Latest news with #ArtDubaiDigital
Observer
20-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Where Local Meets Global in a Creative Fusion
Visitors are immediately swept up in a whirlwind of creativity and innovation. The anticipation is palpable as artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts converge in this sprawling showcase of contemporary art, set against the stunning backdrop of Dubai's modern skyline. For newcomers, the fair offers a captivating glimpse into the evolving world of art, simultaneously celebrating the digital sphere while highlighting the diverse voices of regional artists. As attendees arrive, the cascading visual experiences unfolding at every turn create an immediate sense of excitement. From the stunning installations in the Art Dubai Digital section to the dynamic presentations of contemporary works, the fair proudly bears witness to the rapid rise of digital artistry. Curated under the theme "After the Technological Sublime," the digital segment invites visitors to engage with artworks that challenge traditional perceptions of form and medium. Walking through these spaces, one can feel the buzz of energy as spectators marvel at immersive installations that transport them into new realms of experience. For many newcomers, this is their first encounter with art that anxiously dances between reality and virtuality, provoking thoughts about our relationship with technology and its impact on our lives. Artworks like Krista Kim's digital landscapes are not just pieces to be observed; they are transformative experiences that spark conversations and reflections about the world we inhabit. The Pulse of Regional Artistry As the fair unfolds, visitors quickly learn that Art Dubai is not solely a celebration of digital art. It is also a powerful platform for artists from the Middle East and South Asia, particularly female artists who bring fresh perspectives to the contemporary art scene. Walking through the halls, one might encounter Faiza Butt's thought-provoking pieces, where representations of masculinity are explored through a distinctly Pakistani lens. The boldness of her work resonates deeply, prompting discussions about identity and cultural narratives. Nearby, Sana Arjumand's exploration of Sufism and nature invites viewers to reflect on the interconnectedness of human experience and the natural world. Her artworks radiate warmth and vibrancy that captivate passers-by, allowing them to connect with themes that transcend geographical boundaries. A new digital artwork by Mohammed Kazem, commissioned by Julius Baer and debuting at Art Dubai. Photo_ Cedric Ribeiro _ Getty Images for Art Du For many newcomers, witnessing this confluence of ideas and perspectives can be a transformative experience. It serves as a reminder of the struggles and triumphs of artists, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds seeking visibility on a global stage. A Meeting Ground for Artists and Enthusiasts The camaraderie among artists and collectors fosters an atmosphere of shared passion and discovery. Conversations flow freely as those new to the art scene engage with seasoned collectors and gallery representatives alike. Art Dubai creates an inviting environment that encourages questions and exploration, making it an accessible space for anyone interested in the art world. Attendees find themselves examining the rich diversity of artistic expressions, from digital formats to traditional techniques. The "Bawwaba" section, showcasing works created specifically for the fair, demonstrates how regional artists continue to address pressing current issues while pushing the boundaries of creativity. In recent years, the Gulf has transformed into a veritable melting pot of creativity. Gone are the days when local artists quietly toiled away in anonymity; today, they are stepping onto the global stage, ready to showcase their unique talents and narratives. Artists from Oman and across the region are finding new avenues for expression and collaboration, placing them firmly on the global stage. This year's fair showcased not only a diversity of artwork but also a burgeoning sense of community among artists, collectors, and institutions—all eager to celebrate their local talents. Benedetta Ghione, in her opening speech at Art Dubai, encapsulated the essence of Dubai's artistic evolution. 'Dubai has positioned itself as a global centre for business, trade, and increasingly, culture,' she declared, noting the strong partnerships between local galleries and international talents. With supportive entities like AIM Holding leading five years of educational programmes, there's a palpable sense of momentum building in the Gulf. The investment in culture is seen as an investment in the future, as Ghione asserted, providing a fertile landscape for artists to thrive. 'We're reaching a moment of critical mass,' she explained, highlighting how the interest in the Gulf's artistic capabilities continues to skyrocket.
Forbes
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Art Dubai 2025 Opens With A Bold Vision For The Future Of Culture
Dubai artist Paris Alshafar's works at Art Dubai 2025 The preview days of Art Dubai 2025 (officially open 18-20 April) have begun, and the energy at Madinat Jumeirah feels both elevated and expansive. Now in its 18th edition, the fair continues to evolve as more than just a commercial art platform. It positions itself as a cultural catalyst—blending exhibitions, commissions, and talks with a city-wide sense of movement, experimentation, and global dialogue. Over 120 galleries from around the world are showing this year, alongside large-scale site-specific works, digital installations, and performance-based pieces. The Global Art Forum returns under the theme The New New Normal, curated by Shumon Basar and Y7, exploring how technology, politics, and aesthetics continue to redefine the pace of change. Meanwhile, the second edition of the Digital Summit delves deeper into AI, posthumanism, and the environmental impacts of emerging technologies—topics that feel less speculative and more urgent with each passing year. The curated gallery sections offer a panoramic view of the art world in motion: Art Dubai Contemporary highlights cross-cultural dialogue and new voices; Bawwaba focuses on solo projects from the Global South; Art Dubai Modernrevisits post-war histories and the legacy of Cold War-era exchanges; and Art Dubai Digital pushes the boundaries of perception with AI, blockchain, and immersive media. The result is a fair that not only reflects the present moment but also questions it, visually, politically, and emotionally. It's clear from the preview alone: Art Dubai isn't simply keeping pace with global discourse, it's actively shaping where it goes next. Here are my personal highlights from this year's preview days: Art Dubai Digital FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder Among the standout sections this year is Art Dubai Digital, which explores the theme After the Technological Sublime. A series of new digital artworks debut at the fair, responding to the duality of technological progress: on one hand, a testament to human achievement, and on the other, a source of growing unease as these systems evolve beyond our grasp and distract from urgent ecological and social issues. Returning after a successful debut in 2024, Ouchhh Studio unveils MotherEarth, a monumental AI-powered data sculpture that transforms live climate data, air quality, CO₂ emissions, humidity and temperature shifts, into an immersive sensory experience. It's a striking meditation on the fragility of our environment, rendered in code and light. Ouchh, MotherEarth 2025, Art Dubai New York-based kinetic artist Breakfast presents Carbon Wake, a real-time energy-driven installation powered by data from cities around the world. Every minute, the piece pulls energy usage statistics from a different location, creating motion and visual shifts that reflect the impact of collective energy choices. The result is both hypnotic and sobering, a reminder of how data can be poetic, political, and deeply human. Breakfast's Carbon Wake at Art Dubai 2025 Anindita Bhattacharya's 'When The Sky Swam Beneath The Sea, 2025' In collaboration with Threshold Gallery form New Dehli, Artist Anindita Bhattacharya presents one of the most poetic and quietly powerful works at this year's fair, a haunting reflection on water as a vessel of memory, collective consciousness, transformation, and survival. Referencing the Anthropocene, the piece captures a landscape marked by human excess and environmental collapse. It balances beauty and devastation, creation and erosion, reminding us of water's ancient wisdom and its central role in shaping life. Deeply layered and emotionally charged, the work reads like a visual lament, for what's been lost, what still remains, and the unresolved stories that continue to flow beneath the surface. Anindita Bhattacharya's 'When The Sky Swam Beneath The Sea, 2025' Aicon New York Brings Monumental Voices to Art Dubai Aicon Gallery returns to Art Dubai with a powerful presentation at Booth E5, featuring works by Victor Ekpuk, Rachid Koraïchi, Veer Munshi, Natvar Bhavsar, Sheetal Gattani, Sujith S.N., Shehnaz Ismail, Sana Arjumand, Safdar Ali Qureshi, and Sadequain. A standout is Peju Alatise's monumental piece If Nigeria will not Wear her Own Cloth, She Deserves to go Naked (2019), which anchors the booth in narrative depth. Aikon New York Booth at Art Dubai Alatise also co-leads this year's A.R.M. Holding Children's Programme alongside Emirati artist Alia Hussain Lootah, an initiative launching at the fair before expanding to schools across all seven Emirates. Clinique La Prairie's Longevity Lounge Clinique La Prairie returned to Art Dubai with its immersive Longevity Lounge, offering a moment of calm and science-led wellbeing at the heart of the fair. Highlights include a Detox Bar, SENAPTEC assessments for cognitive training, and a curated series of talks featuring artists like Pooya Aryanpour, Diana Al Hadid, Deekay Kwon, and Alymamah Rashed. Each session explores the intersection of art, identity, and holistic living. With insights from CEO Simone Gibertoni and a look ahead to the brand's upcoming resort at AMAALA, the Lounge remains a standout space for reflection and future-thinking. Clinique La Prairie Longevity Lounge at Art Dubai 2025 Ruinart's Conversations with Nature Ruinart returns to Art Dubai with the latest chapter of its Conversations with Nature series, inviting artists to explore the Maison's enduring connection to the natural world. This year, Franco-Swiss artist Julian Charrière joins the program with a new body of work reflecting on biodiversity, climate, and how we inhabit fragile ecosystems. Known for blending performance, video, and field research, Charrière's work offers poetic yet pressing reflections on environmental change. Alongside artists Lelia Demoisy and Sam Falls, the Maison reaffirms its nearly 300-year commitment to sustainability, using art as a bridge between nature, science, and cultural consciousness. Julian Charrière at Ruinart's Lounge at Art Dubai 2025 Ruinart is inviting artists to explore the Maison's enduring connection to the natural world. This year, Franco-Swiss artist Julian Charrière joins the program with a new body of work reflecting on biodiversity, climate, and how we inhabit fragile ecosystems. Known for blending performance, video, and field research, Charrière's work offers poetic yet pressing reflections on environmental change. Alongside artists Lelia Demoisy and Sam Falls, the Maison reaffirms its nearly 300-year commitment to sustainability, using art as a bridge between nature, science, and cultural consciousness. Héctor Zamora's Terracotta Rituals Known for his powerful site-specific interventions, Mexican artist Héctor Zamora presents a striking new performance series at Art Dubai 2025. In Gathered in me they once again become life, a single performer interacts with a monumental, raw clay vessel, carving, entering, and reshaping it from within. The act becomes a meditation on vulnerability, transformation, and rebirth. Alongside this live performance, sculptural works like Kaminrot (2024) anchor the space with symbolic presence. Through gesture, material, and ritual, Zamora explores the cyclical tensions between creation and collapse, body and earth, personal memory and collective myth. Héctor Zamora's Terracotta Rituals Tomás Saraceno: Rethinking the Atmosphere Berlin-based Argentinian artist Tomás Saraceno presents a poetic and political exploration of life beyond Earth at Art Dubai. Known for his interdisciplinary work with spider webs, air ecosystems, and the Anthropocene, Saraceno's projects challenge dominant systems of knowledge and extractive practices. His Aerocene project, which achieved the most sustainable human flight in history, speaks to his broader vision of co-creating with the planet. Whether working with scientists or spiders, Saraceno blurs art, ecology, and activism, reminding us that new ways of living, sensing, and relating are not just possible, but necessary. Tomás Saraceno at Art Dubai 2025
CairoScene
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Art Dubai Returns With Over 100 Galleries & a Focus on Digital Art
The 18th edition of Art Dubai will run from April 18th to 20th at Madinat Jumeirah, exploring contemporary and digital art. Apr 15, 2025 Art Dubai, the UAE's flagship international art fair, is returning for its 18th edition from April 18th to 20th at the Madinat Jumeirah Conference & Events Centre. This year's edition brings together over 100 galleries from more than 40 countries from around the world for a broad selection of gallery presentations, daily talks, guided tours, book launches, and performances. Art Dubai Modern—curated this year by art historians Nada Shabout and Magalí Arriola—focuses on modernist pioneers from the Global South, while Bawwaba returns as a curated section dedicated to solo presentations exploring themes of identity, migration, and post-colonial narratives. One of the fair's most anticipated elements is the expanded Art Dubai Digital section, which explores the intersection of art, technology, and digital culture. Presented for the first time in collaboration with Dubai Culture, this year's edition includes immersive installations and AI-generated works. Highlights include 'Hybrid Xperience', a generative art project by Turkiye's Ouchhh Studio, and kinetic data-driven sculptures by US-based collective Breakfast. The section features contributions from over 20 digital platforms, with a strong presence from regional creators working across NFTs, virtual reality, and generative design.
Gulf Business
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Business
Art Dubai Digital's Gonzalo Herrero Delicado on ‘rethinking art and tech'
Image: Supplied As technology continues to shape how we experience and interpret the world, Art Dubai Digital, launched in 2022, is a unique curated section of Art Dubai* that is dedicated to the pioneering artists, collectives, galleries and platforms influencing the digital art world today. Curated by Gonzalo Herrero Delicado, this year's edition explores the theme 'After the Technological Sublime' , offering a timely reflection on the power — and the consequences — of technological advancement through the lens of contemporary art. From large-scale installations fed by climate data to kinetic sculptures interpreting global energy use, Art Dubai Digital invites artists, collectors, and audiences to pause and reconsider not just the tools, but the questions they provoke. In this conversation, Delicado unpacks the curatorial vision behind the theme, shares insights into the evolution of the digital section, and highlights the galleries and projects redefining what it means to create and engage with digital art today. 'After the Technological Sublime' has been chosen as the theme for Art Dubai Digital 2025. Could you provide more insight into its significance and meaning? The concept of the sublime, originally revived from ancient Greek thought by European intellectuals in the 17th century, embraces the aesthetic of the exalted—the experience of witnessing the beauty of grand and dangerous nature. The technological sublime extends this idea, evoking awe and wonder, but also fear, in response to monumental technological innovations. It broadens the traditional notion of the sublime — once used to express amazement and fear toward vast natural forces — by including human-made creations. Today, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, robotics, and other technological advancements are progressing at an unprecedented pace. While they inspire admiration for human achievement, they can also feel overwhelming, as these systems often surpass our control and divert attention from pressing environmental, social, cultural, and political challenges. Art Dubai Digital 2025 invites visitors to explore how artists are using technology to address and interrogate these challenges. While technology may help meet future needs, what questions are artists asking of it today? This edition shifts the focus back to art and the critical questions it raises about our present, examining how technology as a medium can reflect the challenges facing society and the planet. How has Art Dubai Digital evolved since the first edition? Are there any major shifts in focus or presentation this year? Art Dubai was the first international fair to create a dedicated section for digital technologies and art. It remains a uniquely curated part of the fair, with a new guest curator invited each year. In its first edition, the section focused on the NFT boom, which sparked exponential interest in digital art. That emphasis feels less relevant this year, as the section now features a broader range of media, including videos, installations, sculptures, and even paintings —highlighting the richness and diversity of media art. One major development over the four years since the Digital section's inception is the launch of the Digital Summit in 2024. The summit was introduced to reflect on the themes emerging from the section and returns this year with a robust programme. It brings together some of the brightest minds leading conversations around art and digital technologies, with a particular emphasis on ecology. What also sets the digital section apart is the wide-ranging profile of its participants. Alongside traditional physical galleries from around the world, it includes digital galleries, collectives, and advisors — each playing a role in shaping the digital A new addition to this year's programme is a series of specially commissioned installations by different artists. Which key galleries are participating in Art Dubai Digital? What makes them noteworthy, and how does their participation enrich the overall programme? London-based returns to Art Dubai to celebrate its 10th anniversary, presenting works by CROSSLUCID, Primavera de Filippi, and Sougwen Chung. Also from London, TAEX makes a return with a distinctive selection of works by acclaimed artists Krista Kim, Alper Derinboğaz, and Tatsuru Arai. Among the new galleries I'm particularly excited to see are Sevil Dolmaci, featuring works by Fuse*, Can Büyükberber, and Sara Ludy; New York-based Nguyen Wahed, presenting Sarah Meyohas, Lu Yang, and FAR; and Danae from Paris, showcasing pieces by artist and musician Agoria, along with French digital artist Louis Paul Caron, whose contemplative scapes explore the tension and quiet response to the ongoing climate emergency. Will any Dubai-based galleries or artists be part of this year's Art Dubai Digital? We will feature a number of Dubai-based galleries showcasing compelling works by emerging artists. Mondoir Art Gallery, led by renowned collector Amir Soleymani, will present one of the largest booths in the section and will also debut his latest book, Fools & JPEGs , which explores NFTs and what went wrong. I'm especially excited about the booth from Koshta Collective and the opportunity to experience FLOWGARDENZ's media sculptures in person. Other participating Dubai galleries include Inloco Gallery, presenting a selection of stunning photographs by Filippo Minelli, and Espace, which will exhibit works that combine the sculptures of Andrés Anza with augmented reality. Image courtesy: FLOWGARDENZ Tell us more about the new digital installations that will debut at Art Dubai. One of the featured works is MotherEarth by Ouchhh Studio — the world's first sculpture to combine cross-continental, real-time climate change data with artificial intelligence (AI). This digital sculpture is connected to two others in Beijing and Mexico City, all of which display visuals generated from NASA's network of 20 climate-monitoring satellites. Another highlight is from New York-based kinetic artist BREAKFAST, who will debut Carbon Wake, a seven-meter-long kinetic installation. This dynamic piece blends AI, data visualisation, and motion-tracking mechanics, transforming real-time energy data from cities around the world into a responsive, ever-evolving sculpture. Image courtesy: Breakfast The third installation is a commission by Italian artist Jacopo Di Cera, supported by the digital art platform CIFRA. Titled Retreat, this four-meter-high structure is composed of cable bundles and more than 30 upcycled screens. It documents the rapid destruction of the Brenva glacier in the Italian Alps and prompts reflection on what will remain as nature disappears. Finally, there is AIM – Dream Machine by HX Collective, which uses AI to transform visitors' dreams into a kaleidoscopic visual experience. What are some of the most innovative media formats or experimental techniques we can look forward to in Art Dubai Digital 2025? We are going to see a lot of artificial intelligence applied across very different formats, particularly video, as well as in virtual environments and augmented reality. But this year, what matters most is not the latest technological developments applied to art — it's reflecting on the message these works are trying to convey and how they represent the turbulent times we live in. As Cedric Price said, 'Technology is the answer, but what was the question?' We are often captivated by the technology itself — especially when it intersects with art — and forget to ask what that technology, which is ultimately just another artistic medium, is actually trying to address. * Visit Art Dubai 2025, see details below Art Dubai, the Middle East's leading international art fair, opens next week at Madinat Jumeirah. The fair will present over 500 leading international and regional artists across 120 contemporary, modern and digital gallery presentations. The programme is drawn from more than 65 cities and 40 countries and is the region's largest and most important annual art event. Art Dubai is an important gateway for discovery, learning and exchange, and the gallery programme is complemented by an expansive programme of immersive and site-specific installations, daily live performances, talks and events. Dates & Timings VIP opening on Thursday, April 17 Public dates: Friday, April 18 – Sunday, April 20 Tickets available online and at the venue ○ One-day ticket: Dhs100 ○ Three-day ticket: Dhs200 Entry is free for children aged 18 and under, and for university students.
Arab News
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Art Dubai to return for 18th edition with international lineup
DUBAI: Art Dubai — which is marking its 18th edition this year — is returning and brings together 120 galleries from across the Middle East, Asia, Europe and the Americas in what is expected to be one of the event's most multicultural programs yet. Taking place from April 18-20, the event will host a calendar of daily talks, book launches, tours and other attractions. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ Its diverse program includes Art Dubai Modern, curated this year by Magali Arriola and Nada Shabout, and Art Dubai Digital by Gonzalo Herrero Delicado and Bawwaba — which means 'Gateway' — presenting 10 solo presentations by artists from various countries curated by Mirjam Varadinis and focusing on themes of migration, identity and displacement. The event's digital section, the first of its kind in an art fair, organized in partnership with Dubai Culture, highlights the rising influence of artificial intelligence and immersive technology in artistic creation. Installations by Hybrid Xperience, Breakfast, and Ouchhh Studio are featured, as well as 22 digital platforms from Dubai and internationally. Entitled 'After the Technological Sublime,' Delicado told Arab News that the theme aimed to provide 'an opportunity to rethink what sublime is today: the concept that we have inherited since the 17th century when explorers were going out to explore the world. Now we can contrast that moment with what we are living today in the age of information and social media.' In light of 30 new participating galleries from around the world, Pablo del Val, the event's artistic director, said: 'The really exciting aspect of this fair is the quality of the artworks. 'I think that this year you can see the maturity of the participants and really understand the vocabularies and the formats and the media that sell well in the city. 'There's also a lot of color. The works we are showing this year show the state of the world we are living in, from technological change to a desire for escapism.'
