Abu Dhabi Art returns in November, at Manarat Al Saadiyat on Saadiyat Island, for its seventh edition. This year, the focus is less on galleries and more on public programmes – performances, high-profile talks and a special section dedicated to architecture.
The talks
In a new section of the fair called Architecture Statement, Jean Nouvel, the architect who designed the Louvre Abu Dhabi, will present a discussion on Rain of Light – the concept of the building's dome.
Richard Armstrong, the museum director of Solomon R Guggenheim Foundation, will return to the city to explore the concept of museums in the 21st century in a panel discussion with Neil MacGregor, director of the British Museum, introduced by philosopher Peter Sloterdijk.
Anna Somers Cocks, the founder of The Art Newspaper, will moderate the discussion, which is set to highlight the Saadiyat Cultural District museums and their public outreach programmes.
Emirati Expressions
Running alongside the fair will be the biannual exhibition Emirati Expressions, focusing on the talents of UAE nationals.
Design students will also present the results of a workshop called Design Lab, where they have been working on a visual analysis of Abu Dhabi’s urban environment.
The galleries
The number of galleries participating is 40, only three fewer than last year. Key international players include Lisson Gallery from London and Hauser & Wirth, with branches in Zurich, London and New York.
From the region, Jeddah’s Athr Gallery, which has a strong reputation for building the careers of emerging Saudi artists, and Beirut’s Sfeir-Semler Gallery will also have booths. The UAE’s Ayyam Gallery, Lawrie Shabibi, Gallery Isabelle van den Eynde and The Third Line will bring international offerings, and Hunar Gallery will focus on Emirati artists including Abdul Qader al Rais and Najjat Makki.
“We look forward to welcoming the international arts community to Abu Dhabi Art once again this year,” says Rita Aoun-Abdo, executive director, Culture Sector of TCA Abu Dhabi.
“Abu Dhabi Art celebrates the evolving cultural landscape and ever-changing contemporary art scene, and engages with the local community in a spirit of creative experimentation and intellectual discovery.”
• Abu Dhabi Art runs from November 18 to 21 at Manarat Al Saadiyat. Entrance is free; online registration is required and will open on October 18. For more information and to book, visit abudhabiart.ae
aseaman@thenational.ae