Galleries from the UAE are proud of their prominence at Frieze this year, The National reports. With artists like Farhad Moshiri doing very well in the auctions and getting lots of attention for galleries like Third Line, whose director is Claudia Cellini, there’s a hope that the Gulf can break out of being an emerging market and become a real player in the art world:

“In terms of global recognition our presence at Frieze is very important,” Cellini added. “We want to be taken seriously as an international gallery and not as a gallery from the Middle East that’s ‘sort of exotic’. Our artists deserve to be internationally recognised.” […]

Last year, the fair was awash with false confidence and over zealous salesmanship. This year, the mood was relaxed; defiance had become acceptance. Talk of the recession, which last year left galleries reeling, became somewhat lighthearted, with a large red banner positioned above an exhibit stand reading “Long Live and Thrive Capitalism”. This was art with a sense of humour and its message spilled out onto the growing crowds. “There’s an incredible buzz about Frieze,” says artist Adam Dant. “You can always discover something new. This year has been great. It no longer feels like a trade fair.”

Inspiring Growth (The National)