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Post Release Abu Dhabi International Fine Art and Antiques Fair
(Date of press release Feb 2008).
Download Press Release as a pdf
Pioneering Fair Establishes High Standards
The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi, UAE
21st - 24th November 2007
Leading figures from Emirates society, including members of the Royal Family, were amongst
buyers attending The Abu Dhabi International Fine Art and Antiques Fair at The Abu Dhabi
National Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi, UAE from 21st - 24th November 2007.
His Excellency Abdullah Bin Mohamed Al
Masaood, Chairman of the National
Consultative Council, opening the first Abu
Dhabi International Fine Art and Antiques
Fair. Organiser Mrs Fran Foster is shown right,
and Turret Middle East Director, Mr Richard
Hease, is shown left, (in the grey suit).
With exhibitors from across the world participating, this truly
international fair was widely praised for the very high quality of
exhibits and the superb level of presentation. The fair featured
professional stand-fitting with four and five metre tall panels,
augmented by superior lighting, luxurious carpeting and an ambience
of exclusivity that complemented the range of fine art and antiques on
sale. The fair was described as the most impressive fair of any kind
ever staged in the UAE and received extensive coverage by the UAE media, attracting television coverage on several stations and
Masaood, Chairman of the National extensive daily coverage in the major UAE and pan-Arabian press.
His Excellency Abdullah Bin Mohamed Al
Masaood examines a 19th century piano
valued at $5million on the stand of Galerie
Michel-Guy Chadelaud from Paris.
The Abu Dhabi International Fine Art and Antiques Fair was particularly well supported by members of Abu Dhabi society.
Among a high number of important visitors were representatives from local embassies, the banking sector, the UAE government, hotel groups and interior design companies. In particular, the Ambassador for the Ukraine, members of the Royal Embassy of Netherlands, representatives from the Spanish Embassy and members of the Swedish Embassy.
His Excellency
Abdullah Bin Mohamed Al Masaood meets
M. Michel-Guy Chadelaud from Paris.Visitors from the banking sector included representatives from The Habib Bank, AG Zurich, The Abu
Dhabi Investment House, The National Bank of Abu Dhabi, The Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, The Standard Chartered Bank, The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, The First Gulf Bank, The Commercial
Bank of Dubai and The Union National Bank.
Other visitors included representatives from The Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company, The Ministry of Economy, the Al Maya Group, White Palace Furniture and Decoration, The Abu Dhabi Ministry of Interiors, Middle East Aviation Association, Etihad Airways, Hydra Properties, BA Architects, The Abu Dhabi Airports Company, The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development, Shell Abu Dhabi, DZone Interior Design, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, The Sultan Group, The Architecture & Planning Group, The Rotana Group of Hotels, The Al Fahim Group, and The Department of Planning and Economy.
In addition to sales during the fair, a number of exhibitors departed with expectations of a good deal of follow-up business. Galerie Michel-Guy Chadelaud from Paris, specialising in 19th century French furniture, was preparing to make presentations to members of Emirate society, and similarly, Al Falasi Islamic Art were looking forward to making a personal presentation to members of the Abu Dhabi Royal family.
In other areas, high quality contemporary paintings received significant interest. Art Andulus from Dubai, with paintings and sculpture enjoyed a successful fair while Islamic art and artefacts were also notably well received. Local dealers SAH for Islamic Art sold a number of pieces to Middle East collectors.
Commenting on the fair, Fair Director Fran Foster said:
This fair has been a truly pioneering event presented at a very high level with an overall quality of exhibits never before seen in the UAE. We have received enormous support from all areas of business and commerce in Abu Dhabi, which has been reflected in the very positive response from key individuals who visited the fair.
Above all, I cannot stress highly enough that this fair has laid the foundations for the future as exhibitors and visitors come to fully appreciate the opportunities that lie ahead .
For more information please contact
Duncan Phillips, Press & Marketing Tel: +44 1460 432090 / +44 7980 832639.
About
About Turret Middle East
Turret Middle East is a leading organizer of conferences and exhibitions in the Middle East and North Africa
region. Turret Middle East is a foundation partner of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, and is
located on site at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Turret has organized and managed some of the
region's biggest events, including ADIPEC and Gastech, drawing in record numbers of exhibitors, visitors,
delegates, and expert speakers. Our events have enjoyed the sponsorship, support, and patronage of the
region's government departments, public and private sector companies, as well as the media. The expertise
that drives Turret Middle East is made up of industry professionals from around the world, with proven
experience across all the disciplines required for the creation of a successful event, supported by a select range
of professional service providers. Most exhibitor services are done in-house, giving Turret the unique
advantage of being able to support exhibitors with extensive services on location.
Stand Bookings, Marketing and Complimentary Tickets:
Sarita Lakhiani
Tel: +971 (0)2 406 4249
Mob: +971 (0)50 734 1277
Email: s.lakhiani@turretme.com
International Press Contact
Duncan Phillips
Tel: +44 1460 432090 / duncanphillips@btinternet.com
Abu Dhabi To Host Major International Fine Art and Antiques Fair
(Date of press release 01/09/07).
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Download Press Release as word document.
Selected Exhibits to appear at the Abu Dhabi International Fine Art and Antiques Fair
(Date of press release 01/09/07).
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Leading European Galleries Confirmed for UAE Art and Antiques Fairs - June 11th 2007.
(Scroll down to view this press release as a web page)
Download Press Release as a pdf
Download Press Release in English as a word document
Download the French Press Release (in French) as a word document.
Les Grandes Galeries Francaises participeront aux Salons des Arts et Antiquites des EAU.
Download the Italian Press Release (in Italian) as a word document.
Le principali gallerie italiane hanno confermato la partecipazione la fiera delle belle arti e dell'antiquariato degli Emirati Arabi Uniti
The United Emirates and the International Art Market - download as a word document
'The Richest City in the World - Abu Dhabi' Fortune Magazine, March 19th 2007.
Donwload article as a pdf here
Turret Middle East Ltd announce the launch of two major International Art and Antiques Fairs in the United Arab Emirates. Download a pdf of this press release here
The United Arab Emirates and the International Art Market
selected extracts...
The U.A.E. offers an unprecedented number of opportunities for the international art market. Information below explains how the economy of the U.A.E. is booming, and how oil is no longer the major source of income. The governments of the U.A.E. have plans to firmly establish the country as a major international destination for business and tourism at the highest levels.
From Gulfnews.com:
Number of millionaires in UAE rises to 59,000
By Arif Sharif, Staff Reporter
Download the full word document containing details of Emerging International Art and Culture, Christie's presence in Dubai, UAE Economic Growth, Banking Finance and Insurance, Tourism and Trade, and Gold and Jewellery.
News Release
From: Phillips Publicity
Tel: +44 (0)1460 432090 / 07980 832639
Email: duncanphillips@btinternet.com
1st September 2007.
Download Press Release as word document here
ABU DHABI TO HOST MAJOR INTERNATIONAL FINE ART AND ANTIQUES FAIR
Abu Dhabi International Fine Art and Antiques Fair,
Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi, UAE
21st - 24th November 2007
Leading art and antique galleries from across the world will be exhibiting at the first Abu Dhabi International Fine Art and Antiques Fair, to be held at The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from 21st - 24th November 2007. Fine art and antiques valued at more than $100million will be on sale at this inaugural event that is expected to attract connoisseurs and collectors from all over the world.
| An extraordinary pair of Louis XIV style 19th century Boulle marquetry, chiselled and gilt-bronze pedestals, stamped by the famous Parisian cabinet-maker BEFORT. To be shown by Galerie Michel-Guy Chadelaud, Paris. |  |
The Abu Dhabi International Fine Art and Antiques Fair will take place under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage.
Galleries from Paris, Rome, Vienna, Abu Dhabi, Tokyo, Cairo, Bangkok, Brussels and Florence will be among those taking part and visitors can expect to view and purchase a wide range of the world's finest art and antiques, from 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th century furniture, clocks, jewellery, sculpture, ceramics, glass, bronzes, photography and tapestries to Old Masters, contemporary art and ancient Islamic art. More than 20,000 individual exhibits will be on display.
Most importantly all exhibits will have been passed for quality and authenticity by the fair's Standards Committee, an independent group of experts empowered to maintain strict standards of excellence across the fair. Fair organiser Fran Foster explains: "It our intention to present a prestige event of international standing that becomes a major meeting place for dealers, collectors, connoisseurs, academics and anyone with an interest in the fine arts from all over the Middle East. And, of course, high standards must be rigorously applied to all exhibits, thereby ensuring visitors can make their purchases with total confidence."
Among the exhibitors taking part will be Galerie Michel-Guy Chadelaud from Paris, who will be taking a large stand of 200 square metres to show a wide range of European period furniture, including the work of the leading French cabinetmakers Francois Linke and Leon Message, fine porcelain, bronzes and paintings. Highlighting their stand will be a unique and extraordinary mahogany and ormolu mounted "Grande Vitrine d'Apparat" that was once a highlight Paris Universal Exhibition in 1900. Designed by Francois Linke and Leon Message, it was also once belonged to the Bolivian tin magnate Simon Iturri Patino.
Michel-Guy Chadelaud will also be showing an extraordinary pair of Louis XIV style 19th century Boulle marquetry, chiselled and gilt-bronze pedestals by the famous Parisian cabinet-maker Befort and bearing his original stamp. Equally stunning will be a rare and exceptional fifteen-light Murano glass chandelier from a set of three chandeliers decorated with bouquets of flowers and leaves that once belonged to the Comte Marcello Del Majno from the Palace Marcello in Venice.
Another highlight will be an exceptional clock made in Paris, in chiselled and gilded bronze, featuring a figure representing Pericles beside the bed of Anaxagore, by the famous Parisian makers Francois-Aime Damerat (1781-1819), and etienne-Louis Forestier (1753 - appr.1821). Signed on the enamelled dial, the clock is priced at 250,000 Euro, the only similar example known to exist residing in the Hermitage, St. Petersbourg.
Also from Paris will be Galerie Kevorkian, who promise a range of Eastern art and sculpture, including a number of Islamic works that are sure to receive great interest. Other pieces include a charming Baluchistan copper statuette of a couple holding hands, measuring 12 cm tall and dating from the late 3rd to early 2nd Millennium B.C.
From Rome, Centro Antiquario Romano di Roberto Parenza will be specialising in Old Master paintings, bronze sculpture and period furniture. Among their many treasures will be The Camel Race, the superb oil on canvas painting by the great Italian artist Alberto Pasini (1826-1899). Highly evocative of the Middle East, the painting depicts a camel race through the desert. Measuring 32 x 60 inches, it is priced in the region 400,000 to 600,000 Euros. Born in Parma, Pasini studied at the Academy before moving to Paris in 1851 where he studied with Eugene Ciceri (1813-1890) and was a friend of Theodore Chasseriau (1819-1856). When Chasseriau was unable to participate in the 1855 French official mission to Persia, Pasini was invited as personal artist to diplomat Prosper Bouree (1811-1886). This trip lasted a year and a half, during which time the artist visited Egypt, Saudi Arabia, South Yemen and the Persian Gulf. He was also commissioned by the Shah of Persia to execute several paintings. Orientalist compositions formed the bulk of the artist's work throughout his career from the late 1870s until the mid 1880s, incorporating a diversity of 'exotic' elements in these works. Pasini regularly exhibited these works at the Paris Salon and is widely regarded among the finest of the Orientalists.
Roberto Parenza will also be showing a superb pair of early 18th century Aubusson tapestries, in wool and silk, representing scenes from the "Italian Commedia". Each tapestry is signed "Duchaine" or "Duchainc" and is offered with Certification of the Foundation de Gremios. Perhaps more typical of the wide range of high quality antique furniture on display will be an important Italian Empire period giltwood armchair upholstered in blue silk that would enhance even the finest home. It will be priced in the region 15,000 to 25,000 Euros.
Among other Italian exhibitors will be Galleria Pasti Bencini from Florence, specialising in Old Masters, 19th and 20th century paintings; Odisseus from Lillascudgen, also showing European furniture and Old Master paintings in addition to fine bronzes and sculpture; so too Rome dealers Charles Sackre, Verolino Antiques, Renzo Moroni, Paola Cipriani, Romana Antichia di Marco Parenza and Luigi Colasanti, specialising in Old Master paintings, European furniture, bronzes and ceramics and the Decorative Arts.
Contemporary paintings and sculpture will be on sale from a number of international exhibitors. Highlighting the stand of Galerie St Jacques from Brussels will be a number of eye-catching works in mixed media by the artist Egyptian artist Shafik. Born 1956, Shafik has been living and working between Milan and Cairo since 1976. He obtained a diploma in painting in 1980 and in set design in 1985 at Milan's famous Accademia di Brera. His work has won numerous awards and acknowledgements over the years, including the Golden Lion Award at the Venice Biennale International Exhibition in 1995 and the Grand Prix at the 9th International Biennale held in Cairo in 2003. He has held solo shows in Switzerland, France, Belgium, Italy, Hungary, Germany and Egypt.
Shafik displays an easy ability to combine the suggestions and colours of Eastern art with the most advanced compositional and expressive techniques of the Western avant-garde. Shafik's pictures are described as a kind of story, a metaphor of an existential journey; his pictorial creativity transforms daily reality into a place of the invisible, where, like in a 'glow', the hidden reality of things is perceived, through the evocation of distant horizons and far-off countries.
Among a number of UAE galleries exhibiting will be Contempo Corporate Art from Abu Dhabi. They will be specialising in Ibero-American art and contemporary art by local artists.
The range of exhibits on offer across the fair extends to include a stunning collection of Japan pieces from Tokyo dealer Morikuma Arts who promise a range of Samurai armour, Netsuke and Inro sculptures and figures, Maki-e and metalwork.
By contrast, Antiquariat Inlibris GmbH, the antiquarian book dealers and autograph specialists from Vienna, will be offering a range of fascinating and rare works of great interest to collectors and connoisseurs.
From Cairo, Atrium Antiques and Interiors will be emphasising their interior design services with a range of decorative antiques.
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Download Press Release as word document.
For Stand Bookings, Marketing and Complimentary Tickets:
Sarita Lakhiani
Tel: +971 (0)2 406 4249
Mob: +971 (0)50 734 1277
Email: s.lakhiani@turretme.com
Turret Middle East Ltd.
PO Box 60629,
ADNEC house
Abu Dhabi,
United Arab Emirates
Duncan Phillips, Press & Marketing
Tel: +44(0)1460 432090 / 07980 832639.
Email: duncanphillips@btinternet.com