HER EXCELLENCY HALA BADRI OPENS THE EIGHTH EDITION OF WORLD ART DUBAI

The curtain raised on the region’s largest affordable retail art fair today as four days of artistic brilliance begin at Dubai World Trade Centre.

World Art Dubai’s eighth edition sees more than 300 artists from more than 50 countries display 4,000-plus pieces during the show – including debutant digital art and NFTs.

Dubai, UAE: 16 March 2022: Her Excellency Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority formally opened World Art Dubai today at Dubai World Trade Centre, touring the venue with a high-profile delegation of dignitaries. With more than 4,000 artworks from 300-plus artists and galleries, the eighth instalment of the region’s largest affordable art fair is its biggest yet.

Her Excellency toured the show, taking in some of the huge cross-section of art disciplines, from mixed media, fashion, music and dance to sustainability, digital art, photography, graffiti, sculptures, and more.

“We’re showcasing a replica of the Global Gate at this year’s World Art Dubai, with the original made out of 37 sea freight containers and standing at 21 metres high. The installation is made by young artist Leon Löwentraut and selected to travel around the world to represent the 17 SDGs by UNESCO,” said Marcus Schaffer, Managing Partner – Global Gate.  

Collectors looking to bulk up their sculpture collections will revel in the expanded dedicated area with features from key sculpturists, including Hagok Karakashian Jerusalem who bring with them high quality pottery; Gishyan Ceramics started by Armenian Folk Master, Alina Gishyan who focus on avant-garde and abstract ceramics; and Dubai based Camelson who creates art depicting fun things to do in Dubai.

“I started Camelson because I felt the market needed specially designed sculptures targeted at expats that embody Dubai’s culture while being completely unique. Camelson is a character that incorporates the magic of the city with each of my pieces having a story behind them,” said Hani Naji, Artist at Camelson. “I have doubled my presence here – last year I had three stands, this year six and I’m looking forward to speaking with visitors to further establish the Camelson brand while at World Art Dubai.”

Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre, said: “The variety of artists in World Art Dubai is second to none. The show is not only accessible for all, but a place where serious art collectors can find both gems from artists who embody local culture and international artists who bring with them a regional flavour.

“We’ve had extremely positive feedback from the first visitors to the show on the level and assortment of artwork being displayed. We’ve seen an increase of 90 per cent of artists exhibiting with us compared to last year, as well as a 60 per cent increase in galleries – that’s testament to the continuous growing of World Art Dubai as it enters its eighth edition.”

As a key date on the art events calendar, World Art Dubai – supported by Dubai Culture – welcomes a wide spectrum of exhibitors, from emerging artists using the platform to propel their careers, to established international artists keen to benefit from reaching a global audience.

Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) are making their World Art Dubai debut this year, with a total of eight exhibitors presenting 60 exclusive NFT artworks. Both local and international artists will showcase collections that demonstrate the latest digital innovations in the creative sector.

Japan has also been unveiled as the inaugural ‘Around the World’ highlight, meaning visitors will see 68 artists from the Japan Pavilion put on a stunning stream of live performances, including a Kimono fashion show and workshops on calligraphy and cherry blossom stamping.

There will also be dedicated areas of the show for sculptures, an Instagram Corner where visitors can become part of the art in an incredible display, and a number of artistic displays, engaging art talks, and workshops that visitors can get involved in throughout the four-day fair.

The show has been beautifully curated by returning artists Batool Jafri, Samar Kamel, and Petra Kaltenbach, who have been joined for the first time by Ahmed Al Rashid – the lead of a refreshed edition of Urban Art DXB. The street art area has been expanded once more and will now host in addition to the popular graffiti contest, other battles such as a vogue dancing competition and a makeup face-off.

INFO: World Art Dubai will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Halls 1-3 from 16-19 March 2022 between 1-9pm each day, except Saturday which runs until 8pm. Tickets cost AED 20 for adults, AED 10 for children, with family packages also available. Buy online to enjoy 20 per cent off ticket cost.