ETHOS & CULTURE OF ART DUBAI
Art Dubai, the premier international art fair for the Middle East and Global South, successfully concluded its 17th edition, which took place from March 1 to 3, 2024, with VIP previews on 28 and 29 February, at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai. The event showcased over 120 contemporary, modern, and digital gallery presentations, with more than 65% of the exhibits representing artists and galleries from the Global South.
Art Dubai is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The event is held in partnership with A.R.M. Holding. It is sponsored by Swiss Wealth Management Group Julius Baer. Art Dubai’s exclusive high jewellery and watch partner is Piaget. Culturally driven lifestyle developer HUNA is a partner of Art Dubai. The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is the strategic partner of Art Dubai and Art Dubai Digital. Madinat Jumeirah is the home of Art Dubai.
During his tour of the 17th edition of Art Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, emphasized the UAE’s commitment to fostering an environment where artists and creative professionals from around the world can thrive. As one of the leading global platforms for art and artists from the Middle East and Global South, Art Dubai continues to showcase the immense talent and creativity of the region.
“Our ethos of tolerance, openness and inclusiveness, combined with our strong belief that creative expression in all its forms is vital to the progress of civilizations, has led to the creation of a vibrant cultural environment in the country and made it a home for diverse artistic talent,” he said.
During the tour of Art Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum commended the efforts of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, in accelerating the development of Dubai’s cultural sector and elevating its profile on the global stage.
Sheikh Mohammed’s acknowledgement of Sheikha Latifa’s contributions underscores the UAE’s commitment to nurturing and promoting the arts and culture, and recognizes the vital role they play in shaping Dubai’s identity and fostering international collaboration.
As the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has been instrumental in driving the emirate’s growth and transformation into a global hub for innovation, creativity, and cultural exchange. By investing in the development of Dubai’s cultural infrastructure and supporting events like Art Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed continues to reinforce Dubai’s status as a leading destination for art and culture enthusiasts from around the world.
His Highness was accompanied during his visit by Mohammad Ahmad Al Murr, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation; Abdulrahman bin Mohamed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention; Essa Kazim, Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre; Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office; and Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation.
The 2024 edition of Art Dubai offered a unique platform for artists and galleries from non-Western centers such as Delhi, Cairo, and Guatemala City to present their work and engage in cultural exchange. The fair attracted a diverse range of art enthusiasts, collectors, and industry professionals, providing an important gateway for discovery, learning, and collaboration.
Art Dubai 2024 showcased an impressive collection of over 120 contemporary, modern, and digital gallery presentations from more than 60 cities and 40 countries. With a focus on art and galleries from regions that are often overlooked on the global stage, the event served as a vital platform for diverse artistic expression.
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and Member of the Dubai Council, inaugurated the 17th edition of Art Dubai, the premier international art fair for the Middle East and Global South.
During the opening ceremony, Sheikha Latifa emphasized Art Dubai’s status as a leading platform for artistic innovation, attracting creatives from around the world to share their experiences, pioneering ideas, and breakthrough artistic trends.
Sheikha Latifa added: “Art Dubai resonates deeply with the creative community’s goals and aspirations, having expanded the scope of artistic exploration and leveraging innovation to enhance the city’s distinct creative landscape through its prior editions, becoming a regionally and internationally recognised vibrant artistic movement. The increasing eagerness of artists from various countries to participate underscores the exhibition’s consistent success, establishing it as a platform for creativity and innovation.”
Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), has played a pivotal role in integrating Dubai’s cultural platforms under one umbrella. She has been instrumental in structuring a set of platforms that enable Dubai’s artistic community to showcase their creativity and introduce their work to a global audience.
As the Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Sheikha Latifa is committed to enriching the cultural scene of the emirate while firmly rooting it in the heritage of the United Arab Emirates. Her efforts have contributed to the launch of initiatives such as the ‘Dubai Cultural Grant,’ which supports cultural activities and helps develop Dubai’s cultural and creative sector.
Sheikha Latifa’s dedication to promoting culture and arts in Dubai reflects the city’s vision of fostering innovation and creativity, positioning Dubai as a leading cultural destination on the global stage.
Art Dubai’s unique institutional model focuses on fostering close collaborations with both government and business entities to create opportunities for artists. The 2024 edition of the fair featured an array of newly commissioned works by talented local, regional, and international artists, including the notable digital artwork “Heart Space” by multidisciplinary artist Krista Kim, commissioned by Julius Baer and debuted at Art Dubai.
“Heart Space” is a groundbreaking installation that merges art, technology, and science, embodying the potential of collaborative generative AI biometric art. As part of Julius Baer’s NEXT initiative, which explores trends across arts, science, and technology, this innovative commission exemplifies the intersection of creative expression and cutting-edge digital tools.
Krista Kim’s immersive artwork showcased the transformative power of digital art and the potential for collaboration between artists and AI. By blending traditional artistic practices with advanced technologies, “Heart Space” serves as an inspiration for both the art world and the broader conversation on the role of technology in shaping our cultural landscape.
Art Dubai’s continued commitment to showcasing diverse artistic voices and fostering innovative collaborations reinforces its position as a leading platform for contemporary art, while significantly contributing to the growth and development of the global art market.
In addition to the gallery presentations, Art Dubai featured a series of engaging talks, panel discussions, and workshops aimed at fostering dialogue and knowledge sharing within the PPTglobal art community. The Art Dubai Talks 2024 brought together regional and international artists, designers, and industry experts to discuss various topics, including models of support for artistic processes and creative practices that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries.
Overall, Art Dubai 2024 proved to be an essential event for the global art community, contributing to the growth and development of the contemporary art scene in the Middle East and beyond. As the fair continues to evolve, it remains committed to showcasing diverse artistic perspectives and promoting cross-cultural exchange within the international art world.
Speaking at the Art Dubai Press Conference, Art Dubai’s Executive Director Benedetta Ghione said: “We are witnessing an exciting phase in Dubai’s cultural story. The city is thriving, welcoming people from all over the world and, built on strong foundations, the cultural infrastructure here is also maturing rapidly.
Through a unique and independent model, Art Dubai continues to rethink and reframe the role an art fair can play in supporting the growth of a creative economy, building capacity and creating opportunities for artists and creatives through partnerships and collaboration. In doing so, it is crucial that we remain connected to our place and continue to reflect the spirit of innovation found in this unique city and the diverse communities that call Dubai home.
”Benedetta Ghione, Art Dubai’s Executive Director, said: “Art Dubai Group is committed to laying foundations for a thriving cultural and creative ecosystem, inspired by and responding to our home city of Dubai. The cultural scene here is maturing rapidly and we are proud of the role we play in engaging and inspiring audiences of all ages and backgrounds, and in supporting the next generation of cultural professionals. Our year-round education, scholarship, and thought-leadership programmes, developed alongside our long-term partners, create significant opportunities for people from all over the world to build careers in the creative industries in Dubai.”
Art Dubai is dedicated to showcasing leading artists and galleries from the Global South, offering a significant platform for art from regions and communities that are often underrepresented in the international art scene. The fair’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity is further demonstrated by the record number of Dubai-based exhibitors participating in the event. This growing presence of local galleries underscores Dubai’s increasing prominence as a thriving commercial art hub.
The fair’s 2024 edition featured a remarkable lineup of galleries representing a diverse range of artists and works from around the world. With over 100 galleries from more than 50 cities, Art Dubai provides a unique opportunity for visitors to discover and engage with both established and emerging talent.
The Contemporary section presented an array of innovative and thought-provoking works from renowned artists and emerging talents, while the Bawwaba section showcased artworks created within the past year or specifically for the fair, offering a glimpse into the latest trends and artistic practices. The Modern section focuses on modern masters from the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, paying tribute to the rich artistic heritage of these regions.
As Art Dubai continues to evolve and grow, its commitment to promoting diverse perspectives and fostering international dialogue remains at the core of its mission. The fair served as a vital platform for artists, galleries, and collectors, contributing to the dynamic growth of the global art market and reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading cultural destination.
Art Dubai Digital, a pioneering section of Art Dubai, remains the only major international art fair dedicated solely to new media and digital art. Now in its third year, the 2024 edition was curated by the renowned duo Alfredo Cramerotti and Auronda Scalera, who brought together a diverse range of artists, collectives, institutions, and platforms that continue to push the boundaries of art and technology.
Art Dubai Digital 2024 showcased a wide array of groundbreaking works, featuring early pioneers of blockchain art, as well as artists working at the cutting edge of robotics, AI, VR, XR, and other advanced technologies. The curated selection provided a comprehensive overview of the rapidly evolving digital art landscape, fostering dialogue and collaboration between the art and technology worlds.
The curators’ vision for Art Dubai Digital 2024 aimed to expand the understanding of contemporary culture by exploring the intersection of new media art and emerging technologies. This unique platform offered visitors a glimpse into the future of art, encouraging them to engage with innovative works that challenge traditional artistic practices and redefine our perception of creativity in the digital age.
As Art Dubai Digital continues to evolve and grow, it remains a vital component of the fair’s commitment to promoting diverse artistic perspectives and supporting the development of new art forms. By showcasing the groundbreaking work of digital artists and technologists, Art Dubai plays an essential role in shaping the future of contemporary art and strengthening Dubai’s position as a leading cultural destination.
The 2024 edition of Art Dubai Modern, curated by Dr. Christianna Bonin, showcased a captivating presentation titled “This Other World.” The exhibition explored the extensive cultural exchanges between the Soviet Union and Arab, African, and South Asian countries following the Second World War. By examining these exchanges, the presentation revealed shared experiences among artists from seemingly disparate regions, including Uganda, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Sri Lanka, who were invited to study in Soviet metropoles like Tashkent, Kyiv, Almaty, and Moscow.
“One of the things visitors will notice in Art Dubai Modern is certain overlaps in what artists were absorbing and processing during their studies. They mastered entirely new mediums, like avant-garde film, gold leaf on Orthodox icons, or oil paint on canvas. They sensed that that art can be a powerful medium for giving voice to a part of your identity that had previously been silenced. All of the artists featured in the section really mastered these experiences, but only some have received wider attention from critics and collectors because art books and exhibitions typically focus on artists who studied in Euro-American institutions,” she said.
“This Other World” at Art Dubai Modern 2024 aimed to challenge traditional narratives of global modernisms by shedding light on underrepresented East-East and South-South connections in the art world. The exhibition showcased the profound impact of these cultural exchanges on the development of modern art in the participating countries, highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of artists from the Global South.
Dr. Christianna Bonin’s extensive research on art in the Soviet context and the broader relationship between art and politics greatly informed the curation of “This Other World.” Her commitment to exploring lesser-known aspects of art history has helped uncover hidden narratives and connections that contribute to a more inclusive understanding of the development of modern art on a global scale.
As Art Dubai continues to expand and evolve, curated sections like Art Dubai Modern and thought-provoking exhibitions such as “This Other World” demonstrate the fair’s commitment to showcasing diverse perspectives and encouraging a more comprehensive understanding of contemporary art and its historical roots.
Art Dubai’s Bawwaba section, meaning “gateway” in Arabic, presented 10 solo presentations of new artworks, with a focus on artists from Latin America, the Middle East, and South Asia. Curated by Emiliano Valdés, the section explored the theme of “Sanación” or healing, examining how artists can create spaces for introspection, foster a sense of community and belonging, and promote art as a catalyst for transformation.
Each artist showcased in the Bawwaba section shared a socially engaged artistic practice, using their work to engage with pressing social, political, and cultural issues. By focusing on healing as a central theme, Art Dubai aimed to highlight the potential of art to promote positive change and contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities.
The Bawwaba section at Art Dubai 2024 featured works created within the past year or specifically for the fair, emphasizing the importance of contemporary artistic practices and the role of artists in addressing urgent global concerns. Through this curated section, Art Dubai sought to expand the boundaries of artistic expression and facilitate dialogue between artists, curators, and audiences from diverse backgrounds.
Overall, the Bawwaba section served as a testament to the power of art to connect people and promote healing, demonstrating the potential of cultural exchange and collaboration in fostering a more compassionate and inclusive world.
Art Dubai’s Artistic Director Pablo del Val commented:Pablo del Val, Art Dubai’s Artistic Director, said: “Art fairs like Art Dubai have a responsibility to be far more than commercial platforms and Art Dubai continues to play an important institutional role in this region’s cultural ecosystem, supporting artists, scholarship, cultural education and thought-leadership. Our programme this year reflects the increasingly diverse and multicultural communities of our home city, providing more opportunities than ever for artists from across the Global South. Dubai is a place of relentless reinvention, possibility and opportunity, and these commercial and institutional partnerships are central to all our activity, supporting our world-class non-commercial programmes.”
Art Dubai’s mission centers on celebrating and exploring art and communities from the Global South, which includes Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. These regions significantly contribute to Dubai’s cultural identity, and Art Dubai recognizes the importance of showcasing top modern and contemporary artworks from these often-underrepresented areas.
The fair strives to challenge and redefine conventional art history by spotlighting the unexplored and lesser-known aspects of the global art scene. By doing so, Art Dubai aims to distinguish itself from other international art fairs, offering a unique platform for discovery and exploration.
Art Dubai’s focus on the Global South encourages an exchange of ideas and artistic expressions, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and promoting inclusivity in the art world. The fair provides opportunities for artists, curators, and art enthusiasts to engage with a diverse range of perspectives and creative practices, ultimately enriching the global art landscape.
“Art should challenge our perceptions, and this year’s fair spotlights diverse and often under-represented voices. Art Dubai is the meeting point for creative communities from a truly global art world and we invite visitors to explore the breadth and depth of our programme – from top-class contemporary galleries to museum-quality presentations in Art Dubai Modern to the artists who are breaking new ground in their use of cutting-edge technologies in Art Dubai Digital.”