Abu Dhabi Art, organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has concluded its 14th edition with a record number of visitors.
The 2022 fair featured its most significant and most diverse gallery line-up to date, with 80 galleries from 28 countries presenting more than 900 artworks by 300 artists from around the globe – including 33 new galleries joining from Cuba, Colombia, France, Tunisia, Italy, Nigeria, South Korea, Italy, Morocco, Turkey, the UAE, and beyond.
Entry to this year’s fair was complimentary, thanks to co-lead sponsor Charles Zuber.
HE Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, said, “Abu Dhabi Art is a longstanding and vital element of the emirate’s cultural scene, each year contributing to Abu Dhabi’s growing influence in global art market conversations. Its continued success and significant growth year-on-year are proof of the local and regional appetite for contemporary art and challenging creative programming. Initiatives such as this are integral to our vision to offer events and experiences that excite and inspire both residents and visitors to the emirate, as we transform Abu Dhabi into a unique cultural and tourism destination unlike any other.”
Some of the fair’s multi-site programming, held across Abu Dhabi emirate, will remain on view to the public until 22 January 2023. This includes:
- My Life in the Metaverse – The fair’s 2022 Gateway exhibition, curated by Dr. Omar Kholeif, will remain on display at Manarat Al Saadiyat, featuring works by internationally renowned artists, including Sophia Al-Maria, Cory Arcangel, Cream Projects, Simon Denny, Celia Hempton, Paul Heyer, Haroon Mirza, Farhad Moshiri, Trevor Paglen, Nam June Paik, Heather Phillipson, and Andy Warhol.
- Beyond: Emerging Artists – Newly commissioned works by UAE-based emerging artists Majd Alloush, Sarah Al Mehairi, and Mohamed Khalid are on display at Manarat Al Saadiyat.
- Artist Commissions in Cultural Sites – Installations by Abdullah Al Saadi, Shilpa Gupta, and Conrad Shawcross will remain on view in Al Ain at Al Jahili Fort and Al Ain Oasis; Marinella Senatore’s light installation will be on view until 22 January 2023.
- The exhibition Afloat Over Undulations will be on show until 31 January 2023 at Manarat Al Saadiyat’s Photography Studio. It presents the concluding artworks of a prominent figure in global Modern art history, the late Farideh Lashai (1944-2014), with six video installations curated by Saam Samiee.
- Other ongoing Abu Dhabi Art programmes happening in November and December 2022 include the Oasis Pinwheel workshop, inspired by artist Conrad Shawcross’ commissioned artwork Patterns of Absence. The Pinwheel workshop will take place on Saturday, 17 December and Sunday, 18 December, from 3-5 pm at Al Ain Oasis, free of charge. Places are limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Art 2022 partners include Mohamed Hilal Group, Charles Zuber, Abu Dhabi Culinary, Etihad Airways, Premier Motors, EDITION Hotel Group and Saadiyat Rotana.
For more information about Abu Dhabi Art’s year-round programmes, visit abudhabiart.ae and follow Abu Dhabi Art on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.