We use cookies. If you continue to use this website, you accept our Data Policy. There you can deactivate the cookies at any time.
At first glance, it seems like the world has gone back to normal here in Dubai. Though at second, I’d rather say, the (art) world has just entered the “new normal”. The 2021 edition of Art Dubai has been a very special event. Having its final day today, it brought a week of fresh air, lots of inspiration to the art world and beyond. The Art Dubai 2021 has proven this week, that “we can” achieve great things together and “things are possible”, when they are done the right way. It has definitely set an example for a safe and perfectly organized in-person event of international format.
Art Dubai 2021 at DIFC © ART DUBAI
Not only has the art fair re-located this year’s event to the DIFC, Dubai’s Financial centre, it has also completely modernized the way of attending an art fair – very much aligned with the current Zeitgeist.
Masks were mandatory:
Nel-Olivia Waga mirrored in Ivàn Navarro's artwork "Clown 2021"- Templon Gallery at Art Dubai 2021
Your attendance is handled via registration of the Art Dubai app. There, visitors have to book their specific time slots (which are limited per hour). As a confirmation they receive a QR code, which states the time of attendance, personal date and will be scanned at each entrance – replacing the paper/card tickets.
The artistic installations at Art Dubai’s Sculpture Park are definitely among the most impressive art installations I’ve seen so far in the art world. It’s worth to visit the Sculpture Park multiple times, as the looks of the art installations always change when viewed from several perspectives and at different times of day or night.
"Horizon, 1996" by Costas Varotsos via Giorgio Persano Gallery (Turin) as part of Art Dubai 2021 Sculpture Park in midst the Dubai Financial Center © NEL-OLIVIA WAGA
A very inspiring, safe and modern way of bringing several decades and nationalities together on the path towards the “new normal” – or let’s call it “the future of exhibiting”.
Here are some of my highlighted artworks of this very special Art Dubai 2021:
“IDEALLY HUNDREDS OF BLUE BUTTERFLIES WILL BE FLYING AROUND YOU FOLLOWING YOU, 2016” by French Artist Laure Prouvost, via Galerie Nathalie Obadia (Paris, Bruxelles):
“La Forma Celata, Red 2015” by Umberto Mariani via Custot Gallery (Dubai):
Javier Calleja and Eduardo Balanza’s fun art works via Gallery Justo / Giner (Marbella):
Lying Woman, 2012 by Hussein Madi – Mark Hachem Gallery (New York, Paris, Beirut):
08:01, 11:58, 11:11, 16:38 (2021) by Alesha Sultana via Experimenter Gallery (Kolkata):
JR au Louvre et le Secret de la Grande Pyramide, Diptyque © Pyramide, architecte I. M. Pei, museé du Louvre, Paris, France, 2019 – at Galerie Perrotin, Booth B7 (Paris, New York, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai):
JR’s stunning projects of the artistic transformation of Museé du Louvre in Paris from 2019, have been one of the most sought after artworks at Art Dubai 2021, this week, shown at Galerie Perrotin – which also had one of the most impressive booths, right at the entrance of the fair’s main event tent.
Nel-Olivia Waga at Galerie Perrotin Booth at Art Dubai 2021 in front of "JR au Louvre et le Secret de la Grande Pyramide, Diptyque ©, Pyramide architecte I.M. Pei, museé du Louvre, Paris, France, 2019" © CHRISSIFIED
The 2021 edition of Art Dubai felt very relaxed, safe and pleasant, yet very inspiring. There was no stress. Everyone was happy. You could literally see the smiles in peoples eyes (behind their masks), which was a nice experience. The main focus has definitely lied on the art, this year, because due to the masks you could barely recognize the people around you, and social distancing was still in place – so you were less distracted from the happenings and you could really enjoy the art.
www.forbes.com/sites/neloliviawaga/
Founded in 2014 and reimagined in 2019 by Nel-Olivia Waga, HER/etiquette is an international blog rooted in Zurich, and shaped by conscious luxury. It explores global trends and everyday rituals across art, longevity, wellness, innovation, beauty, and design, highlighting brands and individuals who bring meaning and creative solutions to modern living.
Nel-Olivia Waga is the Founder & Publisher of HER/etiquette. She is a Brand Consultant, Author, and Entrepreneur. Her work regularly appears in her FORBES column. She is also the founder of YMPACT LAB, a consultancy that develops innovative concepts for global brands with a focus on purpose and impact.
#ConsciousLuxury is the theme of HER ETIQUETTE. We spotlight pioneers who rethink excellence through transparency, intention, and care for both people and planet. Each story opens a window into what drives meaningful change, whether it’s a new perspective, a responsible approach, or a quiet detail that speaks volumes. It’s our way of inviting more depth into the way we experience modern life.
Paid partnership with Amazon
Thank you for your subscription.