Leading global players in the field of modern and contemporary art will be showcasing their best art work at the fourth edition of Abu Dhabi Art to be held in the UAE caapital from November 7 to 10.

The expo is being held under the patronage of General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

"Adel Abidin, Frank Gehry, Richard Armstrong, Jean Nouvel, Subodh Gupta, Bharti Kher, Stuart Haygarth, Abdulnasser Gharem, Ghada Amer, Mohammed Kazem and Marina Abramovic (her debut in the Middle East), are just some of the names in town that week, reflecting the international calibre of Abu Dhabi Art and the capital as a cross-roads for the arts scene," said Rita Aoun-Abdo, executive director, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, the event organisers.

“Abu Dhabi is the new meeting place for the art world evident from the calibre of speakers this year’s programme welcomes. As always, we want our visitors to be engaged intellectually -  including the many exhibitions, talks, conversations and education workshops,” she remarked.

These artists will sit on more than 20 panels and interviews discussing topics such as the search for the ‘centre of the Art World’, the vision and architecture of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi anda panel about the complimentary roles played by non-profit and commercial entities in the region.

Encompassing exhibitions, film-screenings (in collaboration with the Sharjah Art Foundation), more than 10 live performances and book launches, the programme also introduces an exciting line-up of live music including Arab rock band Autostrad (November 8) and electronic art-band Noise of Art (November 9) for its Abu Dhabi Art Plaza Evenings where visitors can take in Saadiyat Island’s charm, Rita Aoun-Abdo said.

Abu Dhabi Art also presents a unique Design platform where, through a variety of new programmes, contemporary design and craft techniques come together as a celebration of both traditional skill and visionary thinking.

Also the event will feature DeyanSudjic, the director of Design Museum in London, and writer Glenn Adamson who will delve into greater detail about the role of craft in art and design and contemporary designer Stuart Haygarth will be working on commissions unveiled at Abu Dhabi Art.

Parts of the Design programme will be presented inside the remarkable art installation ‘Chairs for Abu Dhabi’by the Japanese artist Tadashi Kawamata. Constructed from hundreds of stacked chairs- a place for visitors tomeet, rest, and learn about craft and design through a series of performances and displayed books.         

“Abu Dhabi Art’s 2012 Design Platform sets out to highlight and distinguish an understanding of the innate aesthetics of the UAE through the study, exploration, experimentation and promotion of the roots of Emirati creativity - a design aesthetic based on transient states, freedom of movement, mobility, and constant change,” she added.

As part of a programme tailored specifically to children, they can take part in several workshops and games as part of Art Zone (a dedicated space for children which welcomed 4,000 children in four days last year), including a game played with Tikkei(oversized Emirati cushions).

Workshops offered alongside the Arts, Talks and Sensations exhibition to open during Abu Dhabi Art will also be held for children, teens and adults including making monochromatic paintings using unconventional techniques.-TradeArabia News Service