Abu Dhabi Art 2009 | Main Show

Discover the cornerstone of the 1st edition: the Main Show. This retrospective includes the full gallery list and 'Beyond,' a platform dedicated to monumental works that extended past the gallery booths into the fair’s public spaces. Additionally, explore the Emirati Expressions booth and a collection of visual highlights from across the event.

GALLERY LIST

EMIRATI EXPRESSIONS BOOTH

The Emirati Expressions booth represented a progression of the broader exhibition and its core mission: providing a public space and forum for Emirati artists to engage with their audience. Curated by Anne Baldassari, the exhibition was built on the ambitious goal of shifting the perspective through which modern and contemporary art history is viewed.

The "movement of thought" served as the primary concept for this inaugural edition; here, that movement continued through a dialogue between established Emirati artists and the younger generation. Featured artists included: Abdul Rahim Salim, Alya Al Sanad, Faiza Mubarak, Fatema Al Mazrouie, Jalal Luqman, Lamya Gargash, Reem Al Ghaith, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi, and Sumayyah Al Suwaidi.

BEYOND

Bringing art into the public realm, Beyond offers an ambitious opportunity for galleries to showcase works outdoors. The city serves as an ideal canvas for masterpieces that transcend the traditional booth, both in scale and concept. As a dedicated sector for public art, Beyond acts as an integral extension of the fair itself, weaving creativity into the urban landscape.

AROUND THE FAIR

Archival frames offer a window into the fair’s vibrant debut. Revisit the site-specific installations, the crowded galleries, and the intellectual exchange that launched Abu Dhabi onto the global art stage.