Abu Dhabi Art’s 12th annual fair goes global in the virtual 2020 exhibition

Abu Dhabi’s department of Culture and Tourism decided for Abu Dhabi Art to go ahead in November as a virtual fair. Running from November 19-26th, six guest curators from around the globe will work with artists and galleries in order to present their work online.

By Olivia Melkonian

The international curators representing contemporary art from different geographical regions include Simon Njami curating The Day After reflecting the African continent, Sung woo Kim focusing on South Korea in Contemporary Korean Art, gallerist Ashwin Thadani will present India Today and Nada Raza will showcase A Picture Held Us Captive, a sector about contemporary artists represented by UAE based galleries.

HE Saood Al Hosani, Acting Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi stated that “For the fair to take place at this time is more important than ever and a testament to our commitment to developing the art scene. Abu Dhabi Art is adapting to the new reality that the world is facing and will play an instrumental role in supporting the culture sector at this critical period by offering a platform of encounters for galleries, artists, curators and collectors and by continuing to provide rich content and interactive experiences to the wider community.”

The fair will also host an online Talks Programme that will include discussion revolving around the current contemporary art practice around the world and in the UAE, and will also invite dialogues about the complex history of the country. Rose Lejeune, Associate Curator for the Delfina Foundation’s Collecting as Practice programme in London, will curate the Performing Arts programme of the fair this year, challenged with adapting to an online event. In support of local emerging artists, Maya El Khalil will curate a selection of their work in Beyond: Emerging Artists, which aligns with Abu Dhabi’s dedication to supporting the emerging talent of the country.

Know more about the fair, right here