Event taking place from April 18 to 20 is a reflection of the political, social and ecological challenges facing the planet.
Seeing an art fair come together is much like seeing a single artwork materialise.
Plastic protectors are unfurled across the floor. The smell of paint wafts in the air. There is the din of drills and hammers. Step ladders appear, vanish and reappear elsewhere. The lighting is adjusted, scrutinised then readjusted. The disparate elements come together so that what began as a blank white space buzzes with colour and movement. Soon the chaos begins to make sense, an order materialises and an elegant wholeness finds form.
Art Dubai 2025 was in the throes of this transformation when The National visited its site at Madinat Jumeirah on Tuesday. More than 120 galleries were setting up, displaying works across mediums and subjects. Yet, despite the diversity on show, there is a loose thread that connects the art pieces together, particularly in the contemporary works. It's a response to the state of the world.
This is most evident in the Bawwaba section. The recurring feature of Art Dubai is dedicated to works created in the past year, or specifically for the fair. This year, it is showcasing 10 solo presentations from across the world. The works are thoughtful reflections of current political, social and ecological issues.
