Abu Dhabi Art Fair returned in its 11th edition on Nov. 21, featuring 50 galleries from 21 cities. With Modern and Contemporary galleries in the spotlight, the fair intends to expose art students and enthusiasts to global trends and well-curated ideas. Frequenters of the event from previous years will be able to find familiar artists, while newcomers can experience a subtle, yet present, coherence in the narrative of the wide variety of works exhibited. There was something for everyone at the fair that brings art and culture to Abu Dhabi every year.

The New Horizons section of the fair was split into two sections: China, brought together by curator, Jérôme Sans and India, with artists invited by gallerist, Ashwin Thadani. The Focus segment, curated by Dr. Omar Kholeif, highlighted tracing and mapping by inviting artists and galleries that focus on the practice of drawing and how this art can develop.

Artist Commissions – the Beyond segment of the gallery – extended past the fair and called on established artists to create site-specific works for the exhibition. This segment will last until Feb. 29 and features the likes of Argentinian artist Leandro Erlich and British artist Oliver Beer.

The Beyond section also supports emerging artists in the UAE. Curated by Ramin Haerizadeh, Rokni Haerizadeh and Hesam Rahmanian, the artists will be developing their practice until Feb. 8 in the Auditorium at Manarat Al Saadiyat.

“The fair has expanded from an annual art fair to become a permanent platform, offering a year-round program which includes solo gallery shows and public art commissions,” said HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, director general of the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism. “This is a testament to the growth of the thriving creative community in the UAE and to the vibrant global forum that the fair has now become.”

Image Courtesy of Emily Broad

The Fragments, Yesterday and Today exhibition, curated by Paolo Colombo, explores everyday objects and their relevance in art practice today. This annual exhibition highlights local and international artists and displays how pieces from around the world can merge with Emirati art to create a unique narrative. The pieces thus mirror the role of the Art Fair itself in developing the cultural scene of the UAE.

“This is a rare opportunity to exhibit artifacts from the Al Ain Museum collection with contemporary art in a context that is very different from where and how they were originally used, yet in which they are nevertheless relevant,” said Sarah Collins, senior curator at the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, about the guest-curated exhibition.

Many community partners presented art projects that supported the event. Christina Awad, co-founder of Blank Canvas Community, worked with The Special Olympics World Games booth at the fair, which engaged community members and athletes to create a community sculpture together.

Image Courtesy of Emily Broad

"The most wonderful thing to witness is Special Olympics athletes, kids and adults all coming together to interact, converse and express themselves through art and contribute to the growing sculpture, The Circle of Unity," said Awad.

The Abu Dhabi Art Fair does not stop at the exit door of Manarat Al Saadiyat. Urban city spaces ranging from Khalifa University to the Louvre and Qasr Al Hosn support the art fueled weekend with exhibitions, performances and tours.

Abu Dhabi Art is an event that contributes to the cultural growth of the UAE. Visitors who were unable to go this year can attend the annual events around the same time in 2020.