Saturday 11 / May / 2024
World Art Dubai is returning to Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) this month, uniting a collection of more than 4,000 of the most vibrant and dynamic paintings, prints, sculptures and photographs from over 300 individual artists and galleries from five different continents. As the region’s most unique curated and affordable art fair, World Art Dubai embraces an eclectic array of different cultures, artistic styles and, most importantly, budgets.
An event for the whole family that fuses art, education and entertainment, this year’s World Art Dubai roster comprises a wide spectrum of talent, from popular UAE and international art galleries to solo artists from all corners of the globe, catering to both new and seasoned art collectors alike. Ahead of the fourth World Art Dubai, the show’s seasoned curators, Zaahirah Muthy, Stephanie Neville, and Atul Panse, have hand-picked eight artists and galleries to see this year.
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Alexandra Williams
An ever-evolving artist living in Dubai, look out for a collection of paintings that combine Alexandra’s knowledge of crystal and gemstone properties combined with bold use of geometry and colour. A popular Dubai-based artist who believes her artwork can uplift the soul, Alexandra’s most recent masterpieces are an eclectic mish-mash of bold hues and prints. Alexandra’s unmistakably abstract style utilises a range of acrylic, oil, and mixed inks, and results in canvasses that are saturated in colour and would take pride of place in the most vibrant of homes.
Arame Art Gallery
Hailing from Beirut and dedicated to Armenian art, Arame Art Gallery has been around since 2003, and currently collaborates with over 40 painters and sculptors from the Eurasian country. Representing seven Armenian masters at World Art Dubai, this Beirut-based art gallery aims to raise awareness of the art scene. The canvases of Avetis Khachatrian are inspired by Armenian fairytales and peaceful village life, so expect quirky figurative paintings that make for the perfect conversation starter, while Tigran Matulian takes us into the colourful Oriental dreams of his imagination. Expect this and much, much more.
Bharat Thakur
A yogi by trade, Himalayan master Bharat Thakur has been painting since the young age of 17, with his artworks famous for creating ripples in the artistic community. Part artist, full-time yoga guru, you can’t help but wonder how a man with thousands of spiritual followers around the world finds time for a canvas calling. Famous for never using a paintbrush, palette or easel, but instead his fingers, Bharat’s work includes everything from experimentation art to figurative, pop-ups, abstracts and portraits.
Create Hub Gallery
A Dubai-based gallery promoting contemporary African art, Create Hub Gallery hosts a number of dynamic exhibitions throughout the city. Expect the vibrant African atmosphere to shine through in intense colour notes and more relaxed monochrome works. A World Art Dubai participant since the inaugural fair in 2015, the Create Hub Gallery is ‘Walking the Line’ in its theme this year. Featuring works by five unique artists, peruse work from emerging African artists, this year inspiration is derived from everything including the human body, human tendencies African culture and more.
Kristel Bechara
While she’s been interested in art since she was a child, Kristel recently started experimenting with digital art, and her works combine her love of fashion, graphic design and canvas paintings equivalent to regional Banksy. Ahead of Kristel’s first year at World Art Dubai, the Dubai-based artist has caused quite the stir among the UAE art scene with her latest collection, ‘Beauty in Diversity’. For a real wow-moment, be sure to check out the trio of pieces from her ‘Three Wise Women’ collection that depict the age-old maxim ‘see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil’ and are sure to generate serious interest from Dubai’s culture vultures.
White Space Gallery
More than just a gallery, White Space teaches drawing, art, calligraphy and more to Beirut’s population of art lovers. Expect a whole range of artworks at this year’s event, with something to suit all tastes and budgets. Comprising a collection of artworks spanning different cultures and backgrounds, this Lebanon-based gallery houses everything from traditional, classic paintings to modern, contemporary pieces. One name to look out for is Oussayma Dimashkieh - Inspired by painter and sculptor Amadeo Modigliani and Lebanese artists Hassan Jouni and Jamil Malaab, Dimashkieh is a name and investment opportunity to watch in coming years.
Jeff Murray
A British artist bringing the wonder of Dubai to life, this time around Jeff Murray has turned his attention to this beautiful city, meticulously drawn like few people can do. Think drawings that encapsulate the dynamic vision of the UAE, from the highest structures known to man, to the oldest of the Ancient Wonders, the British-born artist takes inspiration from his explorations around the world, with his work, encapsulating individual cities, countries, continents, architecture, and landscapes.
Leila Kanso
A champion of Lebanese art, Leila uses art to portray the injustice that much of humanity faces in today’s world. With five Lebanese artists on show, there’s everything from watercolours and acrylics to abstract art that’s easy on the eye. Representing five Lebanese artists at this year’s exhibition, Leila has exhibited at over 50 collective and solo international art shows, with a strong focus on humanity. Her artworks theming around the topics of discrimination, prejudice, injustice, poverty and inequality, make use of dominant colours for paintings that are as powerful as they are beautiful. Be sure to check out her painting ‘Injustice to Humanity’ at this year’s show. —[email protected]
World Art Dubai 2018 is open from 2pm to 9pm from Wednesday April 18 -21. For more information, visit worldartdubai.com
