Nestled within the grand halls of the Emirates Palace lies a new gallery with a very specific profile of artists. N2N Gallery opened its doors on May 19 and offers the public a collection by professional Eastern European artists from the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as contemporary artists. The space holds a variety of works, including paintings, sculptures and various artefacts. We spoke to the founder and artistic director of the new space which holds 120 pieces, Natalya Muzaleva.
Tell us about the different styles we can find in your gallery?
We represent realism and contemporary modernism, but contemporary in its nice, warm, not cruel reproduction. Most of the galleries represent contemporary artists nowadays, especially the dark and negative renditions, however I always believed that contemporary is the outcome of realism. Most of the pieces by realistic artists can be meditated on; you can swim inside their sea, ocean, river, run in the forest, smell the bouquet. We have enough dark elements nowadays, that is why it is important to have something warm and full of positive energy where you can recharge and be lost sometimes.
How did you get into this line of work?
It is more of a spiritual project for us than a business. Every time we have a client for a piece that I’d prefer not to sell, my husband tells me that we can’t keep everything… but definitely I understand that it has to grow into a business. We are just profound art lovers. It’s almost like a baby for me, and I’m very grateful to my husband for his support.
What does art mean to you?
Everything! Can you imagine if your house was full of beautiful artworks? They ‘live’ your life, helping you when you are upset or just simply giving you positive energy by inspiring you. And should the pieces be removed, you feel sad and empty. At least that’s what happened to me when we moved the pieces to the gallery.
Can you tell us a bit about your favourite artist and why you appreciate their work?
I’m in love with Volodymyr Reshetov; I like the impressionists a lot and his wide and thick brush strokes are amazing. His colours are so vivid, you can almost feel the scenes he paints. Also the late Grygoriy Sokirinskiy, his watercolours are amazingly rich and his technique is unique. If you see his works, you keep noticing more and more details. Plus most artists don’t like to use watercolours because it’s complex and time-consuming.
What was the biggest challenge you faced in opening this venue?
It was extremely hard to get a space in Emirates Palace. We were negotiating for more than six months. We were a bit afraid about feedback from our audience, if they would appreciate our collection, because our concept is different from other galleries I saw in the UAE.
What do you think of the art scene in Abu Dhabi?
It is booming! I’m extremely happy for all positive changes happening in the UAE, especially Abu Dhabi. That is what was missing here. Yesterday we attended a classical music concert in Abu Dhabi Theatre (supported by the Alliance Francaise), it was amazing. You can find anything, because both Dubai and Abu Dhabi are multinational, rich with different styles, mentalities, traditions and religions, but culture – there was always a gap. How many times can you go to the cinema, shopping mall or a beach? What you are going to feel after the shopping mall on Friday, for example? Probably tired and drained! I think it is better to convert all these crowds into the museums, theatres, exhibitions. I believe Abu Dhabi is quickly becoming an art hub globally and we will do our level best to support it.
N2N is located in Showrooms 4 and 5 at Emirates Palace. For more information visit www.n2n-gallery.com.
More galleries to visit
Salwa Zeidan Gallery Their new location is worth a gander. Saadiyat Island (02 666 9656).
Abu Dhabi Art Hub They feature different artists every month. Mussafah (02 551 5005).
Barakat Gallery There is wide range of ancient artefacts here. Emirates Palace (02 690 8950).
