The latest stop on the virtual fair circuit? Abu Dhabi Art. The 12th edition of the fair started today, with 68 galleries from over 15 countries, representing more than 200 artists and 300 works spread across independent booths and curated sectors.
Material – Real – LEE Woosung. Juggling. 2019. Water based paint, acrylic gouache on fabric. 216x262cm
On view is a sharp edit of multimedia works, with seven new galleries presenting contemporary art from across Africa in ‘The Day After’ sector, curated by Simon Njami, and a record-number of 13 new South Korean galleries, showcasing works in ‘Material – Real’, as envisioned by curator Sung woo Kim.
The Day After – Gallery Cecile Fakhoury
Among the highlights of the fair is the SMK Art presentation titled ‘Post-Natal’. Featuring five pieces, the show meditates on the idea of our lives being another stage of pregnancy. Other program highlights include ‘Beyond: Emerging Artists’, curated by Maya El-Khalil and featuring new, memory-themed artworks by emerging Emirati artists Hind Mezaina, Afra Al Dhaheri and Afra Al Suwaidi.
Beyond: Emerging Artists – Detail of A Performance of Valour by Hind Mezaina
‘India Today’ is a superb curatorial endeavor by Ashwin Thadani, with works spanning the Indian subcontinent that are housed by six participating galleries. Nada Raza has worked alongside five galleries for ‘A Picture Held Us Captive’, a section on contemporary artists represented by UAE galleries.
India Today – Sachin George, Sebastian Constructed Conversations
On the performing arts front, Rose Lejeune has created a program with four artists Maitha Abdalla, Raed Yassin, Alice Theobald and Nastio Mosquito, which has been adapted to fit this year’s digital format.
Performing Arts program – Boudoir. Maitha Abdalla
Abu Dhabi Art’s Modern & Contemporary section will feature a record line-up of 37 participating galleries. The fair’s Talks program offers a series of cultural talks, with one talk held per day across the seven days of the fair. Don’t miss this immersive edition of Abu Dhabi Art that runs until 22 November.
Abudhabiart.ae; Cover image: India Today – Untitled. GR Iranna
