2nd addition of Dubai’s affordable art fair starts tomorrow

Exhibitors from Europe and the United States will also likely be popular among the public. Peter Klasen’s Tesla Art Car will be presented by Galerie Mecanica from France, and Gallerique from the USA will exhibit intricate wooden sculptures from New Zealand as well as some never-before-seen underwater photography from Dutch artist Gisele Lubsen.

The Interactive Graffiti Art & Canon Activity Wall is another new feature at the show, hosted by Canon – World Art Dubai’s Official Imaging Partner. The interactive wall will provide the audience with the opportunity for a creation of virtual graffiti using a specially designed spray to make their own vibrant and colourful work of art.  

Running alongside the show is a series of free, engaging and inspiring workshops and talks from international artists, curators, and academics, delivering presentations on topics ranging from tips for first-time art buyers to an overview of the nuances and dynamics of the global and local art market.

Another new remarkable feature, a seven feet tall installation called ‘Tree of life art’ from Sharon White, a UK-based artist, will welcome World Art Dubai’s visitor in the registration area. The artwork, dedicated to women suffering from breast cancer, is made of lace, bows, gems and silk fabric from clothes of UK celebrities: Lorraine Kelly, Tess Daly, Kirstie Allsopp, Holly Willoughby, Davina McCall and Denise Welch who, alongside 50 other contributors, all autographed the art piece.

According to Lubna Al Shamsi, Project Manager of SIKKA at Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the show is an integral part of Dubai Art Season, held during the period between March to April under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture).

She said: “World Art Dubai serves as a cultural bridge between the international arts community and the Middle East, through which we aim to send positive cultural messages that aim to integrate the community with the creative scene of Dubai. We at Dubai Culture support the strategic objective of World Art Dubai to make art affordable and readily available for every wall.

“It also provides a platform for artists to showcase fresh and contemporary work, feeding the rising demand for art in the UAE and across the region. The international scale of the event has undoubtedly served to establish our city’s credentials as one of the fastest-growing hubs for art and culture in the world, which has in turn inspired our continuous support of the Emirate’s art scene in the lead-up to Expo 2020.”  

World Art Dubai 2016 is hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre; the entry to the fair is AED15 for a daily pass and tickets can be purchased onsite during the fair at the welcome desks.  Children of 16 years and under are admitted free of charge, upon showing a student ID.  More information and pre-registration is available at the website www.worldartdubai.com.