Dubai: Exchanging ideas, making deals and finding buyers for their creations, artists from all corners of the world found in Art Dubai a perfect meeting ground. Art curators and lovers were unanimous that the event had managed to embrace different points of view and enhance the power of dialogue under the umbrella of art. In fact, many participants were so enthused that they were fervently hoping that it would be extended for a few more days.
International artists shared their impressions of the fourth edition of the event with Gulf News.
The well-known Emirati artist Lamia Gargash observed: "Art Dubai is amazing because it provides a variety of art and artists and keeps you well connected with the up-to-minute production of the global art scene. It's an overwhelming experience. This year I'm showcasing an illustrations work exhibited by The Third Line Gallery," the 27-year-old said.
A group of European artist taking part at Art Dubai for the first time preferred to call themselves ‘U5'.
"Our personal names are not important in our project, we instead identify ourselves as a group. We are from Austria, Germany and Switzerland and we are displaying a series of photographs reflecting our art style of maximalism, which stands for maximum complexity. We however deal with many mediums such as video, photographs, painting and objects."
The U5 group said they found the work at the ‘Traffic gallery' at the Art Dubai exhibition inspirational.
Pakistani artist Mehreen Murtaza said: "Art Dubai is a great occasion that provides equal opportunities for all artists."
"I work with various mediums — painting, sculpture and a lot of stuff based on the computer and this is my first international art fair and it's really exciting because of the global flavour," the 24-year-old said.
British artist Kate and her husband are showcasing a collaborative collection. "This is my first time visiting Art Dubai in person but my work was presented last year by the American gallery ‘Frey Norris' and the experience was such a success that we ended up with a waiting list of six people back then. This year we brought more collections. Dubai allowed me to meet with people who collect art from the Middle East and this has produced a prolific business environment," Kate said
American gallery ‘Frey Norris' is owned by Raman Frey and Wendi Norris. "This is our second participation at Art Dubai and we actually have had a wonderful experience. Art Dubai facilitates doing business and making deals, for instance, two weeks ago we were exhibiting in New York and one of the discussions was all about collecting art from the Middle East," Frey said
Emirati visitor Sara Al Falasi said, "I quite liked the visits by students; they help inspire a feeling for art at an early age and make young people aware of the art scene in the country."
Fatma Al Yousuf, another Emirati visitor, said, "Art Dubai is a true source of inspiration, it encourages the whole community to be creative and produce their best."
