Spanish art set to make a big impression at Index 2007

This showed itself in abstract designs, the use of light and shadow and in the stunning architecture such as the Moorish palaces of Al Andalus, the Alhambra in Grenada and the famous mosque at Cordoba, which are highly representative of the country's cultural heritage. Today these influences are still visible in many artistic forms.

It is only fitting, therefore, that this year at Index there is a strong Spanish influence in the art section with 5 galleries showing a large collection of artists. This new segment was encouraged by the presence of an eminent gallery from Madrid, Eduardo Capa, who first exhibited at Index three years ago.

The largest galleries in Spain are to be found in Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia and their role has changed dramatically over the years. In the past, the galleries were predominantly places for the exhibition and sale of art but they have now become real art producers in their own right, supporting, encouraging and financing artists and their work. At Index 2007 there will be a wide range of styles from the most contemporary, abstract designs, through to more traditional portraits and figures, as well as some sculpture and other art forms.

Pablo Pastor Fine Paintings, a small art dealer from the Alicante region of Spain, will be showing portraits by Ignacio Trelis, a Spanish contemporary Artist who began his career as a talented and successful landscape painter and later moved on to paint portraits. He has exhibited extensively across Spain and the collection on display at Index will be finished in gold leaf and displayed in handmade frames.

"As you can imagine we are very excited to have the opportunity to explore and trade with all the art lovers of the Gulf countries. We have chosen Index Dubai 2007 in the hope that we can develop relations with what is one of the best traditional markets for Spain as well as being one of the fastest growing cities of the world. We are beginning what we hope will be a very successful partnership with Index Dubai," said Pablo Pastor.

"The Art section at Index is one of our fastest growing segments of the show and reflects the growing importance of art in the Middle East market. We are delighted to host a growing number of Spanish galleries this year with, between them, a diverse and highly original collection of work,"

said Kim Willis, Exhibition Development Director of dmg world media Dubai, the organisers of the event.

"As the premier interiors event in the region, Index provides the perfect showcase for all forms of art, opening up avenues to new markets and providing a second to none visitor list made up of architects, specifiers, designers and collectors from around the Gulf. This fast expanding and eyecatching sector of the interiors market is sure to draw huge interest and is set to be even more diverse at this year's show."

El Quatre Sala d'Art, opened in Barcelona in 1986, is another gallery at Index for the first time this year. Focusing originally on contemporary Catalan artists, the gallery has grown to meet current trends and new forms of art, working with young artists and representing art from all over Spain. The gallery will show work from several highly regarded artists including Joan Abelló, Joaquim Hidalgo, Pablo Maeso, Miguel Olivares, Miquel Vilar and Antoni Vives Fierro.

Galeria Safia, also from Barcelona, will be bringing 60 paintings to Index, including some larger pieces and wood sculptures. They will also have a facility to show other works, installations and bigger sculptures on screen. Three artists will be in attendance at the show, Eva Armisen, Monica Tuiss and Jordi Gispert, who will be available to discuss their work in more detail. Other artists whose work is being shown by the gallery include Albert Gonzalo, Michelle Conception, Maya Foltyn, Alvar Farre, Sarah West, Jorge Zambrao, Tamara Jaworska and Jadwiga Olesiak.

Artagora, a gallery of contemporary art from Seville and Gallery Giart are the other exhibitors bringing Spanish art to Index this year. Jose Miguel Negro Macho, the owner of Artagora will be displaying his own work as well as that of Pilar Garcia Abril, Antonio Zarco and sculpture and engravings from Josep Mateu. All of these artists have exhibited extensively in the international art arena over the past decade. Aragora will also have a virtual gallery of work for sale and has recently published a series of Artagora Notebooks combining poetry and art.

Artists and art lovers have long been a part of Dubai's vibrant lifestyle but it is only recently that the art scene has come to the fore and moved into the general public's eye. The Gulf Art Fair earlier this year and Christies Contemporary Art Auction, along with the continued work of established galleries bringing in international talent to the region, has put art in the spotlight. Confidence in the quality and range of art now on offer matches that of other world class markets and this in turn is attracting more artists and buyers.

Trade between Spain and the UAE has increased dramatically since the beginning of the millennium. Since 2002 the value of imports to the UAE from Spain has more than doubled, bringing the total figure to $1,035,500,000 by the end of 2006. Figures for the first quarter of 2007 show that it is again set to be another successful trading year.

Index 2007 sees the event celebrating 17 highly successful years in the region. Internationally acknowledged as one of the world's most important showcases of the very best in furniture and interior design, the event will again be the one of the biggest trade shows in any sector in the whole of the Gulf region, featuring more exhibitors, expanded country pavilions and the leading regional and international names from the interiors and furniture industry.

Index, the Middle East's International Furniture and Interior Design Exhibition, takes place from 1-5 November 2007 at Dubai International Exhibition Centre.

Giart Galleria D'Art will be located in Hall 8, E357.

Pablo Pastor Fine Paintings, Artagora, Galaria Safia and El Quatre will be located in Hall 2, C74, C70, B80 and C72 respectively.