Art Souq opens at Abu Dhabi art gallery

ABU DHABI // Even before the doors officially opened on Monday for the third annual Art Souq, eager visitors were streaming into the Etihad Modern Art Gallery to admire the affordable local artwork on sale.

Art Souq features paintings, photographs, digital prints and sculptures across six rooms throughout the art gallery in Al Bateen.

The artworks spanned a variety of styles, said curator Susanna Petro.

“Anyone can find their taste here,” said Mrs Petro. “You can find figurative art, ones that are close to illustration, oil paintings, digital art printed on canvas and mixed media.”

Most of the artworks are being sold already framed.

There are also 15 sculptures, including a bronze piece called Local Man, depicting an Emirati man, by sculptor Svilen Petrov, which is on sale for Dh10,500. The exhibit features about 50 artists, including Emiratis and expatriates.

“If you are looking for famous names, this is one,” said Mrs Petro, pointing to a colourful mixed media painting by Emirati artist Najat Makki, which was for sale on the gallery’s second floor for Dh12,000.

While some of the images were abstract, others displayed UAE imagery, such as the Dh3,500 large print by photographer Yiannis Roussakis featuring a caravan of camels striding past a mosque.

“It’s a really good, diverse display,” said Emily Gordon, an artist based in Abu Dhabi,said of the Art Souq. “The more art, the better.”

“It’s got kind of a wonderful festival feel. There’s something for everyone here. It’s terrific.”

Antiques from the Etihad Antiques Gallery are also for sale at Art Souq, with items ranging from a Dh10 vintage postcard to a pedicure set on offer for Dh3,000.

Additional pieces are exhibited in the Art House Cafe.

Art Souq 2016 will continue daily until September. It is closed on Fridays. For more information, visit etihadmodernart.com.

rpennington@thenational.ae