ABU DHABI ART 2023
The 15th edition of the fair was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. Taking place annually each November, Abu Dhabi Art is the culmination of a year-round visual arts programme. The fair brings together leading local and international galleries presenting artworks for sale, alongside curated exhibitions, artist commissions, and site-specific installations showcased both within the fair and across the emirate.
22-26 November 2023 | 2–9 PM
Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Cultural District, Abu Dhabi
ONLINE ART FAIR
Explore works from participating galleries, featuring over 600 artists and 2,600 artworks, with options to save favourites and contact galleries.
RETAIL
In partnership with FRAME, the Abu Dhabi Art Shop presents a wide range of products for sale by our participating galleries and partners this year, alongside publications, design products and stationery.
CULINARY EXPERIENCES
Food and beverage experiences at the fair included Nouri at Frozen Forest, 3Fils,The Rage Hangout, and more all around Manarat Al Saadiyat!
VISUAL CAMPAIGN ARTIST
Abu Dhabi Art’s annual visual campaign celebrates the creativity of contemporary artists, with this year’s identity shaped by Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim.
GALLERIES
Explore this year’s dynamic selection of international modern and contemporary galleries, bringing together established and emerging artists across a range of curated sectors.
ARTIST COMMISSIONS IN CULTURAL SITES
This year’s commissioned artists included Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim and Nujoom Alghanem Their works activated key historical sites across Al Ain and ran from 222 | 11 | 2023 – 21 | 1 | 2024, presented in partnership with HSBC.
BEYOND EMERGING ARTISTS
This year, the participating artists explore the intersection of subjective memory and ecological concerns, navigating the space between historical roots and contemporary life. These commissions propose a ‘third space’ beyond day and night, reflecting a cosmopolitan vision of the Gulf and its evolving environment. Supported by Friends of Abu Dhabi Art and sponsored by Abu Dhabi Art’s Global Partner HSBC.
GATEWAY EXHIBITION
Curated by Dr. Dr. Venetia Porter, this year’s exhibition presents a survey of an evolving artistic practice, exploring the deep-rooted connections between the landscape of Al Ain and the presence of humanity.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
This year’s partners showcase philanthropic projects, initiatives, and collaborative installations produced by House of Artisans.
ART + TECH
This year’s guest artist, Nujoom Alghanem, worked with students from different UAE universities, in a transformative experience from June to November. Through mentoring sessions and workshops, the participants conducted research on weather methodologies, and created art concepts derived from scientific studies.
PAVILION PRIZE
This year’s Pavilion Prize competition, themed ‘Why Do Materials Die Young,’ was won by students Abdulla Abbas, Omar Darwish, and Salama AlHammadi (American University of Sharjah), whose design highlights the impact of climate change and construction waste through the use of sustainable and recycled materials.
LOGO COMPETITION
Students nationwide with an interest in graphic design were invited to participate in a competition to reimagine the Abu Dhabi Art logo.
TALKS PROGRAMME
Commissioned artists and curators presenting their work at the fair as well as guest speakers and panelists discussing global art histories and joining the wider conversation on sustainability including Manar Talks Programme, in the lead up to COP28. Partners including Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) also host an array of local and international speakers.
PERFORMANCES
Discover performances by local and international artists at the fair, activating multiple spaces throughout the venue.
TOURS AND ACTIVITIES
As every year, Abu Dhabi Art connected visitors with the artworks on display. Explore the hands-on art activities that took place, inspired by the fair’s exhibitions, alongside highlights from the complimentary guided tours offered in multiple languages.
SPONSORS AND PARTNERS
Our sponsors and partners are key to Abu Dhabi Art. Learn more about this year’s supporters and their roles.
