Monday, Nov 14, 2016

Abu Dhabi: One of the country’s biggest annual art fairs is taking art to the streets of Abu Dhabi and to the people in an effort to make it accessible to everyone.

The 2016 Abu Dhabi Art, organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), is presenting 40 galleries from 20 different countries at Manarat Al Saadiyat, on Saadiyat Island, from November 16 to 19.

The organisers have included a new initiative, Street Art, and a more extensive performing art programme, Durbu Al Tawaya, to ensure more people have access to the fair.

Durbu Al Tawaya, which began its programme on November 10 and runs until November 19, has been captivating audiences across the city with its unique and creative approach in involving people of all ages and backgrounds.

The programme includes performances from artists from around the world in various parts of the city, including an opera on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche by the Japanese 3D sensation Hatsune Miku in collaboration with composer Keiichiro Shibuya, an engaging performance by Ann Rispoli about the capital’s waterfront which takes place on a boat and a dance performance by Chinese dance company Tao Dance Theatre, to name a few.

Street Art will see artistic live demonstrations on shipping containers across four locations throughout the city — Yas Marina, Warehouse 421, Abu Dhabi Corniche and Abu Dhabi Art venue Manarat Al Saadiyat — and will be available to see beyond the fair.

“We evolve with the arts, we wanted to extend our programme not just in Manarat Al Saadiyat but across the city … to bring art to the people,” Alanood Al Hammadi, Abu Dhabi Art organiser — TCA Abu Dhabi, said.

Al Hammadi said she hopes that the expanded programme will appeal to a wider audience and with the availability of the fair’s programme across Abu Dhabi it will provide more opportunities for people to be part of the event.

Renowned for presenting innovative interactive art, the 2016 fair has a large scale installation by Chinese artist Gu Dexin that consists of five tonnes of bananas for people to interact with. Visitors are encouraged to pick up the bananas and even eat them and put the skin back in the pile.

And remember not to lean on a small set table at the venue’s Atrium, it is actually a performance by Miet Warlop, a visual artist, and performer Paola Zampierolo.

It is difficult to pick one gallery from the sea of art that is available at the fair, however Dubai’s Hunar Gallery is a must-see. Not only is it showcasing work by UAE’s national treasure Abdul Qader Al Rais and contemporary art pioneer Najar Makki, it is are presenting two Emirati first comers at the fair, Saif Al Sadah and Amalie Beljafla, who said they are excited to have their work presented on an international platform.

A number of stimulating talks through panel discussions led by some of the most influential figures of art world, will also be available throughout the fair.

Highlights:

Abu Dhabi Art, at Manarat Al Saadiyat, 2pm to 10pm, Free entry

“4” — Dance Performance by Tao Dance Theater, at Manarat Al Saadiyat, November 16, 8pm to 8.30pm.

The View — Performance by Miet Warlop, visual artist; featuring Paola Zampierolo, performer, Manarat Al Saadiyat, November 18 and 19, 3pm to 3.30pm

The End on the Beach — Concert of the live version of the opera The End by ATAK Dance Hall and Hatsun Miku, virtual humanoid singer, Asia de Cuba, Nation Riviera, Corniche Abu Dhabi, November 18, 10.30pm to 12am.

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Talking Art Series ‘Remembering Hassan Sharif: The Sandcastle’, at Manarat Al Saadiyat, November 19, 2pm to 3pm.

For more information visit www.abudhabiart.ae

By Sarvy Geranpayeh Staff Reporter

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