Curators and commissioned artists announced for 15th Abu Dhabi Art

Abu Dhabi Art has announced its forthcoming exhibitions and artist commissions for 2023.

The 2023 programme will include artists Almaha Jaralla, Samo Shalaby, and Latifa Saeed commissioned for Beyond Emerging Artists (BEA), curated by Morad Montazami, the 2023 Gateway exhibition, entitled Maqam, presenting a survey show for Emirati artist Hashel Al Lamki curated by Venetia Porter, and commissioned works in cultural sites across the emirate by established artists Nujoom Al Ghanem, Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim. The exhibitions and commissions will open to the public on 22 November and remain on view until the end of January 2024.

Since 2017, BEA has provided three emerging artists in the UAE with a platform to develop their practice and realise ambitious art projects. The selected artists undertake a year-long programme of workshops and studio visits under the mentorship and supervision of a guest curator, which leads toward the realisation of new projects for the Abu Dhabi Art Fair in November. The works remain on exhibition to the public for several months beyond the fair dates.

The three appointed artists for BEA 2023 are Almaha Jaralla, Samo Shalaby and Latifa Saeed. Currently working on new commissions, the artists will be revealing their work at the fair in an exhibition curated by art historian, publisher and curator Morad Montazami.

Morad Montazami, curator of BEA 2023, said: “It is a pleasure and honour to be appointed as the curator for the groundbreaking Beyond Emerging Artists programme for the 15th edition of the Abu Dhabi Art Fair. I am delighted to be collaborating with all three artists who have impressed me with their technical skills and interdisciplinary approach, but also their mindset and vision. Beyond their clear differences as artists, there are also shared concerns which connect them and bring them together. All three navigate an interesting path between private and public space, or the subjective and the collective. Even more importantly, each artist seems to look forward to taking a meaningful step in their career, in producing an innovative installation for BEA 2023.

BEA is supported by the Friends of Abu Dhabi Art. Launched in 2021, Friends of Abu Dhabi Art is made up of individuals who are actively committed to supporting art and culture in the emirate.

The annual exhibition Gateway, which highlights local and international artists through unique perspectives, this year is curated by Venetia Porter, who has chosen to present a survey show for Emirati painter and multi-disciplinary artist Hashel Al Lamki.

The exhibition, entitled Maqam, after the residential neighbourhood of Al Ain where Al Lamki grew up, invites visitors to journey alongside him as he unveils his artistic journey. Like the melodic compositions of the maqam in music, a traditional pattern of melodic elements, this exhibition weaves together Al Lamki’s past works and current creations, offering a comprehensive understanding of his artistic evolution and his ambitions for the future.

Venetia Porter, curator of Maqam, said: “I first saw Hashel’s work at the Lyon Biennale (2022), Manifesto of Fragility, curated by Sam Bardaouil and Till Fellrath, and loved his large installation Rodinia. I was intrigued to find out more about him, and when I was invited to curate the Gateway show at 2023 Abu Dhabi Art, I immediately thought of him. Spending time with Hashel, I have been struck by the complexity and range of the art he has been making this past decade and his ambitions for the future. This show will reflect that, while also highlighting the depth of his love for Al Ain where he grew up, and his fascination with the geology and history of the UAE.”

Launched in 2017, Artist Commissions in Cultural Sites sees established artists invited to create site-specific works across the emirate. The works by the commissioned artists will be revealed during the fair in November and remain on show to the public for two months afterwards.

This year’s commissioned artists are Nujoom Al Ghanem, Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim, whose work will be showcased in Al Jahili Fort and Al Ain Oasis.

Al Ghanem, participant in Artist Commissions in Cultural Sites, said: “I’m truly honoured to take part in this edition of the fair and I’m looking forward to sharing with its audience the work I’ve been creating since 2020. I spent a lifetime working in solitude under shades of colours and materials without knowing where my work will end up. Without realising it, art has become my magnificent companion and refuge. It has given me another medium of expression which turned out to be the most significant activity of my days.”

Through its year-round exhibitions and artist commissions, Abu Dhabi Art plays an important role in supporting the art ecosystem in the region. The annual art fair continues to grow as it reaches its 15th edition in November 2023, and has recently announced a record lineup of more than 90 galleries from 31 countries in its biggest edition yet.