This exhibition features the works of 17 Saudi artists spanning multiple generations and artistic styles. The pieces, ranging from paintings to installations and video art, represent the vibrancy and diversity of Saudi creativity today. Some of the prominent artists featured include Sara Abuabdallah, Ghada Al-Hassan, Ayman Yossri Daydban, Ahmed Mater, Ayman Zedani, and Nasser Al-Salem, among others.

The “Art of the Kingdom” exhibition will eventually make its way to Riyadh in early 2025, where it will be showcased at the Saudi Museum of Contemporary Art in the JAX district. Later in the year, it will travel to the National Museum of China in Beijing.

Mona Khazindar, advisor at the Ministry of Culture, shared in a written statement to Arab News: “The exhibition is a testament to the profound impact that art has on our understanding of history, culture, and community. It not only honors our country’s past and collective memory, but also demonstrates the dynamic role art plays in connecting us to our shared identity, inspiring creativity and dialogue for generations to come.”

The exhibition’s curator, Diana Wechsler, emphasized the importance of exhibitions in expanding horizons and offering audiences new perspectives.

She explained, “Every exhibition must open new horizons for its audience, offering an experience of discovery and challenging habitual thinking. Exhibitions, to me, are also experiences of knowledge. This is especially important here, as this exhibition is the first to showcase a group of contemporary Saudi artists abroad.”

Wechsler handpicked Nasser Al-Salem’s striking “Arabi/Gharbi” (“Arab/Foreigner”) to open and close the exhibition. The large neon Arabic script in the piece serves as both a question and a clue, symbolizing the cultural divide between the contemporary Saudi experience and that of the international audience. “Through each piece, the exhibition unfolds like a revelation — a poetic illumination — exploring various facets of a captivating culture where past and present, tradition and transformation, are interwoven,” said Wechsler.

Muhannad Shono, one of the featured artists, reflected on Saudi Arabia’s growing role in the global art scene, saying: “As Saudi Arabia now invests in its arts and cultural expression, and strives to invite the world in, it’s important that this cultural dialogue does not flow in one direction, but to also reach outwards in an honest and equal exchange of ideas with the world. My role is to continue to express and imagine, not only in my country but beyond its borders … bypassing the perceived lines that separate us and divide.”

The exhibition also features a collaborative piece by artists Sara Abuabdallah and Ghada Al-Hassan, who are a mother-daughter duo. Their work, “Horizontal Dimensions,” explores themes of intergenerational complicity, urban transformation, and shared dreams. They see this exhibition as an opportunity to contribute to the global conversation about cultural exchange and the evolving narratives of their region.

The “Art of the Kingdom” exhibition is more than just a showcase of art; it is a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing effort to place itself at the forefront of global cultural exchange. The show’s impact is set to extend far beyond Rio, fostering greater international dialogue and appreciation of Saudi art and culture.

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World Art Dubai (WAD), the region’s largest contemporary art fair, will present its most ambitious edition at Dubai World Trade Centre from 2nd to 5th May 2024. This marks a decade of artistic excellence. This year, in partnership with Dubai Culture, WAD invites art enthusiasts to embark on a journey through a decade of artistic evolution. WAD is offering an unparalleled experience of art from around the globe. Most importantly, this art fair is emphasising its commitment to making art even more accessible to a wider audience.

World Art Dubai: Driving Dubai’s Creative Economy

Dubai aims to double the contribution of the creative industries to its GDP by 2026 under the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy. Fundamentally, it involves doubling the number of creative companies and creators in the emirate . Moreover, it also intends to highlights the immense significance of World Art Dubai’s contribution to this thriving creative economy. This prominent art exhibition serves as a cornerstone in the realisation of these goals. The target is to draw in thousands of visitors, showcasing the works of over 300 artists and galleries. The artworks featured at WAD will be from Dubai and across the globe. In addition, the art fair will be presenting a diverse array of artworks, from sculpture and watercolours to digital art and fashion art pieces.

More than just an art fair, WAD represents a cultural phenomenon. For 2024, WAD plans to amplify its numbers, showcasing a diverse array of over 4,000 artworks. Importantly, these unique artworks will be coming from more than 65 countries and expecting over 15,000 visitors. The fair will set across 12 pavilions dedicated to countries and regions. These countries include Japan, India, China, Turkey, Iran, America, Asia, Russia, UAE, Europe, the UK, and Arabia. Over four days, visitors can engage in a variety of activities that go beyond traditional art exhibitions. WAD will feature experiential art activations, live performances, and curated art talks and workshops. Certainly, these interactive elements aim to craft a holistic cultural experience, celebrating the vibrancy and diversity of the global art scene.

Exhibitors offered art tourism experience

In 2024, WAD will unveil an innovative addition to its repertoire: The WAD Tourism Art Tour, designed for all exhibitors. WAD plans to redefine boundaries and captivate audiences from around the world through the curation of guided tours and interactive local art interactions around the emirates. Indeed, WAD celebrates the diversity and brilliance of artistic expression.

Marking a significant milestone

Asma Al Sharif, Assistant Vice President at Exhibitions, Dubai World Trade Centre gave her remarks about WAD. She said, “As we celebrate a decade of artistic brilliance with the 10^th edition of World Art Dubai, we’re honoured to have Dubai Culture as our strategic partner and excited to introduce a ground-breaking initiative that goes beyond the confines of the art fair. With the launch of WAD Tourism Art Tour, we aim to provide our exhibitors and participants with an immersive journey through the rich tapestry of the UAE’s art and cultural offerings while spotlighting Dubai’s vibrant art scene on the global stage. This initiative underscores our commitment to enhancing the participant journey, fostering cultural exchange and strengthening Dubai’s position as a global cultural destination.”

Dr Saeed Mubarak Kharbash, CEO of the Arts and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, expressed his enthusiasm for the strategic partnership between Dubai Culture and World Art Dubai: “This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to advancing Dubai’s cultural and creative industries. By joining forces with World Art Dubai, we aim to make art more accessible to a wider audience and contribute to the realisation of the emirate’s ambitious goals outlined in the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy. Through this partnership, we look forward to showcasing the vibrancy and diversity of the global art scene while highlighting Dubai’s position as a thriving cultural destination.”

Unique offerings from legacy exhibitors

In the vibrant landscape of WAD 2024, a myriad of distinguished artists are poised to captivate visitors. Artists with their unique perspectives and creative prowess contribute to the diverse art scene. Legacy exhibitors like Lotus Educational Institute, Art Plus Photographers Production, and JAPAN PROMOTION Gallery have each spent between eight and nine years exhibiting at the annual show.

Japanese Artistry at WAD 2024: A Tradition of Timeless Techniques

Momoko Ishikawa spoke on behalf of the 54-strong artist collective representing JAPAN PROMOTION Gallery. She said, “We are honoured to represent the Japan booth showcasing groups of Japanese artists. A notable aspect of our exhibition is the availability of contemporary art and artworks that utilise traditional techniques. This exhibition is offering unique pieces not found elsewhere in Dubai. At the Taimei Gallery booth, a significant focus will be on artworks using the ‘maki-e’ technique. Maki-e, a painting technique born approximately 1200 years ago, has been cherished by the nobility throughout history. It is characterised by the serene beauty that emerges from combining the natural hues of the material, the deep lustre of lacquer, and the brilliance of gold and silver.

“The creation process is incredibly delicate and time-consuming, achievable only by craftsmen with high levels of skill and extensive experience. Prosperity Japan’s booth will present framed works and tapestries utilising the ‘nishijin-ori’ weaving technique, which has a history of over 1000 years. This technique involves intricately weaving dyed silk threads to create patterns. Moreover, this technique produces a fabric with a three-dimensional feel. This results into a diversity of colours changing exquisitely with the light. While traditionally used for kimono fabrics, its beauty and high fidelity in pattern reproduction have been reimagined in art pieces.”

WAD 2024: A Vibrant Showcase of Global Art and Culture

With unique offerings, WAD 2024 promises to be an immersive journey through the rich tapestry of global art and culture. WAD sheds a spotlight on Dubai’s vibrant art scene on the global stage.

For the 2024 edition, an impressive 40% of exhibitors are returning to exhibit. This huge number is a testament to the value they find in being part of this vibrant artistic community. This high rate of exhibitor retention reflects the trust and satisfaction exhibitors have in the platform. Furthermore, this solidifies WAD’s position as a premier destination for artists and galleries alike. With a growing roster of returning participants, WAD continues to foster long-lasting relationships. Moreover, it provides a supportive environment for artistic growth and collaboration.

For more information, visit www.worldartdubai.com.

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Franklin Melendez, co-founder of the New York-based art advisory service DM Office, collaborates with US-based dealers and collectors to shape collections, support emerging artists, and curate exhibitions worldwide. Despite the uncertainty swirling around the global art market due to geopolitical events like the war in Ukraine and economic concerns in the US, Franklin Melendez remains optimistic, echoing the sentiments of the Art Basel and UBS survey.

According to the report, high-net-worth (HNW) collectors in the US continue to invest in art, showcasing resilience in the face of external challenges. Melendez emphasizes the seasoned collectors’ ability to navigate the market’s ebbs and flows, seizing opportunities for both buying and selling. Many collectors under Melendez’s guidance focus on emerging artists, whose markets prove to be less susceptible to larger economic fluctuations.

The resurgence of in-person visits to galleries, fairs, and artists’ studios marks a positive shift as the impact of the pandemic on travel diminishes. Melendez, reveling in the return to studio visits, notes that engaging with art in person is an integral part of the collecting experience. Art fairs, he acknowledges, offer efficiency for clients with demanding schedules, presenting opportunities for significant conversations and discoveries.

The influence of these face-to-face interactions is exemplified in the experiences at Paris+ par Art Basel. Melendez describes how pivotal discussions during the fair influenced the buying patterns of high-profile Hollywood collectors for months to come. These encounters underscore the importance of reframing the art fair experience as the beginning of a meaningful dialogue.

Collectors, driven by self-identity, investment, and social considerations, play a crucial role in shaping the market. Melendez emphasizes the term ‘value’ over ‘investment,’ highlighting the cultural value that comes with critical acclaim and museum recognition. While only a fraction of HNW collectors identify as investors, many actively trade in and out of their collections as a natural progression in their collecting journey.

The Art Basel survey sheds light on American collectors’ growing interest in French and Japanese artists and dealers. Melendez confirms this trend among his clientele, noting an influx of acquisitions from Japan in 2022. Speculating on the motivations behind this shift, he suggests that collectors seek to add depth and texture to their collections by exploring artists beyond the confines of New York’s vibrant art scene.

When asked about his confidence in the market outlook, Melendez remains pragmatic. He acknowledges the resilience of the art market but emphasizes its vulnerability to external events. However, he remains bullish on the enthusiasm of collectors, describing the current moment not as one of boundless growth but as “a great moment for savvy collectors.” In his view, high-net-worth individuals, often astute businesspeople, recognize and act on opportunities even in times of disruption.

As the US art market continues to evolve, Franklin Melendez’s perspective offers a glimpse into the intricate world of art collecting, where passion, investment, and a keen eye for opportunity converge to shape the future of the global art scene.

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In its inaugural year, Frieze London featured 124 participating galleries and welcomed 27,700 visitors to Regent’s Park. International giants like David Zwirner and Gagosian stood alongside local stalwarts like Stephen Friedman Gallery and Waddington Custot. Since then, the fair has expanded its reach and influence exponentially.

Mira Dimitrova, director of sales at Stephen Friedman Gallery, expressed the importance of Frieze in connecting with international collectors and institutions. She noted that the fair has provided a unique platform to present artists to diverse audiences while supporting galleries.

Over the years, Frieze has expanded its portfolio with events like Frieze Masters, launched in 2012, which focuses on ancient to modern art. The brand also extended its reach to New York in 2012, Los Angeles in 2019, and Seoul in 2022. In 2016, Endeavor, a prominent Hollywood talent and entertainment company, acquired a majority stake in the Frieze conglomerate. This year, Frieze welcomed New York’s The Armory Show and Expo Chicago into its fold.

The year of Frieze’s inception coincided with significant shifts in the global art market. While the U.S. was grappling with economic uncertainties related to the Iraq war, European cities like London, Paris, and Rome were asserting their dominance in international fine art sales. London’s art scene, in particular, was undergoing a transformation, partly thanks to the establishment of Tate Modern in 2000 and the rise of the Turner Prize.

Recent years, however, have brought unprecedented changes and challenges. Louise Hayward of Lisson Gallery mentioned that Brexit and the pandemic have led to shifts in the U.K. arts sector. Brexit, in particular, has had a profound impact on the cultural exchange between the U.K. and European countries, affecting shipping and creative interactions.

Frieze itself adapted to the challenges of the pandemic by launching an online viewing room, showcasing 250 galleries when physical events were canceled. The fair also explored year-round gallery programming with a permanent exhibition space at No. 9 Cork Street in Mayfair.

The evolving art landscape has opened up new opportunities for galleries and artists, with Paris emerging as an alternative art hub. Art Basel introduced Paris+ in the same month as Frieze, and prominent galleries like David Zwirner and Gagosian expanded their presence in the French capital.

Despite these changes, Frieze London remains a pivotal event in the global art calendar. Gallerists and artists continue to value the fair’s ability to connect with a diverse and international audience, making it a beacon in the ever-evolving art world. As Frieze London marks its 20th year, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of art to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing landscape.

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