Art Dubai 2017

The 11th edition of Art Dubai returns to Madinat Jumeirah from March 16 to 18, with more than 500 artists and 90 galleries. Wear your trainers and stroll the exhibition halls to view works of art, and hobnob with the people who made them.

Art Dubai is back. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, it is an international art fair with roots in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. It has also become the hub of what is now known as Art Season – with galleries all over town putting on their best exhibitions as well as several other fringe events taking place for those who want to seek out the cultural veins of the city.

TOP PICKS THE HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2017

FOR THE TECHNO GEEK

In the 21st century world, art is no longer simply paint on canvas, sculpture, drawing or even installation. It now completely embraces cutting-edge technology in all its facets. One of the best examples of this is TeamLab – a Japanese collective who work only with computer-generated programmes. They make visually mesmerising and interactive pieces of art such as a flowing golden waterfall or a projection of blossoming flowers that wither if you touch them. Their work can be found at three gallery booths at Art Dubai: Ikkan Art Gallery from Singapore, Pace Art + Technology from the US, and Martin Browne Contemporary, from Sydney.

FOR THE HISTORY BUFF

Since 2014, Art Dubai has dedicated a special section to Modern art (a term used for art made between 1940 and 1980) from the region. With a smaller number of galleries than the main halls, it is a veritable history lesson waiting for those willing to spend time there. Also, for the first time this year, a symposium will be held with some of the world’s most important experts on the subject.

FOR THE INQUISITIVE