabi Art.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Abu Dhabi Art will open to the public from November 14-17 in Manarat Al Saadiyat.
Ahead of the much-anticipated event, which kicks off on Wednesday, the media were given a tour of the Abu Dhabi Art on Monday.
Saif Saeed Ghobash, undersecretary at the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT), said that a variety of new pieces of art will be showcased this year.
"These 10 years of Abu Dhabi Art is a glimpse of the development of art in the UAE Capital," he added.
Ghobash highlighted that art helps to build bridges between people, societies and even countries, adding: "It can translate the symbol of tolerance."
Dyala Nusseibeh, director of Abu Dhabi Art, said that over the last 10 years, Abu Dhabi Art has evolved into an innovative fair showcasing some of the world's most exhibiting established and emerging artists.
"We have seen private collector sales increase significantly, thanks to the long-term commitment of our returning galleries. We look forward to welcoming new participants and connecting them with these dynamic changes, too."
The director added that the fair has expanded from an annual exhibition to a permanent platform, which offers a year-long programming.
"This is a testament to the vibrant growth of the thriving creative community in the UAE that Abu Dhabi Art serves and to the global form that the fair has fast become."
Highlights of the fair
The Abu Dhabi Art event expands beyond the notion of a traditional art fair, in placing strong emphasis on a diverse public engagement programme, including art installations and unique exhibitions.
It will feature 43 local, regional and international galleries, including established and emerging artists, from 19 countries across Europe, Asia, Norther America and the Middle East.
Galleries returning to the event this year include ATHR, Ceysson and Benetière, Galleria Continua, Giorgio Person, and Hanart TZ Gallery.
New participants include Galerie Mitterand, Galerie Isa and Plutschow Gallery.
Curator Dr Omar Kholeif will dedicate a section dubbed Focus: Icons, which reveals the key voices that have not only shaped and influenced contemporary art over the last five decades, but also those who are setting precedents, and paving the way for future generations of artists through their diverse set of practices.
This year's mega event will also see Special Projects exhibiting category, which encourages participating galleries to focus on a curated presentation of either a single artist or two artists.
Stimulating cultural talks this year will focus on the circulation of art and the global and local perspectives on new art market economies, which will be curated by Nada Shabout and Salwa Mikdadi.
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com