'Art & Antiques Dubai' to pioneer fine art market in the region

'Art & Antiques Dubai', launched by Haughton International Fairs will bring together some of the top art and antique dealers under one roof at the Madinat Arena, February 21 - 24, 2008.

It is the first fair of its kind in the region and is keenly anticipated by both the local Dubai community and visitors.

Dealers, Waterhouse & Dodd will showcase a small oil by American artist John Singer Sargent, one of the highlights of the fair, Painted in 1906, the painting reflects his ongoing fascination with the Arab world and is titled Bedouin Encampment.

'Middle Eastern collectors have long upheld an enduring tradition of appreciating and acquiring beautiful and important works of art,' said Brian Haughton, owner of Haughton International Fairs. 'We believe the market is ready for a comprehensive top level art and antiques fair.'

The international press including The Financial Times have already hailed the Haughton Organization as top leaders in the presentation of world class art and antique fairs.

Fine art on offer at the fair will range over period and contemporary, featuring western, Middle-Eastern and Far Eastern material with several dealers preparing to bring 'the best' from their collections. Orientalist style paintings reflect the fascination of European artists in the 19th century with the Middle East and its way of life. This interest endures today with Orientalist paintings highly sought-after on the international art market.

A selection will be well represented at the fair by internationally respected fine art dealer Mathaf Gallery (London), which has specialized in Orientalism for more than 30 years. Mathaf Gallery has held its own exhibitions in a number of Arab countries and has assisted with the Najd Collection of some 150 splendid Orientalist 19th Century paintings.

'The intention of the Haughtons to have a fair that will include local artists is an excellent idea,' said Brian MacDermot, founder of Mathaf Gallery.

Ayyam Gallery, from Damascus, will offer works by leading modern and contemporary Syrian artists providing a platform for Arab artists and dealers to exhibit at an international top quality art fair.

'Having participated at other Haughton International Fairs, we believe the top quality of art, the high standard of dealers selected, and insistence on appropriate decoration for the fair as a whole are qualities that will make Art & Antiques Dubai a fair not to be missed,' concluded MacDermot.