Abu Dhabi Art, organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has concluded its 14th edition with a record number of visitors.
The 2022 fair featured its largest and most diverse gallery line-up to date, with 80 galleries from 28 countries presenting more than 900 artworks by 300 artists from around the globe – including 33 new galleries joining from Cuba, Colombia, France, Tunisia, Italy, Nigeria, South Korea, Italy, Morocco, Turkey, the UAE and beyond.
Entry to this year’s fair was complimentary thanks to co-lead sponsor Charles Zuber.
HE Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, said:
Abu Dhabi Art is a longstanding and vital element of the emirate’s cultural scene, each year contributing to Abu Dhabi’s growing influence in global art market conversations. Its continued success and significant growth year-on-year are proof of the local and regional appetite for contemporary art and challenging creative programming. Initiatives such as this are integral to our vision to offer events and experiences that excite and inspire both residents and visitors to the emirate, as we transform Abu Dhabi into a unique cultural and tourism destination unlike any other.
Some of the fair’s multi-site programming, held across Abu Dhabi emirate, will remain on view to the public until 22 January 2023. This includes:
- My Life in the Metaverse – The fair’s 2022 Gateway exhibition, curated by Dr. Omar Kholeif, will remain on display at Manarat Al Saadiyat, featuring works by internationally renowned artists including Sophia Al Maria, Cory Arcangel, Cream Projects, Simon Denny, Celia Hempton, Paul Heyer, Haroon Mirza, Farhad Moshiri, Trevor Paglen, Nam June Paik, Heather Phillipson and Andy Warhol.
- Beyond: Emerging Artists – New commissioned works by UAE-based emerging artists Majd Alloush, Sarah Al Mehairi and Mohamed Khalid are on display at Manarat Al Saadiyat.
- Artist Commissions in Cultural Sites – Installations by Abdullah Al Saadi, Shilpa Gupta and Conrad Shawcross will remain on view in Al Ain at Al Jahili Fort and Al Ain Oasis; Marinella Senatore’s light installation will be on view until 22 January 2023.
- The exhibition Afloat Over Undulations will be on show until 31 January 2023 at Manarat Al Saadiyat’s Photography Studio. It presents the concluding artworks of a prominent figure in global Modern art history, the late Farideh Lashai (1944-2014), with six video installations curated by Saam Samiee.
- Other ongoing Abu Dhabi Art programmes happening in November and December 2022 include the Oasis Pinwheel workshop, inspired by artist Conrad Shawcross’ commissioned artwork Patterns of Absence. The Pinwheel workshop will take place on Saturday 17 December and Sunday 18 December, from 3-5pm at Al Ain Oasis; free of charge. Places are limited and will be awarded on first come, first served basis.
Highlights from the 14th Abu Dhabi Art fair include:
- Focus gallery section, under the theme New Tomorrows, curated by art historian, Professor of Philosophy and curator Rachida Triki, spotlighting galleries and artists from North Africa and exploring the artistic evolution of the region.
- Galleries and artists section from Türkiye, curated by gallerist Jade Yeşim Turanlı
- Journalist Riccarda Mandrini brought together galleries from around the world with diverse programmes
- CookBook Abu Dhabi, a culinary art experience created by Nicolas Bourriaud and Andrea Petrini, featuring renowned chefs Kasper Kurdahl, Maksut Askar, Ivan Brehm and Sahar Parham Al Awadhi and artists Caique Tizzi, Greta Alfaro, Hicham Berrada and Emeka Ogbah
- Ammar 808 & the Electro Tambura Ensemble, commissioned by DCT Abu Dhabi to celebrate the UNESCO Creative City of Music, in collaboration with Factory People and New York University Abu Dhabi Music Program
- Urban Fabric, a striking installation created by Roudhah Al Mazrouei (UAE), Gerald Jason Cruz (the Philippines), and Jennifer Tsai (Taiwan), three second-year NYU Abu Dhabi students, winner of the 10th Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award
- Are We Microcosm?, an Art + Tech exhibition led by MORROW collective and supported by Fatima Bint Mohamed Bin Zayed Initiative
- An educational programme spanning art workshops, artist-led masterclasses, tours in English and Arabic, and competitions for all ages
- Daily talks programme that saw in-depth discussions led by art and culture experts revolving around topics such as creating museum collections in the region, art in North Africa, women in art, digital art and NFTs, art empowering society, and notable personalities in art
Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Art 2022 partners include Mohamed Hilal Group, Charles Zuber, Abu Dhabi Culinary, Etihad Airways, Premier Motors, EDITION Hotel Group and Saadiyat Rotana.
For more information about Abu Dhabi Art’s year-round programmes, visit abudhabiart.ae and follow Abu Dhabi Art on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
