Frieze fuelled London's art boom and now the stage is set for Abu Dhabi
When Frieze first pitched its tent in Regent’s Park in 2003, London was creatively flourishing but still lacked a major contemporary art fair that matched the city’s international standing. In the previous decade, the likes of Tracey Emin and Damien Hirst had upended notions of what art was and could be, and young artists were reacting to their ideas – building upon them or rejecting them, often…
In 2003, Frieze launched its inaugural event in London's Regent's Park, filling a void in the city's contemporary art scene. Before this, artists like Tracey Emin and Damien Hirst had reshaped perceptions of art, inspiring young creators to push boundaries or oppose their ideas through grassroots exhibitions in abandoned spaces.
However, a tight-knit community had formed, emphasizing local and regional artists over international connections. The creation of Tate Modern in 2000 and the start of Frieze in 2003 helped London cement its position as a global hub for contemporary art. Now, Abu Dhabi is poised to host Frieze Abu Dhabi, following a similar trajectory.
With the opening of museums in the Saadiyat Cultural District, the UAE has connected with international institutions and artists, strengthening its position as a gathering point for the art market across West Asia, North Africa, and South Asia. Frieze Abu Dhabi, set to take place from November 19 to 22 at Manarat Al Saadiyat, aims to replicate the impact it had on London's art landscape.
Unlike London, Frieze Abu Dhabi won't be starting from scratch, as the fair will build upon the groundwork laid by the canceled Abu Dhabi Art event. As Nusseibeh notes, Abu Dhabi Art served as a vital platform for local and regional art communities. With 84 galleries participating, including many from the Global South, Frieze Abu Dhabi seeks to foster knowledge distribution and global integration for the region's art market.
The event will feature solo and group exhibitions, special highlights, and various sections catering to younger international galleries and established regional names. Among the notable participants are Gagosian, Pace Gallery, and Thaddaeus Ropac, alongside artists such as Tahir Karmali, Chonon Bensho, and Emily Kam Kngwarray.
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