Time Frame: From fast cars to rotting fruit, a brief art fair history

This Wednesday sees the opening of Abu Dhabi Art at Manarat Al Saadiyat and visitors will be invited to view works by some of the world’s most well-known, as well as emerging, contemporary artists, alongside talks by artists and curators, and a multidisciplinary performing arts programme.

It’s the sixth year that the art fair has opened in the capital’s cultural district and a sea of VIPs, carefully dressed art enthusiasts and gallery owners will be in attendance from all over the world.

Some will no doubt remember the first time Abu Dhabi was a-buzz at such a prospect. Back in 2007, Art Paris-Abu Dhabi opened to much fanfare at the Emirates Palace where the high ceilings and gilded columns provided a glamorous backdrop to the riot of colours on canvas and paper. And in 2008, a car customised by Keith Haring wowed attendees.

When Art Paris-Abu Dhabi opened in 2007, it was the region’s largest art fair with about 3,000 works on show. The fair’s reputation and artistic programming quickly grew; some 17,000 people visited in 2010.

This year, near the newly twinkling lights of Louvre Abu Dhabi’s giant dome, many more will be queuing to see the art and be seen. But rumour has it that a roomful of bananas will be stealing the show.