The works of legendary painter M.F. Husain will feature in a special section at Art Dubai 2010, beginning on March 17.
“Of the galleries participating, up to a quarter are innovating by creating Artist Focus Stands that feature the works of only one or two artists. Among the artists being showcased in Artist Focus Stands is Husain,” said the organisers of the four-day fair, billed as West Asia’s biggest art event.
“Represented by London’s Grosvenor Vadehra gallery, Husain’s paintings have played a key role in bringing artwork from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia to the international spotlight.”
His works are expected to draw huge crowds following Qatar’s decision to confer its citizenship on the painter, who went into exile after death threats from hardliners in India for portraying Hindu deities in the nude.
Besides Husain, the single or dual-focussed galleries will include pieces from Egyptian master Adel El-Siwi.
Art Dubai this year will host its biggest programme of collateral events. It will include the Global Art Forum, the unveiling of the Abraaj Capital Art Prize, special projects curated by Bidoun Projects and the exhibition, The Poetry of Time, presented by Van Cleef and Arpels. About 70 galleries from 30 countries will participate.