Abu Dhabi Art: A chat with AB43 Contemporary

Heidi and Franz Leupi, directors of AB43 Gallery in Zurich who have been championing Emirati art in Europe for several years. Courtesy Franz and Heidi Leupi
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Ahead of the capital's eighth edition of Abu Dhabi Art, we caught up with gallerists Franz and Heidi Leupi from Switzerland. Through their gallery AB43 Contemporarythey have been championing Emirati art in Europe for many years. This year, they are bringing the work of three UAE artists - Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Karima Al Shomaly and Hashel Al Lamki - to their booth.

Here’s what they have to say:

Q: How many years has AB43 been in attendance at Abu Dhabi Art?

This is our sixth year, our first show in Abu Dhabi was 2011.

Q: What do you think is the main difference between the two UAE-based art fairs and why did you choose this year to Abu Dhabi Art rather than Art Dubai?

In our experience visitors to Abu Dhabi Art are seriously interested in learning about the art itself, as opposed to being drawn to the glamour or the crowd that naturally comes with an event of this scale. Dubai is still the main hub for galleries, but in terms of museum presence and public initiatives Abu Dhabi has developed into a cultural city with a strong presence in the arts with a longterm interest.

Q: You have always focused on Middle Eastern art and have always had a strong representation of Emirati artists. It is a great thing that a gallery from Switzerland is bringing these artists home - why do you choose to focus on UAE artists?

In 2010, we were the first in Europe to host The Flying House with Hassan Sharif, Muhammed Kazem, Layla Juma et al. from Dubai with over 50 art works from across the UAE. We have always been interested in exploring the region and as you can see from our selection of artists at Abu Dhabi this year, there is great artistry and great potential to be discovered every time.

Q: Do you feel you are bringing knowledge to the people of the UAE as well as to Europeans about these artists?

Of course, yes. The more you see and read, and the more you expose yourself to the arts, the more you know and the more you will want to dive into the experience. This is true for all of us, independently of where we come from.

Q: How did you make select your artists?

These are three young and strong artists who have great potential and whose quality of work really convinced us.

Q: In your opinion, has the maturity of the collectors in Abu Dhabi improved over the years?

We have always seen a strong local interest in the art that we show, but what has changed over the years is that the audience is getting younger and hungrier to learn about art. There is genuine interest in having a discourse and in engaging with us, the artists or their work. We really enjoy being part of this.

* www.ab43contemporary.com