Abu Dhabi: The 16th edition of Abu Dhabi Art will unfold from November 20 to 24 at Manarat Al Saadiyat, showcasing a diverse range of artistic expressions.
The fair will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
Organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the fair highlights the contributions of Emirati artist Mohammed Kazem, who has been named the Visual Campaign Artist, recognizing his significant influence on the UAE’s art scene.
Art Fair | #AbuDhabiArt’s 16th edition is just around the corner.
Join us at Manarat Al Saadiyat from 20 – 24 November for the largest edition yet, featuring a diverse range of galleries, performances, workshops, dialogues, and more. pic.twitter.com/RAAj9ARSoi
— Abu Dhabi Art (@AbuDhabiArt) November 1, 2024
The event will feature over 100 local and international galleries, offering a vibrant cultural and artistic experience. Notably, this year introduces new sections dedicated to modern regional artists and showcases works from Central Asia and the Caucasus, aimed at fostering cross-cultural dialogue. Attendees can also expect unique collections of historical artifacts and collectibles, attracting art enthusiasts from around the globe.
The annual fair represents the culmination of a year-long program that includes artist residencies, commissions, exhibitions, and a strong educational outreach initiative.
The Visual Campaign Artist plays a crucial role in defining the fair’s visual identity, and Kazem’s appointment reflects his status as a pioneering artist who has supported the art community for over two decades.
His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the DCT Abu Dhabi, expressed that, “Abu Dhabi Art plays a vital role in showcasing our cultural identity to the world. Mohammed Kazem has been a key figure in the UAE’s art scene, and we are delighted he has accepted the honor of being Abu Dhabi Art’s Visual Campaign Artist this year.”
As described by Gallery Isabelle Van Den Eynde, Kazem’s artistic practice integrates video, photography, and performance to explore new ways of experiencing his environment. His background as a musician informs his work, as he seeks to render transient phenomena such as sound and light into tangible forms.
Kazem remarked that, “I’m pleased to have been chosen to create the visual campaign for this edition of Abu Dhabi Art. I look forward to meeting artists from around the world at the fair, discovering new artworks and techniques, and attending related events and new commissions from the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.”
With its diverse offerings and commitment to fostering artistic dialogue, Abu Dhabi Art 2024 promises to be a landmark event in the UAE’s cultural calendar.