A recap of Art Dubai 2010

Three leading galleries from India featured at this year’s Dubai Art Fair as compared to seven in the 2009 edition.

Among the Indian artists that had a prominent presence at the fair, Husain's works were shown by the New York based AICON gallery and the New Delhi based Vadehra gallery. The Vadehra gallery also displayed works of prominent modernist artists such as S. H. Raza, F. N. Souza and Ram Kumar. Despite market conditions, works by these top artists are very much in demand, which is why they were probably preferred. Conor Malrlin, from Grosvenor gallery in London was quoted as saying, “I think many galleries in India would have found it tough to make it thanks to the losses incurred during recession.”

Among the other Indian art galleries participating, Mumbai’s Chemould Prescott Road showed the creations by Gigi Scaria. On the other hand, The Guild (Mumbai and NY) had a work by Vivek Vilasini. On the other hand, Vienna’s Galerie Krinzengen showcased artists Mithu Sen and Sudarshan Shetty.

In all, Art Dubai 2010 had more than 70 galleries from nearly 30 countries featuring an extensive program of collateral events. A press release stated: “The event has become the essential gathering place for collectors, artists and art professionals from across the Middle East, South Asia and beyond.”

The Global Art Forum program had leading arts professionals and experts who discussed some of the pressing issues affecting art today and also those defining its future. This year’s forum addressed the practical outcomes and theoretical concerns of key themes shaping our contemporary culture. It offered thought-provoking concepts alongside intimate interviews with international artists, including M.F. Husain and Iraqi artist Dia Azzawi.

Many of the galleries from India, having opted to skip Art Dubai 2010, are now looking forward to taking part in the upcoming Hong Kong fair.