Art Dubai: A Cultural Epicenter

Since its inception in 2007, Art Dubai has blossomed into a pivotal fixture within Dubai’s vibrant art scene. This international fair is not merely an exhibition but a celebration of creativity, drawing artists, galleries, and collectors from across the globe. It has established itself as a highlight in the city’s cultural calendar, providing a platform for both emerging and established talent.

This year, more than 120 exhibitors partake in the fair, an impressive scale that can be dizzying for newcomers and seasoned art aficionados alike. To make your exploration easier, here are eight standout artists to watch at Art Dubai.

Mehdi Moutashar

Artist Mehdi Moutashar is represented by Lawrie Shabibi, showcasing a series of works that illuminate the arc of his career from the 1970s to the present. Born in Iraq and later moving to France, Moutashar is celebrated for his innovative exploration of shapes and dimensions.

William Lawrie, co-founder of Lawrie Shabibi, states, “The focus is really on the square.” The exhibition displays Moutashar’s evolution through various styles, particularly his take on the Op Art movement. His journey showcases a gradual shift from framed paintings to viewing the wall as a canvas in itself. This development is particularly significant as many of his earlier works were lost to a flood years prior.

MF Husain

Maqbool Fida Husain, widely revered as MF Husain, stands tall as a luminary of Indian modernism. Exhibited by Delhi Art Gallery (DAG), his works across seven decades showcase his signature cubist style.

Kishore Singh, senior vice president of DAG, expressed pride in presenting Husain’s art in Dubai, a city he considered a second home. The selection includes sculptural works from his toy series and paintings that delve into themes of nationhood and Hindu mythology, alongside tributes to iconic figures like Gandhi and Mother Teresa.

Laila Shawa

From the heart of Ramallah, Gallery One returns to Art Dubai to spotlight the late Laila Shawa, an artist whose diverse body of work is truly captivating. Born in Gaza in 1940, Shawa’s output often feels like the work of multiple artists.

George Al Ama, co-owner of Gallery One, says, “We’re very proud, under the current circumstances, to present a solo exhibition of Laila Shawa.” Among her standout pieces is the poignant 1965 painting, The Family, which survived the destruction of her home in 2008. The exhibition also includes her renowned Walls of Gaza series, a powerful commentary on her visit to Gaza during the First Intifada in 1987.

Bertina Lopes

Bertina Lopes is celebrated for her vivid colors and rich narratives drawn from African traditions. Represented by the Richard Saltoun Gallery, Lopes’ works span from the 1970s and encapsulate elements of both African and European modernism.

Her unique approach to figurative styles and abstraction is deeply influenced by textile motifs, inviting viewers to experience the interconnectedness of culture through her artistry.

Omar Mismar

Omar Mismar captivates audiences in the Bawwaba section with politically charged mosaics. One of his striking pieces, Ahmad and Akram Protecting Hercules, draws from real-life events, showcasing two men in Syria fortifying an ancient mosaic with sandbags to protect it from conflict.

Mismar has also created a tetraptych specifically for Art Dubai, drawing visual inspiration from a significant archaeological finding in Gaza. This interplay of material and narrative marks Mismar as a standout voice in contemporary art.

Dana Awartani

Dana Awartani, a Saudi-Palestinian artist, presents Standing by the Ruins, a body of work inspired by pre-Islamic poetic forms. Her installation features clay bricks echoing designs from Gaza’s Qasr Al Basha, emphasizing loss and remembrance in the face of destruction.

Her work serves as a poignant commentary on cultural heritage and resilience, marrying historical context with contemporary artistic expression.

Mohammed Kazem

A significant figure in the UAE’s contemporary art scene since the 1980s, Mohammed Kazem presents a digital installation titled Directions (Merging), commissioned by Julius Baer. This innovative work incorporates global GPS coordinates, creating a visual tapestry that reflects resource exchange and globalization.

Displayed in a specially designed room, Kazem’s installation invites viewers to reflect on Dubai’s evolution as a global hub and its interconnected role in the modern world.

Susumu Kamijo

Susumu Kamijo has gained international acclaim for his playful renderings of poodles, merging humor with vibrancy. In his latest exhibitions, Kamijo’s work continues to explore form through the unique medium of quick-drying vinyl paint.

His piece, Greeting by the Master, embodies his signature style—bold colors combined with geometric forms that provoke thought and uplift spirits.

Art Dubai serves not only as an exhibition but as a fertile ground for cultural dialogue, bridging global narratives through the medium of art. Each artist showcased contributes to a larger conversation about identity, resilience, and the role of art in contemporary society, making this fair a must-visit for enthusiasts and collectors alike.