The 16th edition of Art Dubai: the region’s largest art fair is set to take place from 3rd to 5th of March 2023. Over 100 contemporary, modern and digital art galleries from more than 40 countries, including 30 first-time participants will be featured in the fair. The fair is set to be divided into four gallery sections: Contemporary, Modern, Bawwaba, and Art Dubai Digital.
One of the featured artists at the fair will be Kenyan visual artist, Dicken Otieno, whose latest works will be showcased by Circle Art Gallery in the Bawwaba section of the fair. The Bawwaba section, which translates to “gateway” in Arabic, exclusively showcases artworks created in the past year or specifically for Art Dubai. The section consists of solo presentations by artists from various countries in the Global South.
Throughout his career, Otieno has garnered critical acclaim and international recognition for his art. He is well known for creating stunning tapestries using everyday materials such as shredded aluminum cans and galvanized steel mesh. He transforms these materials into magnificent sculptures and installations that explore identity, society, and belonging. His art is heavily influenced by the colors and patterns he remembers from his childhood in his mother’s tailoring workshop in Nairobi. By using these discarded materials, Otieno explores the subject of sustainability.
Circle Art Gallery will present pieces created specifically for the fair by Dickens Otieno including “Narok Wheat Fields” a large-scale installation that features shredded aluminum and galvanized steel mesh to create a breathtaking landscape. His work “Kisii Plots”; a depiction of the terraced landscape of western Kenya as well as “School Uniform (Looking Yonder 1 & 2)“, a pair of works that explore the intersection of identity, class, and socialization in contemporary African society will be showcased at the fair.
Circle Art is one of East Africa’s leading contemporary art galleries. Founded by curator and artist Danda Jaroljmek, Circle Art is committed to supporting the careers of East African artists as well as building a thriving environment for the region’s art scene. For over a decade, the gallery has been consistently presenting and continues to present the work of contemporary African artists to a global audience.
