Art Dubai 2024's diverse offering this year ranges in style, medium and geography.
Now in its 17th year and held at Madinat Jumeirah from Friday to Sunday, the fair features 120 galleries from more than 40 countries, where art enthusiasts can wander and get their fix of every kind of artwork imaginable.
From the abstract to the figurative and the digital and the modern, there’s plenty of incredible work to check out. Not sure where to start? The National has curated a list of our favourite art pieces that you must see.
Charm Anklet by Summer Wheat – Contemporary Section
Summer Wheat’s vibrant work is certainly eye-catching.
At first glance, the US artist's large-scale works – Charm Anklet and Claws at the Zidoun-Bossuyt Gallery booth – instantly attract the viewer to her expressive forms and colour combination.
The works initially appear to be colossal embroidered pieces, when in fact Wheat uses a particular technique to create this tactile effect.
She applies acrylic paint at the back of the painting, which she pushes through the grooves of the canvas, slowly and precisely, with the paint taking the form of its surface.
Mirror of the Mind series by Krista Kim – Digital Section
The work of acclaimed digital artist Krista Kim is mesmerising and harks back to her desire to create experiential, meditative moments for the viewer.
Displayed in the digital section of the festival, the series entitled Mirror of the Mind v.3, v.7 and v.8 shows jewelled globes on screens, combining Kim’s technical skill with her interest in light and colour.
She is one of the few artists who present digital work in a way that doesn’t feel as though it's on the screen, but connects with the viewer through its colour and composition as a traditional artwork would.
Bon Appetit III by Carlos Aires – Contemporary Section
Bon Appetit III by Carlos Aires (2021) consists of porcelain glazed plates, forex and magnets. Displayed in Zilberman Gallery from Istanbul, the work is beautifully presented and comments on several familial, historical and domestic themes.
The piece also showcases an innovative combination of traditional representations of print and drawing on coveted material such as porcelain in a contemporary way.
Man & Mountain No. 3 by Hassan Sharif – Dubai Collection
Man & Mountain No. 3 by the renowned Emirati artist and writer Hassan Sharif is part of the Encounters exhibition presented by Dubai Collection. This year, it displays diverse work from UAE artists across several generations, genres and styles.
This work is a striking example of his command over large-scale canvasses, masterfully creating atmosphere through composition, colour schemes and gesture.
Sharif was one of the few Arab artists who rejected calligraphic abstraction, being more interested in a contemporary and experimental approach.
Thickets XXI by Sandra Strele – Contemporary Section
This unconventionally shaped painting by Sandra Strele is made with acrylic, water-based paint and pigments on canvas.
Thickets XXI is from her series entitled Exhibitions That Never Happened, which suggests the concepts of pieces that were either never meant to exist or an exhibition that never took place.
Strele’s style is interesting in that she references many other artistic practices and influences such as the work of David Hockney, while adding her own distinct voice.
Mother and Child II by Chandraguptha Thenuwara – Modern Section
Renowned Sri Lankan artist Chandraguptha Thenuwara’s Mother and Child is an emotive portrait of a traditional theme, executed in his own distinct style.
Displayed by Saskia Fernando Gallery in the Modern section of the fair, the painting draws on a number of symbolic motifs like barrels, barricades, lotuses, guns, soldiers and conceptual figures that are camouflaged in the background, commenting on the state of Sri Lanka’s history and society.
Sculptures by Alia Hussain Lootah – Contemporary Section
Emirati artist Alia Hussain Lootah’s delicate but substantial sculptures are a must-see.
Playing with a number of contrasting concepts, from the soft and hard, to the industrial and organic, along with weight and materiality, Lootah's sculptures are considered and wonderfully presented to the viewer.
Untitled by Marcos Grigorian – Modern Section
This is an incredibly powerful work by Iranian-Armenian artist Marcos Grigorian.
Like much of his work, Untitled uses organic materials such as hay, straw, sand, soil and clay to create harmonious geometric compositions.
Grigorian is known for his exploration of themes such as the Holocaust, land art, and the human condition.
Ur-schrift ovvero Avant-testo by Irma Blank – Contemporary Section
Based on a printed text that she transcribed in ink, Ur-schrift ovvero Avant-testo by Irma Blank is an intimate work that showcases her meticulous and masterful craft as an artist.
She has always aimed to create work that is universal and, in essence, draws language without using words while connecting with the viewer on some level.
Don't Pull My Hair by Afra Al Dhaheri – Dubai Collection
Emirati conceptual artist Afra Al Dhaheri's sculpture invites people to have a moment of stillness as they observe the materiality and her composition.
Entitled, Don’t Pull My Hair, the sculpture – and a large body of Al Dhaheri’s work – are influenced by the concept and symbolism of hair from a personal, regional and universal perspective.
Andachtsbild #716 by Christian Eckart – Contemporary Section
Christian Eckart’s Andachtsbild #716 painting is part of a series that explored Andachtsbilder – a German term used to describe Christian devotional images used as aids for prayer.
However, they were often commissioned by the merchant class in the 18th century and are seen as the roots of what we now refer to as the concept of capitalism.
Eckart takes these themes that intersect between art, commerce and religion and reframes them in a contemporary context while still referencing the 18th-century art movement through the use of gold and framing.
Art Dubai 2024 will take place at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, from Friday to Sunday. More information is available at www.artdubai.ae
A Long Way Home by Peter Carey
Faber & Faber
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Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
MATCH INFO
RB Leipzig 2 (Klostermann 24', Schick 68')
Hertha Berlin 2 (Grujic 9', Piatek 82' pen)
Man of the match Matheus Cunha (Hertha Berlin
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
How to come clean about financial infidelity
- Be honest and transparent: It is always better to own up than be found out. Tell your partner everything they want to know. Show remorse. Inform them of the extent of the situation so they know what they are dealing with.
- Work on yourself: Be honest with yourself and your partner and figure out why you did it. Don’t be ashamed to ask for professional help.
- Give it time: Like any breach of trust, it requires time to rebuild. So be consistent, communicate often and be patient with your partner and yourself.
- Discuss your financial situation regularly: Ensure your spouse is involved in financial matters and decisions. Your ability to consistently follow through with what you say you are going to do when it comes to money can make all the difference in your partner’s willingness to trust you again.
- Work on a plan to resolve the problem together: If there is a lot of debt, for example, create a budget and financial plan together and ensure your partner is fully informed, involved and supported.
Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
How being social media savvy can improve your well being
Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.
As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.
Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.
Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.
Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.
However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.
“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.
People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.
MADAME%20WEB
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The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
Traits of Chinese zodiac animals
Tiger:independent, successful, volatile
Rat:witty, creative, charming
Ox:diligent, perseverent, conservative
Rabbit:gracious, considerate, sensitive
Dragon:prosperous, brave, rash
Snake:calm, thoughtful, stubborn
Horse:faithful, energetic, carefree
Sheep:easy-going, peacemaker, curious
Monkey:family-orientated, clever, playful
Rooster:honest, confident, pompous
Dog:loyal, kind, perfectionist
Boar:loving, tolerant, indulgent
PROFILE OF HALAN
Started: November 2017
Founders: Mounir Nakhla, Ahmed Mohsen and Mohamed Aboulnaga
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: transport and logistics
Size: 150 employees
Investment: approximately $8 million
Investors include: Singapore’s Battery Road Digital Holdings, Egypt’s Algebra Ventures, Uber co-founder and former CTO Oscar Salazar
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km
Price: Dh133,900
On sale: now
Seven tips from Emirates NBD
1. Never respond to e-mails, calls or messages asking for account, card or internet banking details
2. Never store a card PIN (personal identification number) in your mobile or in your wallet
3. Ensure online shopping websites are secure and verified before providing card details
4. Change passwords periodically as a precautionary measure
5. Never share authentication data such as passwords, card PINs and OTPs (one-time passwords) with third parties
6. Track bank notifications regarding transaction discrepancies
7. Report lost or stolen debit and credit cards immediately
Zayed Sustainability Prize
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House-hunting
Top 10 locations for inquiries from US house hunters, according to Rightmove
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Westminster, London
- Camden, London
- Glasgow, Scotland
- Islington, London
- Kensington and Chelsea, London
- Highlands, Scotland
- Argyll and Bute, Scotland
- Fife, Scotland
- Tower Hamlets, London
The alternatives
• Founded in 2014, Telr is a payment aggregator and gateway with an office in Silicon Oasis. It’s e-commerce entry plan costs Dh349 monthly (plus VAT). QR codes direct customers to an online payment page and merchants can generate payments through messaging apps.
• Business Bay’s Pallapay claims 40,000-plus active merchants who can invoice customers and receive payment by card. Fees range from 1.99 per cent plus Dh1 per transaction depending on payment method and location, such as online or via UAE mobile.
• Tap started in May 2013 in Kuwait, allowing Middle East businesses to bill, accept, receive and make payments online “easier, faster and smoother” via goSell and goCollect. It supports more than 10,000 merchants. Monthly fees range from US$65-100, plus card charges of 2.75-3.75 per cent and Dh1.2 per sale.
• 2checkout’s “all-in-one payment gateway and merchant account” accepts payments in 200-plus markets for 2.4-3.9 per cent, plus a Dh1.2-Dh1.8 currency conversion charge. The US provider processes online shop and mobile transactions and has 17,000-plus active digital commerce users.
• PayPal is probably the best-known online goods payment method - usually used for eBay purchases - but can be used to receive funds, providing everyone’s signed up. Costs from 2.9 per cent plus Dh1.2 per transaction.
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
