黑料不打烊

NYC isn鈥檛 the only city boasting art events galore in March: Later this month another stunning set of art fairs will take center stage in Dubai. The Middle East has become a hotbed of change and cultural development, and the art world serves as a platform representing the creative innovations sweeping the region. One such archetype is personified in what can only be described as truly intelligent design: Debuting it鈥檚 first edition during Dubai鈥檚 Art Week is Design Days Dubai, a dynamic new satellite fair showcasing the work of contemporary local and international designers.

With over 400 works on view ranging from vintage classics to modern creations, the pieces presented by 22 galleries from 14 countries will convene in the city that has become the meeting point of artistic exchange between East and West. 鈥淒ubai is a great catalyst city and Design Days Dubai reflects the diversity of the city, said Design Days director Cyril Zammit. 鈥淭he entire world meets in Dubai.鈥� Recently, 黑料不打烊 spoke with the director about this fresh-faced fair joining the Dubai Art scene. We also chatted up galleries and designers presenting work at the fair. (Left: "Indian Pot 4, Mexican Cocobolo by Bud Latven/Sarah Myerscough Fine Art).

The success of Art Dubai since its emergence five years ago inspired the establishment of Design Days Dubai, striving to bring this underrepresented genre more recognition. This proved to be one of the biggest hurdles facing the new fair, but Zammit says the strength of Dubai is its capacity for progressive thought, with a commitment to advancing new trends in the region. Beirut鈥檚is one prime example. 鈥淐ontemporary design is a new growing market here in the Middle East. We would say that even five years ago, there were very few initiatives,鈥� the gallery owners told us. While historically design has always played a role in Middle-Eastern architecture and craftsmanship, it鈥檚 most often associated with large-scale commissions. 鈥淭he most difficult thing is bringing the genre to another level, lending a more conceptual and critical eye to the projects in order to create a sustainable design culture...and avoid[ing] the clich茅 and the first degree of lecture in the project.鈥� (Above Right: Enignum Canopy Bed by Joseph Walsh, 2010).

The contemporary approach to design is a novel concept, but as Carwan representatives affirm, it鈥檚 a key component in creating a lasting impression. 鈥淭his is a great opportunity to learn from history on how we can bring design using tradition and make it contemporary...We believe the next ten years will be very prolific in terms of development in the area.鈥�

The launch of Design Days Dubai is pretty ambitious in this sense, with an artistic mission that transcends boundaries. 鈥淭he main goal is to engage and initiate: engage a dialogue between buyers and galleries, students and industry, designers and galleries, and set up Dubai as a hub for contemporary design in the region,鈥� Zammit says. 鈥淲e hope to initiate a long-run movement that will support students to have access to international institutions and also facilitate their outreach for production and representation.鈥� (Below, clockwise from left: Chair SIE29 by Pawel Grunert/Galleria Paola E Rosella Colombari, photo courtesy of Marek Fijalkowski; Phable by Dominic Harris/Priveekollektie; work by Hun Chung Lee/Gallery Seomi).