November 18–21, 2015
Abu Dhabi Art presents a selection of the world’s leading modern and contemporary art galleries alongside a dynamic programme of performances, talks and sensational experiences taking place at Manarat Al Saadiyat from November 18–21.
Under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), Abu Dhabi Art will once again bring together leading artists, galleries and collectors from across the world to engage in a diverse range of discussions and events that celebrate the cultural diversity of the UAE.
Abu Dhabi Art offers two overarching sectors: a public programme that connects with the wider community through a dynamic performing arts programme, talks and collaborative community initiatives; and an art fair which includes an array of renowned and emerging exhibiting galleries, as well as other initiatives that help support up-and-coming artists and galleries.
40 established galleries from Europe, Asia, North America and the Middle East will showcase exceptional artworks from emerging artists alongside celebrated and iconic pieces by the world’s foremost artists. Galleries will continue to exhibit under the five sections of the fair: (1) Modern, Contemporary and Design Galleries; (2) Signature, presenting emerging artists; (3) Beyond‘s large-scale installations, sculptures and site-specific commissions; (4) Bidaya, highlighting one emerging gallery; and (5) Artists’ Waves, an artist-led exhibition.
A panel discussion led by Richard Armstrong, Museum Director of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation; Neil MacGregor, Director of the British Museum; and the Louvre curators, moderated by Anna Somers Cocks, The Art Newspaper Founder and CEO, and introduced by the philosopher Peter Sloterdijk, will explore the concept of museums in the 21st century. The discussion will highlight the narratives and discourses of the Saadiyat Cultural District museums, as well as their public outreach programmes and initiatives that connect with the wider city and communities of the United Arab Emirates and the region.
Bliss is a programme of live and interactive performances by the context and dynamism of Abu Dhabi. The concept will include screenings of JR’s exceptional film Les Bosquets, inspired by French ghettos and the New York City Ballet.
Durub Al Tawaya, curated by Tarek Abou El Fetouh, returns for its third edition, celebrating the ways in which contemporary art creates zones of cultural exchange by engaging with diverse archives and influences. The five diverse performances address questions of ownership, responsibility and preservation.
Complementing the arts programme, this year’s Architecture Statement will present a discussion led by Jean Nouvel on the Rain of Light, the outstanding concept of the Louvre Abu Dhabi dome, a flagship museum that incorporates cutting edge design but is nevertheless integrated into the traditional landscape and heritage of the Emirates. The Design programme will present the outcomes of the Design Lab workshop, where students and graduates develop their architecture skills through a visual urban analysis of Abu Dhabi, exploring the converging worlds of production and consumption.
Emirati Expressions presents a generation of Emirati artists exploring the role of art in society through multidisciplinary experimentation.
For more information on the event programme, please visit our website.
Abu Dhabi Art 2015 participating galleries:
AB Gallery / Acquavella Galleries, Inc. / Agial Art Gallery / Aicon Gallery / ARTSPACE / Athr Gallery / Ayyam Gallery / Bugada & Cargnel / Elmarsa / Galerie Brigitte Schenk / Galerie Enrico Navarra / Galerie GP & N Vallois / Galerie Janine Rubeiz / Galerie Krinzinger / Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac / GALLERIA CONTINUA / Gallery Isabelle van den Eynde / Gallery One, Ramallah (Bidaya) / Gazelli Art House / Giorgio Persano / Hanart TZ Gallery / Hauser & Wirth / Horrach Moya / Hunar Gallery / Kukje Gallery / Tina Kim Gallery / Lawrie Shabibi / Le Violon Bleu / Leehwaik Gallery / Leila Heller Gallery / Lisson Gallery / October Gallery / Park Ryu Sook Gallery / Paul Stolper Gallery / Salwa Zeidan Gallery / Sfeir-Semler Gallery / The Park Gallery / The Third Line / Whitestone Gallery
