18, 000 attendees, 30 countries, 72 galleries, 200 000 USD listed as a sale highlight figure. As Art Dubai 2010 drew to a close, the mood was resoundingly positive. Royals, international museum advisors and private buyers all snapped up works, and with a healthy smattering of galleries selling out completely, it seemed the buzz was back. With a rising number of Emirati artists showcasing work for the first time, attention turned to local talent and its burgeoning value.
The record number of fair goers were undoubtedly attracted by the impressive line up of art stars flown in for the four day fair including El Anatsui – the man behind the hundred thousand dollar cloth works – whose conversation was part of the Global Art Forum programme. Such a prominent artist’s presence is indicative of the fair’s increasing stature since its inauguration four years ago, as is a Van Cleef & Arpels sponsored exhibition. With such strong sales and international audiences acquiring regional talent, Art Dubai is seen as a fair gauge of where the Middle Eastern market is heading.
It seems the fair directors are well on the way to really fulfilling their ambition on becoming a premier East-meets-West platform for the global art community.
Image (C) of Art Dubai
