Fair fantastic: artparis-Abu Dhabi

Artists, art collectors, curators, critics and dealers from all over the world are in Abu Dhabi for artparis-Abu Dhabi, a fair of modern and contemporary art being held at the city’s Emirates Palace Hotel.

Fifty-eight galleries from 22 countries are participating in the event where creations of over 700 artists, including Picasso, Chagall, Cézanne, Giacometti and Warhol are on display at various stalls.

Each booth in the hotel’s ballroom represents a gallery and piece of a large puzzle that constitutes the fair. Le Village Jaune by Chagall and a beautiful Picasso piece, Combat de Faune et de Centaure, were on display at a by-invitation-only preview. “It’s better than last year. There’s more choice and variety,” said Marie-Christine de Warenghien, president of the Union of French Foreigners (UFE), Dubai and northern emirates.

Art lovers admired pieces by MF Husain (Kalemah) at Pundole Art Gallery from India and a Niki de Saint-Phalle sculpture at Gallerie Laurent Strouk from France. New to the event is Young Talents, dedicated to new galleries and emerging artists. Another highlight of the fair is the Monumental Art Garden, supported by Sorouh featuring large sculptures outside Emirates Palace Hotel.

A thematic exhibition called Movement and Communication: Travels Through Desert and Sea reflects the Arab world. Curated by Amal Traboulsi, the painting, photo and video exhibit presents the works of some great artists of the region.

• WHERE: Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi
• WHEN: Until November 21, 3pm-10pm