Mouza Al Mansoori - an Emirati abstract artist
World Art Dubai, the region’s most accessible and affordable retail art fair, recently concluded. And the seventh edition of the show, a unique fusion of art, education and entertainment, reaffirmed the UAE’s passion for art.
The four-day event, which took place at the Dubai World Trade Centre welcomed over 250 local and international artists and galleries from 27 countries. And with over 2,000 pieces of art, across a range of mediums including canvas, sculptures, street and digital, World Art Dubai had something for everyone.
Both local and international artists alike enjoyed major sales across all four days
Jihan C, one of the artists, managed to sell 30 of her unique pieces, ranging from small bookmarks and tabletop sculptures to large wall art displays. “I participated last year as well, and both editions have been very successful. For me, it is not only the sales that are important, it is the exposure that World Art Dubai brings which is just as crucial,” she said.
Jihan C saw significant sales over the first three days topping 30 pieces
Running under the theme ‘Discovering New Perspectives’, World Art Dubai’s range of new and returning features also proved hugely popular with visiting art enthusiasts. Among them, Urban Art DXB, a collective of street artists, drew attention with their live jam battles and work that included prints, canvases drawings and more. Curated by Louis Wright, owner of Vandalist Art, Dubai street art specialists, the zone welcomed artists including Satwa 3000, Maajed Ahmed, George Rollo and more.
Live art displays were enjoyed by visitors to the show
In addition, a number of live performances kept visitors entertained throughout the fair, including a live car doodle by Sijin Gopinathon, who transformed a Mini Cooper into a masterpiece. Rangoli art by Prachi Sharma, live spray painting by street artist Dina Saadi, art made entirely out of coffee by Raha Coffee Art and live music demonstrations from Melodica Dubai, the music and dance institute, were some of the other highlights.
Maddy Butcher live sprayed as part of Urban Art DXB
“It’s my first time at World Art Dubai and the experience in performing live has been excellent,” Sharma said. “The feedback from the audience has been wonderful, people really can’t believe that my work is made from Rangoli, a form of powdered art. World Art Dubai has been amazing – I really feel alive!”
Dubai Police showcased a collection of sculptures
Additionally, workshops offered professionals and amateurs across all ages an opportunity to expand their skills. Some of the most popular sessions included Nikon’s capturing landscapes, flower crowns with Russian artist, Valentina Alexeevna and painting classes for kids with Leena Kewlani.
Mahmood Safwat, an artist from Egypt, was also on hand to provide 10-minute caricatures, for free, while AI NORN made a successful regional debut. The robot art uses artificial intelligence to analyse and recreate photographs into stunning paintings.
Urban Art DXB was curated by Vandalist Art owner, Louis Wright
In fact, one of the other reasons the show attracted visitors was due to its digital art area, which featured a display by Theatre of Digital Art. The display took viewers on a breath-taking digital journey that combined high-end technologies with classical art and visual effects, Inkopia’s VR printing device to offer takeaway magnets, as well as Samsung’s stunning digital art display.
