The 10th edition of World Art Dubai, one of the largest art fairs in the world, concluded with resounding success, leaving a lasting impression on artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts alike. This year’s event, held in the heart of Dubai, at the Dubai World Trade Center, showcased an eclectic mix of global art, featuring exhibitors from 65+ different countries, fostering connections and celebrating creativity. The 2024 edition of World Art Dubai featured an impressive array of artworks, from contemporary paintings to digital masterpieces, sculptures, and striking photography from established as well as emerging talents. Artists and Galleries from around the world came together, each bringing unique styles and cultural perspectives. The diverse representation highlighted the global nature of modern art, offering the 20.000 visitors a rich, multicultural experience.
Interactive Events and Workshops
This year’s fair was not just about viewing art; it was about experiencing it. Attendees participated in interactive workshops, gaining hands-on insights into various artistic techniques. Talks by industry experts provided deeper understanding and inspiration, while live art demonstrations captivated audiences, showcasing the dynamic process of creation.
Spotlight on Emerging Artists
World Art Dubai 2024 continued its tradition of supporting emerging talent from the region and beyond. The fair provides a vital platform for new artists to present their work, gaining exposure and valuable industry connections. This focus on fresh talent injected the event with innovative ideas and vibrant energy, ensuring a dynamic and evolving art scene. Maintaining its commitment to accessibility, World Art Dubai 2024 made art approachable and affordable. With artworks available at a range of price points, the fair catered to both seasoned collectors and first-time buyers. This inclusivity ensured that everyone, regardless of budget, could bring a piece of the exhibition home.
World Art Dubai 2024 Awards Winners
One of the many highlights of World Art Dubai was the Exhibitor Awards Ceremony. The Awards were choosen by the three show curators, Gottfried Eisenberger, Samar Kamel and Batool Jafri and are considered a stepping stone in an artist career.
Best Artist at World Art Dubai 2024
Winner of the best Artist Award for World Art Dubai 2024 is Tinyiko Maluri from South Africa. He is a Mixed Media Artist originally from Bungeni Village, in Limpopo Province but currently based in Johannesburg in South Africa. Using charcoal, pastels, and acrylic paint, Maluri crafts intricately detailed works that frequently mirror his personal journey of overcoming adversity and its related struggles. His art becomes a medium to connect with individuals facing similar challenges, providing hope and understanding.
Visit Tinyikos Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/Tinyikoartworks/
Best Gallery at World Art Dubai 2024
The winner of the Best Gallery Award, AN INC. Gallery is a contemporary art gallery located in Seoul, Korea. Since 2009, it has been committed to showcasing diverse exhibitions featuring international artists. The gallery strives to foster cultural exchange by promoting artists from various backgrounds through exhibitions and collaborations with both domestic and foreign artists in a range of disciplines, including painting, sculpture, and media art.
Visit the Gallery Website to find out more: https://www.aninc.kr/
Best Emerging Artist at World Art Dubai 2024
Best Emerging Artist Award winner Docto Osmiel was Born in Güines, Cuba in 1987 and had his first solo exhibition at World Art Dubai 2024. His unique and highly skilled works stood out among the 400 exhibitors of World Art Dubai 2024.
Visit his website to find out more: https://www.cuban-arts.com/english
Check out his Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctoosmiel/
Outstanding Artwork at World Art Dubai 2024
The most outstanding artwork award at World Art Dubai 2024 went to Matt Harding from the United Kingdom. His unique, hand-etched fine leather artwork can be seen on his instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/matthardingstudio/
Best Curated Stand at World Art Dubai 2024
The best curated stand award was won by James Wagstaff from the United Kingdom (based in Muscat, Oman). The artist’s work reflects a personal journey of inner healing and the deconstruction of a worldview shaped by cross-cultural experiences in the Middle East. Through observations of space, objects, and humanity, he guides himself and his audience on a discovery of unconscious interactions with people, culture, and spirituality. He creates three-dimensional works and curate experiences using a wide range of mediums, including performance, installations, sculpture, and prints, to effectively convey their message.
Learn more about James Wagstaff on his website: https://www.jameswagstaffart.com/
Best Photographer
The winner of the Best Photographer Award at World Art Dubai 2024 is David Learman, a Ras Al Khaimah based Photographer from the UK.
Fine out more about his great work here: https://www.instagram.com/david_learman/
Best Sculpture at World Art Dubai 2024
The best sculpture award was won by Ihoan Sebastian Lopes from Colombia
Other Individual Artist Awards at World Art Dubai 2024
- Best Artist in UAE Pavilion: Anael Ghazaryan from Armenia
- Best Artist in Japan Pavilion: Mayumi Oshima
- Best Artist in GCC Pavilion: Mohamed Mehdifrom Oman
- Best Artist in Russia Pavilion: Igor Kirillov
- Best Artist in India Pavilion: Abhay Sehgal
- Best Artist in Europe Pavilion: Irina Biatturi from Romania
- Best Artist in Asia Pavilion: Nihad Aghazadeh from Azerbaijan
- Best Artist in UK Pavilion: John Railton
- Best Artist in Turkey Pavilion: Kemal Yazici
- Best Artist in USA Pavilion: Zaina Zayed
- Best Artist in Iran Pavilion: Abdollah Moghaddasi
- Best Artist in China Pavilion: Miss Zeyinaibai – Lanjun
- Special Recognition Award: Laitu Studio from India
- Ten-Year Excellence Award: Julia Smolenkova from Russia
Rove Hotels Emerging Artist Prize
World Art Dubai in partnership with Rove Hotels, the 6th edition of theRover Emerging Artists Prize showcased digital artworks under the theme “Cultural Crossroads.”
Grand Winner (Chosen by the World Art Dubai Curators): Azaide Robin, who receives a complimentary exhibition space at World Art Dubai 2025.
Public Choice Award (Chosen by World Art Dubai Visitors): Manoj Zinzuwadia, awarded AED 5,000 and a complimentary stay at Rove Hotel.
WAD Artist in Residence
In partnership with 25hours Hotels and Seth Benzel, who manages the artist in residence program at World Art Dubai.
Alex Lanier from the USA, who will embark on an exciting 2-month residency at 25hours Hotel to create a collection inspired by Dubai, followed by an exhibition.
Hotel Indigo Award 2024
Rikka Gallery from Japan earns the opportunity to exhibit at Hotel Indigo in Dubai.
Find out more about World Art Dubai here: www.worldartdubai.com