World Art Dubai, the Middle East’s largest affordable retail art fair, has expanded its accessible programme of features for its landmark fifth edition, which runs at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from April 3-6.

The show, which boasts a collection of 150 galleries and artists from more than 30 countries displaying over 3,000 pieces including abstract paintings, fluid painting, cubism art, mixed media and sculptures ranging from $100 – $20,000, has recently signed a stream of renowned international and Emirati artists to cover all tastes, from pop art to calligraphy.

Emerging Artists in The Frame

Following an exciting collaboration with Rove Hotels, World Art Dubai will also host its inaugural Emerging Artists Competition and Exhibition this year. Designed for up-and-coming artists aged 18 years or above, the competition is being held under the theme ‘My Culture, My Neighbourhood, My Community’.

The top 20 pieces are currently being shortlisted by World Art Dubai curators before being exhibited across the Rove Hotels portfolio, beginning with Rove Trade Centre. The next stage of the competition will see 10 artists invited to display their work at the Rove Café, a prominent new feature at this year’s World Art Dubai.

International artists descend on Dubai

Among the leading international artists gearing up for World Art Dubai 2019 is Polish national Marcin Rogal, known across the globe as ‘MrArtPride’.

Marcin focuses on creating colourful pieces featuring consumptionism, that present human emotions, feelings and dreams, as well as exploring the connection between the conscious and subconscious. His work is popular with celebrity buyers, including footballers and musicians.

“Securing Marcin is a major achievement for the show with his work currently being sought by collectors in more than 30 countries,” said Samar Kamel, curator at World Art Dubai.

With plans to bring his highly-anticipated, never-seen-before collection, along with activations that are yet to be revealed, Marcin’s signing is amplifying excitement across the board.

“I often find myself reluctant to leave the studio so participating at World Art Dubai was a huge decision for me,” said Rogal, “Being part of this show allows me to play a proactive role in making art more accessible. This is extremely important to me as I like to go by the saying ‘buy some art to stare at in case the phone battery dies’; I also adhere to the belief that art is an investment.”

Other stand-out international artists include Moscow-born Julia Smolenkova, whose ‘Cities’ collection invites audiences to see a completely different landscape than expected – incorporating old and new simultaneously; Spain’s multi-award-winning contemporary artist August Vilella, whose work was selected from 4,546 candidates for the ‘International Artist Grand Prize’ as well as ‘Best Innovative Artist’ at the Global Art Awards of Dubai, and Romania’s Gina Plunder, whose ‘Escapism’ take is manifested in her ‘Wishhouse’ collection, which features visual elements from iconic buildings around the world.

Also exhibiting at World Art Dubai 2019 is the Maria Elena Beneito Art Studio, from Argentina. The Studio has plans in place to impress show visitors with four leading South American artists who topped the Argentina Art Biennial 2018 in painting, sculpture, installation and photography.

Local art in the spotlight

Headlining the expanded bill of UAE-based artists this year is inspirational speed painter Victor Sitali, who lost his hearing and speech at the age of two. During his 10 years in the UAE, Zambian-born Victor’s art has gone from strength to strength in the face of adversity and he is a ‘must-see’ artist at World Art Dubai 2019.

Another new addition is Emirati Calligraffiti artist Dia’a Allam, known for putting his own, modern spin on an art form long recognised for its traditions.

“Now in its fifth year, World Art Dubai has firmly established itself as a vehicle to take art well beyond gallery walls and use it as a community motivator, bond and bridge between people and communities,” explained Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions & Events Management, DWTC.

“This year’s show will be engaging and inclusive, giving returning artists and first-time participants an avenue to share their work with loyal followers and new audiences, while providing visitors with a rare opportunity to explore new trends and secure their footing on the art-buying ladder.”

Features in focus

World Art Dubai is a highly interactive fair with live painting sessions, expert talks and hands-on creative learning workshops with the region’s most recognised artists.

World Art Dubai 2019 is open from 2pm to 9pm, Wednesday 3rd April and Thursday 4^th April – Saturday 6th April, 1pm to 9pm. Day tickets are available online ahead of the show here for just 20 Dhs. Kids aged 10-18 are10 Dhs, and free for those under 10. Onsite tickets are priced at 25 Dhs. For more information, please visit www.worldartdubai.com.