The Abu Dhabi Art Fair 2023, which has attracted a record 92 distinguished galleries this year, welcomes diverse curatorial perspectives, embedding itself in the community, and playing an integral part in the art ecosystem in Abu Dhabi and the UAE

The 15th edition of the Abu Dhabi Art Fair promises to once again become the epicentre of artistic brilliance from around the world.

The fair, scheduled from November 22 to 26, will mark a milestone moment in its history with the largest gathering of artistic talent to date, boasting participation from 92 distinguished galleries spanning over 31 countries.

The fair is a culmination of Abu Dhabi Art’s year-long visual arts programme and plays a vital role in the burgeoning art scene of the WANASA region. With 37 new and 55 returning galleries, this year’s edition spotlights diverse geographies alongside curated exhibitions and commissions, positioning itself as a place of discovery for global art histories. For the first time, galleries from Georgia, Mexico, Brazil, Singapore and Chile will be at the show.

The 2022 fair featured 80 galleries from 28 countries presenting more than 900 artworks by 300 artists from around the globe.

The fair remains committed to welcoming diverse curatorial perspectives, embedding itself in the community, and playing an integral part in the art ecosystem of Abu Dhabi and the UAE.

Held 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 event is organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, at Manarat Al Saadiyat.

Speaking on the upcoming show, Dyala Nusseibeh, Director of Abu Dhabi Art, says: “This year’s Abu Dhabi Art represents a significant moment in the fair’s history due to its sheer size, with double the number of galleries participating since its early days. We are delighted to be able to attract such a diverse range of artists and galleries from around the world, in part thanks to the important contribution and research of our global gallery representatives.”

Nusseibeh also highlights the presence of many new galleries at the fair and says: “This signifies how dynamic the local and regional art market has become over the last 15 years. By working closely with curators, gallery representatives, galleries and artists, we are also ensuring that our gallery presentations offer unparalleled access to art histories and research, ensuring visitors have the opportunity to better understand these wide-ranging global positions.”

The fair categories include:

•  Modern & Contemporary, which is open to Modern and Contemporary galleries who have been operating for at least seven years;

•  Special Projects, where galleries which have been operating for at least three years present solo or two-artist exhibits;

•  Emerge, where galleries present artworks under $3,000; and

•  Focus, showcasing galleries which have been invited to participate with specific artists chosen by a guest curator.

Representing some of the participating galleries this year are:

•  Maneli Keykavioussi, who will focus on Latin America with participating galleries including Dan Galleria, Pablo Goebel Fine Arts, Praxis, Galeria Karla Osorio, Galeria La Cometa and Casa Zirio;

•  Visiting professor Riccarda Mandrini, focusing on sustainability with participating galleries including Kó, Lia Rumma, THK Gallery, and ADN Galleria;

•  Founder and Director of Le Violon Bleu Gallery Essia Hamdi, who will focus on female artists from the Arab world with galleries including Agial Art Gallery, Galerie Krinzinger and Wadi Finan Art Gallery; and

•  Chris Wan Feng – who will bring together galleries that reflect on Hong Kong’s historical and contemporary art landscape, including Rossi & Rossi and Hanart TZ.

The 2023 Visual Campaign Artist is Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim (represented by Lawrie Shabibi Gallery in Dubai), whose work is heavily inspired by a deep love for the environment and natural beauty of his birthplace, Khorfakkan – nestled between the Gulf of Oman and the Hajar Mountains.

As one of the foremost artists in the UAE today, his appointment as this year’s visual campaign artist is a continuation of an ongoing relationship with the fair, from his role in creating a special commission for the fair’s exhibition Gateway in 2017 to curating Abu Dhabi Art’s Beyond: Emerging Artists programme in 2018, as well as having a solo booth at the fair with his gallery Lawrie Shabibi in 2020.