Art Fair in Dubai 2025
Art Dubai 2025, scheduled for this week at Madinat Jumeirah, will unite over 100 galleries from more than 50 countries. This year the fair centres on the theme “The New New Normal”, exploring how rapid technological advancements – such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and gamified economies – are reshaping cultural, social, and economic landscapes.
The fair will showcase a diverse array of global contemporary, modern, and digital art, emphasizing its commitment to revealing underrepresented regions such as the Gulf, Africa, and South Asia.
The fair is structured into four main sections:
Art Dubai Contemporary
This section features 70 galleries from five continents, presenting cutting-edge contemporary art. Notable first-time exhibitors include Bortolami (New York), Cortesi Gallery (Milan/Lugano), and Cristina Guerra Contemporary Art (Lisbon).
Art Dubai Modern
Dedicated to 20th-century modernists from the Middle East, Central and South Asia, and Africa, this section will, for the first time, include artists from Latin America, reflecting the growing connections between these regions.
Bawwaba
Meaning "gateway" in Arabic, Bawwaba is curated by Mirjam Varadinis, a curator for Kunsthaus Zürich, and focuses on solo presentations of works created within the past year or specifically for the fair. Featured artists include Kate Newby (New Zealand) and Rember Yahuarcani (Peru). The Bawwaba section focuses on the theme of displacement, showcasing artistic practices that consider both people and the planet in imagining new forms of coexistence.
Art Dubai Digital
A key component of this year fair topic’s exploration is this section. Titled “After the Technological Sublime”, and curated by Gonzalo Herrero Delicado, who has been from 2016 to 2021, the Curator of the Architecture Programme at the Royal Academy of Arts, this section will explore the intersection of new media art and technology. The 2025 edition, titled "After the Technological Sublime," examines how digital culture reflects contemporary societal and environmental challenges.
This fair's programme will feature significant new commissions and live performances. Mexican artist Héctor Zamora will present a series of performances involving terracotta objects, exploring human culture and social dynamics. Ania Soliman's monumental installation, "Kahraba," addresses Beirut's energy crisis, blending technological and organic motifs. Additionally, the digital platform will showcase innovative works by artists like Ouchhh Studio, Breakfast, and Jacopo Di Cera, challenging traditional notions of art and technology.
In addition to these sections, Art Dubai 2025 will feature a range of performances, site-specific installations, and talks, including the Global Art Forum titled "The New New Normal" and the second edition of the Art Dubai Digital Summit.