Abu Dhabi Art Hub gears up for its 2013 Summer Affordable Art Sale. Andy Mills finds out original art from as little as Dhs250 could be the first step to your own private collection.
Tucked away in a dusty part of Mussafah there’s an oasis of creativity and inspiration. The Abu Dhabi Art Hub (ADAH), brainchild of Ahmed Al Yafei, is an artistic outpost among bustling industry, a serene place of calm and culture that will be well worth a visit until August 22.
Following on from their first ever Affordable Art Sale in the spring of this year, the Abu Dhabi Art Hub is preparing for the summer edition, taking place until late next month, with original artwork up for grabs from just Dhs250.
‘The big message is that we want the community to be involved in art,’ says Al Yafei. ‘To be involved in art they really need to own art, but the problem is always the price. We sat with artists from around the UAE and tried to find a way to break the concept of, “original art is expensive”.’
The result of those discussions is the Affordable Art Sale, a series of regular exhibitions that offer emerging artists the chance to exhibit their work, gain exposure and potentially make a sale. For art lovers it’s an opportunity to buy pieces that come from original sources without costing a fortune. They may even find themselves in possession of the work of a future master.
‘Everything exhibited is Dhs2,000 or below, starting at Dhs250. We had around 350 pieces in our spring exhibit and people came from all around to buy them,’ adds Al Yafei, who points out that the number of entrants for the summer edition looks equally impressive already.
To ensure the quality of the art exhibited, the team at the ADAH carefully vets all entrants, only taking those works that they believe show a good level of technique and creativity. Once the artist has their work accepted it is up to them to set their own price.
‘For emerging artists we always recommend that they start at a reasonable price anyway. That way it gives them the opportunity to grow. If it’s too expensive then perhaps only family or friends will buy it,’ explains Al Yafei.
This coaching of artists is indicative of the entire project at ADAH, which thrives on bringing greater artistic awareness to the region. Every month they invite established, often award-winning, artists from different countries around the world to come and live at the ADAH building. Here they can experience the region, create among like-minded people and immerse themselves in their work from bespoke studios-come-living quarters. Crucially though, the skills, expertise and experience of the international painters, illustrators, photographers, film makers and sculptors are shared with Abu Dhabi’s aspiring artists in a series of talks and workshops.
The resident artists also create up to four pieces of work during their month-long stays, all of which draw on inspiration from their time in Abu Dhabi. From Renaissance-styled portraits to paintings of dead camels, there’s innovation aplenty.
If you want to take a look for yourself they remain on display in the ADAH during the coming art sale and can also be purchased. But you might need to bring a bigger wad of cash if you want to build up your art collection with these pieces.
Abu Dhabi Art Hub, Mussafah, www.adah.ae (02 551 5005).
Up-and-coming artist
Reem Al Mazrouei, 23, is an aspiring artist currently on an internship at the Art Hub and who will be exhibiting at the Summer Affordable Art Sale.
What piece will you show?
It will be a life-size wood cut. I’m trying to make my own folklore of the country. The wood cuts of the characters are from my own story, with very traditional elements, yet still very personal to me.
How does it feel to have the opportunity to sell your art?
It’s the first time I’ve ever put my art work up for sale. I just want to experience the thing and see what people think about it, what their response to it is like.
How did you get involved with the Abu Dhabi Art Hub?
I had my graduation project exhibition here, I didn’t know there was such a place in Abu Dhabi before. I thought it would be great to come and experience the creativity and people here.
What’s your internship been like?
I’m in my third week and I’ve already assisted one of the visiting American resident artists. We painted together and I used oil paints for the first time. He taught me a lot about techniques, it was brilliant, they’re lessons I’ll never forget.
More original art
The Ramadan Art Bazaar is showing work from 30 artists, all with a price cap of Dhs4,000. In some cases that means big savings, up to 90 percent. Digital and traditional paintings as well as photography pieces are all on show, from an international collection of artists. It’s the first year the curator, artist Sumayyah Al Suwaidi, has invited any artist interested in taking part to exhibit, but only those pieces that have passed her experienced eye are on display. The exhibition runs to August 7 so make sure you get your hit of culture.
Ghaf Art Gallery, Al Khalidiyah, www.ghafgallery.blogspot.com (02 665 5332).
