Zidoun-Bossuyt Gallery opens in Dubai

Zidoun-Bossuyt Gallery, a leading gallery for contemporary art, which offers a diverse exhibition programme, as well as special historical projects and is known for having introduced some of the most influential Afro-American artists to Luxembourg. They introduced Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Wangechi Mutu, Jeff Sonhouse and Terry Adkins when they were relatively unknown.

In 2022 the gallery is opening two new locations, one in Dubai and one in Paris, reinforcing its international positioning in the art world.

Dubai with neighbouring Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, and further afield Qatar and Saudi Arabia – have developed a dynamic art ecosystem to create a contemporary art scene connected to the global art world. An example of this thriving culture is the Guggenheim Museum of Abu Dhabi, which is expected to open in 2025.

The two new art spaces allow an expanded exhibition programme and a focus on Afro-American and African emerging artists, as well as additional representation of artists such as Shaunté Gates, Yashua Klos, Yoyo Lander, Godwin Champs Namuyimba, Eniwaye Oluwaseyi…

We spoke to the team to get a deeper perspective.

Why launch your first standalone gallery in the region in Dubai? And why choose Jumeirah as your location?

Dubai and Luxembourg share some similarities. The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a business-friendly country, which boasts a very dynamic economy generating one of the highest GDP per capita in the world.

Another aspect of Luxembourg which is similar to Dubai is its cosmopolitan spirit with over 50% of the population being non-Luxemburgers and its quality of life being surrounded by nature. Similarly, Luxembourg has a history dating back to the middle ages, which can still be seen in its medieval castles whilst being forward looking having become the NewSpace capital of Europe.

We are therefore honoured to expand our gallery from the heart of Europe to one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the Middle East and to take part in the growing interest of the UAE for contemporary art.

We renovated a beautiful two storey building located at 796 Jumeirah Street, one of the most vibrant and popular areas in Dubai, near the iconic Burj Al-Arab.

Can you tell us more about the artists that you have been exhibiting for your inaugural show?

To celebrate the opening of the new gallery in Dubai, Zidoun-Bossuyt Gallery showcased works by artists from different generations and cultures, reflecting its diverse program. This includes artists such as Noel W. Anderson, Martine Feipel & Jean Bechameil, Louis Granet, Yashua Klos, John Madu, Tomokazu Matsuyama, Jeff Sonhouse and Summer Wheat among others.

This new art space will allow an expanded exhibition program with a focus on Afro- American and African emerging artists and reinforce the strong international positioning of the gallery in the art world.

Who are the Emirati artists in your to-be-seen list and who are your clients for Luxembourgish art in the UAE?

We are already doing some research, and we will take the opportunity now that we are installed in Dubai to take our time and visit local artists’ studios. As we did in Luxembourg, we will promote their art in the world through art fairs. We also wish to use our name and reputation to promote UAE artists abroad.Zidoun-Bossuyt Gallery, a leading gallery for contemporary art, which offers a diverse exhibition programme, as well as special historical projects and is known for having introduced some of the most influential Afro-American artists to Luxembourg. They introduced Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Wangechi Mutu, Jeff Sonhouse and Terry Adkins when they were relatively unknown.