The annual Abu Dhabi Art event is set to grace Manarat Al Saadiyat from November 20th to 24th. This gathering unites innovative artists, curators, and galleries from across the emirate and the world. It is a culmination of a year-round visual arts program, offering collectors and the public unique experiences through special exhibitions, installations, and commissions.

Uniting Global Art at Abu Dhabi's Cultural Hub

Gateway Exhibition: A Tapestry of Arab and Latin American Connections

This year's Gateway exhibition stands out as one of the fair's most anticipated programs. It showcases local and international artists through distinct curatorial perspectives. Titled Otra Orilla (Another Shore), the show features works by Emilia Estrada, Alia Farid, Francisca Khamis Giacoman, Ishtar Yasin Gutiérrez, and Mandy El-Sayegh. These artists often reflect on diasporic experiences, mapping and interweaving the personal with the political using textile, moving image, and installation. According to the curators, "There is relatively little scholarship on the history of art which emerged from the movements between the two regions. It was important for us that the show focuses on artistic practices which explore South–South networks, moving away from center–periphery narratives."The works on display offer a deep exploration of these connections, allowing viewers to gain a new understanding of the artistic landscape. For example, Francisca Khamis Giacoman's "As Close As I Get (2021)" showcases her unique artistic vision through a captivating installation. This piece not only highlights her individual talent but also contributes to the broader narrative of cross-cultural artistic exchange.

Beyond Emerging Artists: Launching UAE Artists to New Heights

The 2024 edition of Beyond Emerging Artists, curated by Galleria Continua co-founder Lorenzo Fiaschi, features three new commissions by Fatma Al Ali, Dina Nazmi Khorchid, and Simrin Mehra Agarwal. Al Ali's contribution explores historical power dynamics through archival documents and oral histories, providing a unique perspective on the region's past. Dina Nazmi Khorchid's piece inverts familiar landscape elements to evoke an experience of statelessness, challenging traditional notions of place and identity. Simrin Mehra Agarwal's monumental installation draws from several undersea research expeditions, adding a touch of the unknown to the exhibition. After the fair closes, these works will travel internationally, reaching a wider audience and spreading their powerful messages.For instance, Simrin Mehra Agarwal's "Subterraneous – I (2024)" is a remarkable installation that combines elements of the underwater world with thought-provoking themes. It invites viewers to contemplate the mysteries of the deep and their impact on our understanding of art and culture.

Public Engagement and the Future of Art

Enriched by a range of public engagement initiatives, Abu Dhabi Art is not just a traditional art fair. It is a platform for meaningful intercultural and interdisciplinary dialogue. The Gateway and Beyond Emerging Artists programs demonstrate a commitment to foregrounding new talent and fostering connections between different artistic communities. Through guided tours in Arabic and English, the fair makes art accessible to a wider audience.This event offers more than just a glimpse into the current landscape of contemporary art; it provides a glimpse into the future of art making and international exchange. It showcases the creativity and innovation that is emerging from Abu Dhabi and the wider region, and sets the stage for future artistic collaborations and explorations.Abu Dhabi Art is presented 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. It takes place at Manarat Al Saadiyat through November 24, 2024, inviting art lovers from around the world to experience its magic.