Abu Dhabi Art's 10th Edition Blends International Galleries with Local Heritage

Abu Dhabi Art, distinct from Art Dubai, celebrates its first decade with a festival-like program extending through January 2019. The fair features 43 galleries, including Italian participants Giorgio Persano, Officina dell'Immagine, and Galleria Continua, alongside international names like Sprüth Magers and Lisson Gallery. Organized by the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, the fair sees significant support from the royal family as primary buyers. Commissions for Al Ain involve Moataz Nasr, Imran Qureshi, and Ammar Al Attar, while a new film by Sarah Morris is produced for the nascent Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The talk program, curated by Nada Shabout and Salwa Mikdadi, includes three mini-conferences addressing Gulf Area art issues, featuring Stefano Curioni among participants. Portfolio Review with Holly Hughes targets emerging artists. The fair emphasizes traditional motifs reinterpreted by artists like Antonio Santin, Gary Webb, Yto Barrada, Huguette Caland, Idris Khan, Rachid Koraïchi, Lalla Essaydi, Loris Cecchini, and Wael Shawky. Performances include the sixth edition of Durub Al Tawaya.