Islamic Arts Biennale
January 25-May 25
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
biennale.org.sa
The second IslamIc Arts Biennale juxtaposes historical objects from Islamic cultures with contemporary art from Saudi Arabia and around the world to explore the different ways that faith is experienced. The biennale, which takes place at the Western Hajj Terminal at the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, has significantly expanded since its inaugural edition two years ago. More than 500 objects and contemporary artworks are on view across five exhibition halls and outdoor spaces. The Louvre and the Victoria and Albert Museum are among more than 30 international institutions taking part with loans from their collections. This year’s edition sees the launch of the $100,000 AlMusalla Prize, an international architecture competition to design a prayer space within the exhibition.
"In the two years since its last edition, there have been various significant exhibitions in the field of Islamic art but none of these can compete for sheer scale with Jeddah’s Biennale. Once again revisiting Skidmore, Owings & Merrill’s iconic 1981 Hajj Terminal, it takes ‘the sacred in objects’ as a key theme, with loans from more than 30 international museums, including the Vatican Apostolic Library, alongside historically important pieces from the holy places of Mecca and Medina. In addition to the contemporary artworks, the Homage section will showcase the heights of Islamic civilization in two private collections. In sum, it promises to be another landmark undertaking: a journey, in the words of artistic director Julian Raby, through 'heart, mind and hand.'" –Benedict Carter
Visions of America: Art, Luxury, Culture
January 24-29
Sotheby’s New York
sothebys.com
A month-long series of auctions and events that celebrate American craftsmanship. Spanning three floors of gallery space at Sotheby’s New York headquarters, Visions of America presents unparalleled examples of American art and objects spanning the 17th century to today. The auctions include a diverse array of fine art, furniture, fashion, decorative arts, folk art, historic maps, books, whiskey, manuscripts and more.
"While our traditional Americana week of auctions has been focused on 18th- and 19th-century furniture and decorations, changing taste and forward thinking have given birth to a series of sales under the umbrella of “Visions of America.” We are no longer looking only at the past, but we are embracing the past, present and future of American art, design and innovation. Pairing an 18th-century pie-crust table with a Frank Lloyd Wright lamp shows how great art and objects always complement each other and give license for new vision." –Benjamin Doller
Maison & Objet
January 16-20
Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre, Paris
maison-objet.com
After the many exhibitions marking the centenary of the publication of the Surrealist Manifesto last year, it is clear that the celebrations are still going strong. Case in point: This year’s Maison & Objet fair has “new Surrealism” as its theme. Titled “Sur/Reality,” the fair showcases artists and designers who use elements of fantasy, distortion and humor to create surprising and desirable objects, from trompe-l’œil art to anthropomorphic lamps.
ART SG
January 17-19
Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore
artsg.com
Singapore’s contemporary art fair returns for its third edition with presentations from an array of regional and international galleries, talks and a program of large-scale installations. The fair is a linchpin of Singapore Art Week (January 17-26), which celebrates the city’s growing and vibrant art scene.
FOG Design+Art
January 23-26
Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, San Francisco
fogfair.com
In time for its 11th edition, FOG Design+Art has appointed its first fair director, Sydney Blumenkranz. Specializing in the intersections between art, design and innovation, the fair welcomes 59 exhibitors this year as well as the debut of FOG MRKT, a curated installation of artisanal products and crafts with a spotlight on the Bay Area.
Kings and Queens of Africa: Forms and Figures of Power
January 29-May 25
Louvre Abu Dhabi
louvreabudhabi.ae
Louvre Abu Dhabi traces the rich history and cultural heritage of African royalty through this selection of around 300 objects from various regions of the continent. The exhibition is a partnership with the Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac in Paris, which is lending artifacts of importance, including an Ife head from Nigeria (12th-14th century).
Banner: Islamic Arts Biennale 2023. Courtesy of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation.
