Everything we Loved at Art Dubai (The Online Version!)
Let’s celebrate our humanity and the beauty of creation in these times when we seem to constantly be on the verge of existential unsafety.
The art fair was force to go online due to the coronavirus pandemic, but got some impressive numbers with over 50,000 unique visitors to its website. As is the case with anything virtual, it is not the same as experiencing something live, but we loved going through the catalogue at a time when most of us are glued to scary news updates.
Most of these picks remind us of a time when going outside was not just a possibility but the norm. When groups could interact, when we did not have to scurry six feet away from a stranger. When human closeness was not a risk. When students could sit in a classroom to study.
Let’s celebrate our humanity and the beauty of creation in these times when we seem to constantly be on the verge of existential unsafety.
We particularly loved the mixed media series by Joana Choumali, a photographer based in Cote d’Ivoire, who used digital photo printing on cotton and embroidery techniques to create a magical atmosphere.
Hassan Hajjaj’s vivid celebratory portraits are always a hit, and they are no exception this year.
Yemeni-American artist Alia Ali’s prints remind us of our current reality of mask-wearing isolation, but in an explosion of colour.
Young Pakistani artist Maha Ahmed’s gouche works evoke serenity in nature. The flying bird is an ode to all the birds we seem to be seeing lately outside our windows!
Art Dubai’s online catalogue has lots more to feast your eyes on, whenever you want a break from all things virus-related. It is always a win to see artists from the global south being celebrated, but it is even more essential to feel the common thread of connection during these times.
All images courtesy Art Dubai’s online catalogue.
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