Art Dubai 2009 will exhibit one of the most expensive pieces ever offered in the event’s history – an installation worth $12 million by American abstract expressionist Sam Francis.

The art exhibition will take place from March 18 to 21 at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai.

The show will also feature pieces from up to 465 artists, a quarter of which are Arab and Iranian, with prices starting at less than $1000.

One of 68 galleries taking part in Art Dubai, New York-based L&M Arts will exhibit a select group of paintings from Francis’ most coveted years in the fifties, highlighting his 1955 masterpiece “Black”, with ten related works compiled over the last five years.

Shown together for the first time in Art Dubai, the paintings in this historic installation can be acquired individually or together for a special price which L&M Arts will be extending to museums and private foundations from the region in an effort to keep this one-of-a-kind ensemble intact.

“One of Art Dubai’s defining values is our broad appeal – bringing museum-quality pieces such as the Sam Francis collection alongside attractively-priced emerging artists, and encouraging debate and education through the Global Art Forum, complimentary discussions in the Art Park, and a range of new book launches with special concessions for Art Dubai visitors,” said John Martin, co-founder and director, Art Dubai.

This year will see the return of popular event the Global Art Forum, which will start in Doha, Qatar March 16, and continue on beach-side in Dubai from March 18 to 20. The fair will also launch Arabic translations English publications. It will also offer an extensive, affordable and previously unavailable range of books.

Art Park, an educational initiative will provide a forum for relevant issues in the arts world such as curatorial practice in the Middle East, online art journalism and corporate initiatives such as the Abraaj Capital Art prize.

Art enthusiasts wanting to start their own collections can pick up drawings from Bischoff/Weiss gallery starting at approximately $500, or an installation piece from Parisian duo M/M for approximately $4250, offered by London-based gallery Haunch of Venison.

Art lovers can further feed their habit affordably by taking part in the six book launches scheduled in the Bidoun Lounge at Art Park, the underground art space dedicated to experimental and site-specific artwork. – TradeArabia News Service