A new hub for the art market?

The much-discussed Art Basel Qatar art fair opens in Doha on February 5. The fair was created in partnership with Qatar Sports Investments and the company QC+. It is the fifth location of the world's leading art fair after Basel, Miami Beach, Hong Kong, and Paris. According to Art Basel CEO Hoah Horowitz, it aims to further promote cultural exchange and market growth, as well as raise the international profile of the regional art scene. Until February 7, 87 galleries from 31 countries will present works by 84 artists, more than half of whom come from countries in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, including Etel Adnan, Simone Fattal, and Ali Cherri. Preview Days will take place on February 3 and 4.

The artistic director of Art Basel Qatar is Egyptian video artist Wael Shawky (born 1971), who participated in Documenta 13 in Kassel in 2012 and the Istanbul Biennial in 2015, among other events. Under the title Becoming, he is implementing an open exhibition format that connects the M7 art center with the Doha Design District. Instead of traditional exhibition stands, the presentation format is oriented toward artistic positions and the power of art to actively influence culture rather than merely replicating it.

Participating galleries from Germany include Sprüth Magers and Michael Werner Gallery. Other galleries include Gagosian, Hauser & Wirth, Pace Gallery, White Cube, David Zwirner, and Tornabuoni Art.