An affordable collection of contemporary artworks comprising paintings, prints, photography, sculptures, mixed media and installations at the second edition of World Art Dubai, which will open tomorrow (April 6) at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

 

The four-day event will also feature music performances, prominent talks and interactive workshops delivered by international speakers, all created to make the art world more accessible to everone.

 

It will reduce the pricing gap in the contemporary art sphere between the UAE and other countries.

 

Trixie LohMirmand, senior vice president, Exhibitions and Events Management, DWTC, said: “Market figures indicate that there is a gap in the UAE for an event of this nature, which opens up the world of art to everyone and encourages people from all walks of life to visit the fair and learn about starting their art collection and how to best invest in beautiful pieces of art. We’ve grown significantly from the inaugural edition and this year, World Art Dubai will present more than 3,000 pieces of artwork with the median price at $4,950.”

 

Underlining its commitment to deliver a truly global art fair in the heart of the Middle East, the organisers have gathered 140 international galleries, representing more than 300 artists from 30 different countries to offer visitors a unique opportunity to engage with artists and to make their first art purchases. 

 

The showcased pieces of work, assessed during a rigorous selection process by the show’s Advisory Committee, comprising of curators, directors and art experts, will range from US$100 to US$10,000.

 

“World Art Dubai challenges the settled art scene and while we feature prominent international galleries from all continents, we also want to promote emerging talents and provide them with the opportunity to perform in front of a bigger audience,” said LohMirmand.

 

In line with this vision, the fair has entered into partnership with the International Emerging Artist Award (IEAA) to present the winners' work at the fair and give its visitors an exclusive chance to learn the new trends in contemporary art as well as an exceptional opportunity to acquire art that may prove to be a substantial investment in the future.

 

Rebia Naim, director of International Emerging Artist Award and a member of World Art Dubai Advisory Committee, said: “The mission of the award is to uncover the up-and-coming Emirati and international artists and the fair provides the perfect exposure to recognise the achievement of our laureates.”

 

Shortlisted by the International Emerging Artist Award for her painting ‘Pomegranate,’ Petra Kaltenbach, a German artist and Dubai resident, will showcase her innovative work based on linking paintings with art videos via a QR code.

 

Exhibiting for the first time at the show is Studio3 Art Gallery from India, showcasing art pieces of South-East Asian artists Phan Thu Trang, Vietnam, and Dominic Rubio, Philippines, whose innovative approaches to texture and composition earned them international recognition at Art Expo New York, US and several auction houses, such as Sotheby’s and Masterpiece, respectively.

 

The exhibitors from Europe and the United States will also likely be popular among the public. Peter Klasen’s Tesla Art Car will be presented by Galerie Mecanica from France, and Gallerique from the USA will exhibit intricate wooden sculptures from New Zealand as well as some never-before-seen underwater photography from Dutch artist Gisele Lubsen.

 

The Interactive Graffiti Art & Canon Activity Wall is another new feature at the show, hosted by Canon - World Art Dubai’s Official Imaging Partner. 

 

The interactive wall will provide the audience with the opportunity for a creation of virtual graffiti using a specially designed spray to make their own vibrant and colourful work of art.  

 

Running alongside the show will be a series of free, engaging and inspiring workshops and talks from international artists, curators, and academics, delivering presentations on topics ranging from tips for first-time art buyers to an overview of the nuances and dynamics of the global and local art market.

 

Another new remarkable feature, a seven-feet tall installation called ‘Tree of life art’ from Sharon White, a UK-based artist, will welcome World Art Dubai’s visitor in the registration area. 

 

The artwork, dedicated to women suffering from breast cancer, is made of lace, bows, gems and silk fabric from clothes of UK celebrities: Lorraine Kelly, Tess Daly, Kirstie Allsopp, Holly Willoughby, Davina McCall and Denise Welch who, alongside 50 other contributors, all autographed the art piece. - TradeArabia News Service