This March Traffic’s program includes the opening of Satellite—a new studio space for conceptual media artist James Clar, MOP CAP 2011—Magic of Persia Contemporary Art Prize hosted by Traffic, and Traffic’s participation in the fifth edition of Art Dubai.
14 March | Dubai, Al Serkal: Opening of Satellite, 17:00 – 22:00
15–19 March | Dubai, Traffic: MOP CAP 2011
16–19 March | Dubai, Madinat Arena: Art Dubai 2011, Booth A12
Satellite
The new studio space developed by James Clar together with Traffic, is set to open in Dubai’s Al Serkal art hub, on Monday 14th March at 5pm, coinciding with the Al Serkal Art Dubai openings.
Clar, who is exclusively represented by Traffic, Dubai, produces work that is a fusion of technology, popular culture, and visual information. It explores the limitations of various communication mediums and its effect on the individual and society. Focusing on the visual arts, his work often controls and manipulates light – the common intersection of all visual mediums.
The move to a new studio will allow for larger scale experimentation and production. Satellite will also serve as an exhibition space for select works; sculptures, wall pieces, and art installations that take advantage of the space. With an open house feel, it gives visitors the unique opportunity to view the artistic process and engage with the artist before the works are known to the contemporary art world. Clar, who will curate and manage the programming of Satellite, plans to invite other artists passing through Dubai to use the space as a kind of satellite studio while away from home, encouraging experimentation in a new environment and collaboration between artists.
MOP CAP 2011
Magic of Persia Contemporary Art Prize
Launched in 2009, the Magic of Persia Contemporary Art Prize (MOP CAP) has become the world’s leading art prize for Iranian artists. MOP CAP is a global search to identify the most talented emerging Iranian artists and provide an international platform for their career.
This year MOP CAP 2011, to be inaugurated by HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan on Monday 14th March at 6pm, will exhibit the works of 24 shortlisted artists, selected from over 90 nominees. The 2011 Shortlist was selected by a jury which consists of leading figures from the international art world: Zaha Hadid, Ramin and Rokni Haerizadeh, Shirazeh Houshiary, Idris Khan, Abaseh Mirvali, Mohammed Mottahedan, Hans Ulrich Orbist and chaired by Ali Khadra.
A panel discussion will also take place on Monday 14th March following the announcements of the MOP CAP 2011 Finalists. The panel discussion entitled ‘Cultural Brokering: Location Allegiance and Transnational Identity’, will be led by curator Vali Mahlouji and include participants Hans Ulrich Orbist, Mohammed Mottahedan, Abaseh Mirvali, Idris Khan and Ali Khadra. The panel discussion aims to broach the relevance of national identity not only within international art prizes, but within the global art scene as a whole.
14th Mar 2011, 4pm: Announcement of finalists
14th Mar 2011, 4pm-6pm: Panel discussion
14th Mar 2011, 6pm-8pm: Private view and reception
15th Mar 2011 to 19th March 2011,10am-7pm: Exhibition open to the public
ART DUBAI 2011
Traffic, Booth A12
Traffic takes part in the fifth edition of Art Dubai, set to take place between 16–19 March 2011, at the Madinat Arena, Dubai. Exhibiting artists include Mahmoud Bakhshi, James Clar, Ayman Yossri aka Daydban, Abdulnasser Gharem, Ahmed Mater, Shaikha Al Mazrou, Monitor, Hesam Rahmanian, Faisal Samra, Hamza Serafi and UBIK.
For more information and the latest updates, please check www.viatraffic.org
www.magicofpersia.com
Media Queries:
Nina Trojanovic
nina [at] viatraffic.org
*Image above:
Image courtesy of Traffic.