Six guest curators will work together to present Abu Dhabi Art this year from November 19 to 26.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT) has announced the 12th edition to be a virtual fair, and will bring together galleries and artists from across the world in a number of curated gallery exhibitions and sectors.
For the first time ever, curators will work with galleries and artists to present work online, each with a different geographic focus. Integrating live-stream video interviews with artists, curators and gallerists, the 2020 digital fair will also host a public performing arts programme, presented alongside a number of engaging projects for the public.
“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,” said Saood Al Hosani, acting undersecretary of the DCT – Abu Dhabi.
Dyala Nusseibeh, director of Abu Dhabi Art, added: “This year we have invited numerous leading curators to work with galleries and their artists across existing and new gallery sectors for the fair, enabling diverse and compelling curatorial frameworks to emerge. After what has been an exceptionally difficult year for the global art world, we are committed to supporting galleries that have been exhibiting with Abu Dhabi Art for years while continuing to develop new markets. In line with our capacity to invest in and provide meaningful curatorial content for every iteration of Abu Dhabi Art, this year will continue to see exhibition formats for our galleries brought together through the insights of guest curators.”
A Talks Programme will also be available online, offering a series of stimulating cultural talks featuring some of the art world’s leading figures, which aim to engage audiences in discussions related to the complex history of the UAE and contemporary art practice in the country and around the world.
Six sections and its curators
The Day After, contemporary art from across the African continent: Simon Njami
Contemporary Korean Art, looking at contemporary art from South Korea: Sung woo Kim
India Today section, looking at the Indian subcontinent: Ashwin Thadani
A Picture Held Us Captive, contemporary artists represented by UAE galleries: Nada Raza
Performing arts programme, adapting to the digital format: Rose Lejeune
Beyond: Emerging Artists, work by emerging artists from across the UAE: Maya El Khalil
www.khaleejtimes.com
