World Art Dubai, the region’s most accessible and affordable art fair, is the emirate’s first international event of the season with a range of compelling new features starting today, October 8 until October 10 at Dubai World Trade Centre.
The 6th edition of the art fair will feature more than 2,000 curated artworks by a globe-trotting collection of 120-plus solo artists and galleries from more than 20 countries – cementing its status as an established platform for emerging and established talent from all corners of the world.
As part of the community fair’s ethos to showcase all mediums of art, World Art Dubai will debut several new features this year, including a digital art display, Urban Art DXB and a dedicated zone for sculptures.
“World Art Dubai remains an extremely innovative show that embraces every corner of the art world. We are leading the region’s charge for the restart of events and have curated a show that embraces the latest trends while celebrating art traditions,
Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President, Exhibitions & Events Management, DWTC
Innovative features
Art Lab
Art Lab is a dedicated digital art stand that will feature work by leading global contemporary artists, including Andreas Nicolas Fischer, who investigates the effects of technology and automation on society and contemporary art; Matthew Biederman, who creates work where light, space, and sound reflect on perception; and Ali Phi, the computer artist, and creative technologist.
Arte Experience
The new feature is led in partnership with Arte Experience, who source and create experiences that provide an engaging bond between art and the viewer.
- Sedition, a digital gallery housing some of the world’s leading contemporary artists; and
- Samsung – The Frame. Visitors can buy digital arts and enquire about ‘The Frame’ – a TV that blends into any environment and transforms into a piece of art when switched off.
Guests can enjoy a free download of Terry Paxton’s Cloud Sculptures over the Atacama Desert. They can also get an exclusive 23 percent discount with Samsung for a limited duration only at World Art Dubai.
Urban Art DXB
World Art Dubai will house Urban Art DXB, a street art celebration featuring some of the world’s most incredible artists. Top galleries and artists include:
- Casa de Maquinas, the collective of bikers, artists, and skaters with firm roots in motorcycling, hot rods, and street culture
- Local artist Dina Saadi, who will demonstrate live graffiti.
- Vandalist Art, the incredible street artists from London who won ‘Best Gallery’ at last year’s show
Idriss B, the sculptor who went viral in 2020 when his renowned golden gorilla and lion pieces were suspended by helicopter over Dubai Marina, is also debuting at the show.
International Artists
Flying in from around the world, international must-see artists include:
- Julia Smolenkova (Russia) an award-winning contemporary artist
- Manasse Rampino(Italy) a popular pop artist
- Farah Malhas(Lebanon), an artist rebuilding her collection after it was destroyed in the recent Beirut explosion
- Leonardo Prieto(Mexico), an emerging artist who champions gender equality.
International galleries include:
- Nero Art Hub(India), a fine art gallery
- Shinn Fine Art(US), which focuses on mixing and creating an exciting and dynamic display of color, texture, and style
- The Arts Hub (Egypt), a multi-platform art space
“Dubai is a city that looks firmly into the future while respecting tradition, and I believe Dubai’s art world mirrors this juxtaposition,” said Manasse Rampino. “You can sense a longing to create everywhere in the city. Art is ubiquitous; there is art on the streets, in shopping malls, hotel lobbies, and in private houses. It’s an incredible melting pot of different cultures with an international flavor.”
Creativity Unmasked
To acknowledge the impact COVID-19 has had on the art industry, World Art Dubai has a dedicated space featuring artworks inspired by the pandemic, where original pieces reflect the experiences and emotions of participating artists.
The region’s most affordable art show will also see the return of Art For Every Wall – an area dedicated to affordable pieces under AED 3,000.
Local artists
Key UAE-based artists exhibiting include Amrita Sethi, whose voice note art is set to wow audiences; Foad Hamzeh, a calligraffiti artist; and Maryam Al Azem, a 19-year old painter. Regional galleries include Reem Gallery, the newly founded art gallery and workshop hub; Art Plus Gallery, offering a wide portfolio of art from local and international artists; and Noon Art Gallery, a hub for emerging female artists.
“World Art Dubai makes art more accessible to everyone – it is a fabulous platform,” said Amrita Sethi.
“Buying art can be a very scary process; not knowing what to buy or much to spend. People want beautiful and unique homes in an affordable budget, especially given the current economic climate, and this event provides that avenue.”
Amrita Sethi
Free Your Mind
World Art Dubai is urging UAE residents to take a creative escape with its ‘Free Your Mind’ theme. It encourages artists and visitors to connect and stimulate creativity.
Health safety measures
All entry points are equipped with thermal scanning and smart cameras that use heat mapping technology for capacity management, ensuring social distancing protocols are followed.
The venue is regularly sanitized, while key onsite safety offerings at DWTC, including trained emergency medical teams and services, are available onsite. DWTC has effectively executed a seamless contactless registration process that is being used at World Art Dubai, and hand sanitizers are available throughout the venue, with all visitors required to wear masks.
Tickets are available online at www.worldartdubai.com.
