A robust presence on social media and a small (but critical) entrance fee were some of the many improvements at the second edition of World Art Dubai, which closed over the weekend.
The annual show has a simple mandate – to present art ranging from US$100 to $10,000 (Dh367 to Dh36,731) – widely considered to be an affordable range. But in order for it to work, it must function as an art fair, not as a trade show.
One stand-out difference this year was the effort paid to the non-commercial section, highlighted by the many pieces of installation art that was put up only for display.
Enticing visitors at the entrance at the World Trade Centre was Emirati artist Maisoon Al Saleh's cuboid sculpture titled A Dice of Fortune, alongside Jeff Scofield's wall-mounted The City by The Sea – a series of glass jars filled with shells found on Dubai's beaches.
Inside, the hall was filled with booths from all over the world, representing not only galleries but individuals, thus allowing art enthusiasts to discover emerging talent.
“I came as a visitor last year and I really wanted to return,” says Nasima Bibi, a young artist from London who had a stall dedicated to her surrealist work. “I am not represented by a gallery and this is the first time I have ever exhibited my work. I am grateful to have the chance.”
Daniel Marin, a Spanish-German artist who travels the world with his abstract paintings, says that this was his first time in the UAE and he was drawn to World Art Dubai “because of the improving market in the Middle East”.
Several galleries from Korea and Japan made a lasting impression at the fair. Seoul-based galleries In and Out and Banana Long had interesting, well-curated booths with a variety of works capturing contemporary Korean styles.
“We were very curious about the art scene in Dubai,” says Moonju Kang, director of Banana Long gallery. “It is a very international city with a growing art market and we came to see what people like to buy.”
Local gallery owners benefited, too. Julie-Anne Servant, from Dubai’s The Empty Quarter Gallery, was on a scouting mission.
“I am here to look for new artists and galleries to collaborate with and so far I have been impressed with what I have seen,” she says. “I have found several strong galleries from Asia and some promising photography as well as art in general. I think it is a good event.”
• Visit www.worldartdubai.com for more information
aseaman@thenational.ae
