Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the 15th edition of Abu Dhabi Art takes place from November 22 to 26, 2023, at Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi. Positioned as a pivotal platform within the WANASA region’s art scene, the influential fair welcomes galleries from around the world to showcase their collections.
The upcoming edition has seen both new and returning galleries submit proposals through the Abu Dhabi Art website, aligning with the fair’s diverse sectors. These sectors include Modern & Contemporary, catering to galleries operational for a minimum of seven years; Special Projects, allowing galleries with a three-year track record to present solo or two-artist exhibits; and Emerge, where galleries showcase artworks under USD 3,000. Additionally, the Focus sector highlights galleries invited to participate with specific artists chosen by a guest curator.
The 2022 fair marked a milestone with its largest and most diverse gallery lineup, featuring 80 galleries from 28 countries presenting over 900 artworks by 300 artists globally. Building on this success, the 2023 edition promises to be even more expansive, with 92 galleries from over 31 countries participating.
Emirati artist Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim, who represented the United Arab Emirates at the 59th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia in 2022, has been selected as this year’s visual campaign artist. His works, characterised by inscriptions, lines, and abstract forms reminiscent of ancient cave drawings, will form the visual identity for the fair, emphasising the connection between time, memory, and nature.
The 15th edition will be the largest to date, featuring 92 galleries from over 31 countries, including first-time participation from Georgia, Mexico, Brazil, Singapore, and Chile. Nusseibeh highlights the fair’s role in dynamically shaping the local and regional art market over the past 15 years, showcasing unparalleled access to global art histories and research. The fair’s commitment to diverse curatorial perspectives, community embedding, and integral participation in the art ecosystem is reflected in its lineup of 37 new and 55 returning galleries.
The program also includes “Into the Horizon” a community project installation, featuring collaborative works from eleven community partners focused on sustainability. Nadine Maalouf, Co-Founder of 81 Designs, spearheads the project, set to be showcased at Manarat Al Saadiyat on November 22 before moving to COP28 until December 12. The fair also announces winners of the Pavilion Prize and Logo Competition. Additionally, a collaborative student project from the Art + Tech program led by Nujoom Al Ghanem will be exhibited at Al Ain Oasis until January 2024. Educational initiatives, daily tours, and workshops are offered to engage students and visitors with the art at the fair, aligning with Abu Dhabi Art’s commitment to supporting the creative community.
