A global view of art in Abu Dhabi Art's new curated programme

ABU DHABI, 13th July, 2016 (WAM) -- Five renowned curators are to participate in Abu Dhabi Art 2016, scheduled to run from November 16th-19th at Manarat Al Saadiyat, to further enhance its programme of innovative exhibitions, talks and performances.

For the eighth edition, Abu Dhabi Art is introducing a new and innovative vision with a curated exhibition entitled, 'Gateway', which will present modern and contemporary artists integrated within the fair, setting the tone for the artworks displayed by leading commercial galleries, and anchoring each section of Abu Dhabi Art within a broader, shared cultural context.

Presented at the heart of the fair, 'Gateway' will showcase art to the highest standards of selection and display. This will help propagate an equalising measure in the showcasing of art from regions once viewed as being marginalised.

"Abu Dhabi Art has established itself as a highlight of the art calendar, bringing together a selection of successful ongoing initiatives," said Rita Aoun-Abdo, Executive Director, Culture Sector, Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority. "This edition will present a unique curated programme, transforming the concept of Abu Dhabi Art to a place of discovery and discourse, reflecting the exceptional calibre of contemporary cultural practice for which Abu Dhabi Art is renowned. The curated series of exhibitions and programme will bring diverse perspectives on global trends to an inspiring schedule of cultural engagement."

Each edition of Abu Dhabi Art presents two overarching sectors: a public programme that connects with the wider community through a dynamic schedule of performing arts, collaborative community initiatives, and a series of public talks, bringing together experts from Louvre Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and international arts institutions. The art fair sector exhibits exceptional modern and contemporary artworks for sale from leading commercial galleries from around the world.

Part of 'Gateway' will present a large-scale installation by the influential Beijing artist Gu Dexin, and curated by Alexandra Munroe, Samsung Senior Curator, Asian Art and Senior Advisor, Global Arts at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation.

Gu's installations, often using organic material left to deform over time, compel viewers to encounter the raw matter of life and decay. Revered by artists and intellectuals, Gu was an influential figure in China's '85 New Wave movement and participated in the historic 1989 exhibition 'Les Magiciens de la Terre' at the Centre Georges Pompidou, making him one of the first Chinese artists to show within the emerging context of global art.

An exhibition on Modern Arab art also included in 'Gateway' will be curated by Catherine David, Deputy Director of the National Museum of Modern Art at Paris' Centre Georges Pompidou.

Abu Dhabi Art will also present under 'Gateway' '(Re) Birth', a thematic group exhibition including emerging and established artists from diverse times and geographies, curated by artistic director and long-term Abu Dhabi Art collaborator, Fabrice Bousteau. He will also organise Abu Dhabi Art's annual public art programme, 'Beyond', which reflects Abu Dhabi Art's mandate to connect with the wider urban fabric of the city with a series of large-scale installations and sculptures.