Women in the Gulf are getting scope for free expression, lending voice to mute and oppressed sections of society, while scooping even a bigger career opportunity. It’s a touch ironic that the art produced in countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia is most interesting and socially relevant; also where the female artists are finding their voice through visuals.
They may not still be able to wear what they want, vote or drive a car, but they are turning to art in order to release their pent-up feelings. Significantly, there are many women collectors and patrons of Middle Eastern art, apart from those occupying top positions at prestigious museums and festivals in Abu Dhabi and Qatar. But while the recent violent uprisings might have whetted the appetite of aspiring art buyers, one of its underlying reasons - arbitrary, at times unpredictable state clampdown on public speech and expression – continues to loom over the art scene here!
Fairs like Art Dubai are no exception! As was reported in the media, Dubai authorities ordered its organizers to remove a few pieces from display prior to a visit by of the emirate’s ruling family members so as not to antagonize them. Its director Antonia Carver though, played down the alleged censorship, emphasizing it was not uncommon for works to be removed in this fashion across the globe due to cultural or legal concerns. She was quoted as saying: “Dubai’s approach to artistic expression has developed in the recent years. As the city has grown as a cultural capital, it has become more open to the subjects that can be tackled.”
This interest is also a lucrative one for those running the art galleries in Dubai. The opening up of new venues points to a growing demand for art. In fact, not many can promise space for artists keen to put up an exhibition for the next several months. They have to endure a prolonged waiting period, at times more than a year before they can find a space.
The region is witnessing just the beginning of a boom, with immense potential for major art investment, thanks to a growing number of people in the Emirates now opting not only to buy, but also to appreciate art. Meanwhile, new and modern art from India is witnessing a significant resurgence in terms of collector interest in the region. Going by the trend, the Middle East and Dubai in particular, can well emerge as a hub for contemporary Indian art, a segment still relatively under-explored in the region.
They may not still be able to wear what they want, vote or drive a car, but they are turning to art in order to release their pent-up feelings. Significantly, there are many women collectors and patrons of Middle Eastern art, apart from those occupying top positions at prestigious museums and festivals in Abu Dhabi and Qatar. But while the recent violent uprisings might have whetted the appetite of aspiring art buyers, one of its underlying reasons - arbitrary, at times unpredictable state clampdown on public speech and expression – continues to loom over the art scene here!
Fairs like Art Dubai are no exception! As was reported in the media, Dubai authorities ordered its organizers to remove a few pieces from display prior to a visit by of the emirate’s ruling family members so as not to antagonize them. Its director Antonia Carver though, played down the alleged censorship, emphasizing it was not uncommon for works to be removed in this fashion across the globe due to cultural or legal concerns. She was quoted as saying: “Dubai’s approach to artistic expression has developed in the recent years. As the city has grown as a cultural capital, it has become more open to the subjects that can be tackled.”
This interest is also a lucrative one for those running the art galleries in Dubai. The opening up of new venues points to a growing demand for art. In fact, not many can promise space for artists keen to put up an exhibition for the next several months. They have to endure a prolonged waiting period, at times more than a year before they can find a space.
The region is witnessing just the beginning of a boom, with immense potential for major art investment, thanks to a growing number of people in the Emirates now opting not only to buy, but also to appreciate art. Meanwhile, new and modern art from India is witnessing a significant resurgence in terms of collector interest in the region. Going by the trend, the Middle East and Dubai in particular, can well emerge as a hub for contemporary Indian art, a segment still relatively under-explored in the region.
No comments:
Post a Comment