Abu Dhabi Art to Host Largest Fair Yet in 2023
Abu Dhabi Art, organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, is set to host its 15th edition from November 22-26, 2023. The fair will showcase 92 galleries from over 31 countries, making it the largest edition to date. In this event, Abu Dhabi Art will present a year-long visual arts program that plays an essential role in the art scene of West Asia, North Africa, and South Asia (WANASA).
Abu Dhabi Art: A Cultural Platform for West Asia
Abu Dhabi Art’s annual fair is a crucial cultural platform for West Asia. The 2023 edition will feature 37 new and 55 returning galleries, highlighting diverse geographies alongside curated exhibitions and commissions. It will position itself as a place of discovery for global art histories. The fair is committed to welcoming diverse curatorial perspectives and embedding itself in the community while playing an integral part in the art ecosystem in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
92 Participating Galleries from Around the Globe
The 92 participating galleries in Abu Dhabi Art represent countries from around the world. For the first time, galleries from Georgia, Mexico, Brazil, Singapore, and Chile will participate in this event. Dyala Nusseibeh, Director of Abu Dhabi Art, expressed her delight in attracting such a diverse range of artists and galleries worldwide. She also highlighted how dynamic the local and regional art market has become over the last 15 years.
Representing Participating Galleries
Several people will represent participating galleries in Abu Dhabi Art, including Maneli Keykavioussi, Riccarda Mandrini, Essia Hamdi, and Chris Wan Feng. They will focus on South America, sustainability, female artists from the Arab world, and Hong Kong’s historical and contemporary art landscape, respectively.
New and Returning Galleries
Abu Dhabi Art 2023 will feature 37 new galleries, including LIA RUMMA (Italy), De Sarthe (Hong Kong), Leo Gallery (Hong Kong), and Pablo Goebel Fine Arts (Mexico). The fair will also welcome back 55 galleries that have participated in previous editions. These include Gallery Isabelle Van Den Eynde (UAE), Sean Kelly (USA), Hakgojae Gallery (South Korea), Mazzoleni (Italy), HANART TZ Gallery (China), and Galerie Krinzinger (Austria), among others.
Modern & Contemporary Section
The Modern & Contemporary section of the fair will feature 41 participating galleries, including Rossi & Rossi (Hong Kong), Selma Feriani Gallery (Tunisia), and Bernier/Eliades (Greece).
Visual Campaign Artist
The 2023 Visual Campaign Artist for Abu Dhabi Art is Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim, represented by Lawrie Shabibi Gallery in Dubai. His work is heavily inspired by his birthplace, Khorfakkan – nestled between the Gulf of Oman and the Hajar Mountains. The Visual Campaign Artist for the program is tasked with creating the fair’s visual campaign, and the chosen images are then used across marketing materials to define the fair’s identity.
Final Words
Abu Dhabi Art will continue to announce details of the fair’s programs and events in the coming months. This event is a significant moment in the fair’s history due to its sheer size and diverse range of artists and galleries worldwide. It provides a unique opportunity for visitors to better understand global positions in art histories and research.
