The co-founder of Galleria Continua and the curator of this year’s Beyond Emerging Artists at Abu Dhabi Art, speaks to us about what we can expect from the three artists showcasing at the fair.
Canvas: What were the criteria you used during the selection process for this year’s Beyond Emerging Artists?
Lorenzo Fiaschi: For 35 years, at Galleria Continua we have been captivated by art that embodies three key criteria: ambition, humanism and uniqueness. Our commitment is to discover artists who carve out their own distinct paths and we actively seek out unheard voices that are exploring innovative directions. These are artists who are deeply aware of the current times in which we live and are aiming to bridge the past with a bold vision for the future. This has been our guiding principle and it shaped the approach to the Beyond Emerging Artists programme.
What can you share about each of the artists chosen this year: Fatma Al Ali, Dina Nazmi Khorchid and Simrin Mehra Agarwal? What can we expect from their works?
Fatma Al Ali captivates us with her sharp, sometimes humorous approach, immediately drawing our attention through her mixed media. Simrin Mehra Agarwal has a beautiful sense of space and has been very ambitious in scale, seizing the opportunity in the Beyond Emerging Artists programme to explore new dimensions of her research. Finally, Dina Nazmi Khorchid will create an intriguing landscape that blurs the lines between photography, fabric and charcoal drawings. Overall, we can expect these three artists to transform their spaces into highly immersive and ambitious environments, each delivering unique and impactful projects.
Many of the commissioned works address significant themes such as conflict, colonialism and environmental issues. How do you see these subjects resonating with contemporary audiences in the Gulf?
Artists act as a powerful sounding boardfor the emotions and challenges of the region. At Galleria Continua, we believe that art creates deep connections, building bridges that reach the soul. Themes such as conflict, colonialism and environmental issues resonate strongly with contemporary Gulf audiences, reflecting the past and present. By celebrating diversity and amplifying voices, art becomes a tool for unity and understanding, forging profound links between people.
How does your perspective shape the curatorial direction and mentorship for the artists involved?
Galleria Continua operates across eight spaces around the world, each with its own challenges, atmosphere and unique magic. We encourage artists to be mindful of their immediate environment – physical and beyond – as well as the audience with which they wish to engage and their personal narratives. Our goal is to create a focused dialogue around the works exhibited, ensuring that each piece resonates deeply and invites further exploration. By emphasising this connection, we foster a mentorship approach that not only supports artists in their creative journeys but also enhances the overall experience for viewers.
The artists participating in this programme employ a range of media, from textiles to video installations. How important is interdisciplinary practice in contemporary art today, especially in the context of this exhibition?
We don’t believe in hierarchies among media practices. Each artist chooses the best medium to express their intentions and ideas. As a gallery, we’ve always emphasised and invested in artists who embrace interdisciplinary approaches and focus on the content and impact of their work, rather than favouring one medium over another. It’s essential that this is highlighted in the exhibition, inspiring new generations to feel the freedom to choose the media that best express their unique voices.
With Abu Dhabi Art returning for its 16th edition, what are your goals for this year’s Beyond Emerging Artists and how do you see it contributing to the growth of the art community in the region?
We have supported and believed in Abu Dhabi Art since its beginning and we are excited to have witnessed the profound impact it has had on the region. It has not only garnered international cultural attention and provided access to global art, but also opened doors for local talents.
The incredible rise and development of the region through Abu Dhabi Art is evident, with growing diversity in institutional and gallery representation. Importantly, this creates a vibrant space for young artists and voices from the region, fostering their growth and engagement with the wider art community.
