A fine art

The art world is selective about who it lets handle its goods. The organisers of Art Dubai expect no less than the best, reports Kathryn Semcow

Chris Chackal looks exhausted. The Fair Manager for Art Dubai only has three and a half days left to set up one of the region’s largest displays of international art. While he barely has enough time to finish his sentences, he is certainly having fun. “This is the part I love,” he says of the final preparations. “With all the meetings and discussions and debates, you are finally making it happen. These are the days that are crucial to giving the final delivery of what we’ve promised to everyone.”

By the time LOG.Middle East goes to press, Art Dubai will have passed, giving 5,000 visitors a view of works from 465 artists, selected by 60 of the world’s leading galleries from more than 30 countries. In only its third year, the event, held at Madinat Jumeirah, has already achieved a strong following. “We are proud to say that we are on the collector’s calendar,” says Chackal.

And these collectors often have big budgets. While works are on show for less than US$1,000, prices can go up to US$12 million, the cost of an installation by American abstract expressionist Sam Francis courtesy of L&M Arts gallery in New York.

Chris Chackal, Art Dubai, Fair Manager

With values like these it is no wonder that Art Dubai screens its carriers and handlers carefully.

“We scout the market and meet up with all the credible suppliers that we can match with in terms of our requirements,” says Chackal.

Not everyone makes the cut. “There are a lot of shipping companies now who are opening, and are interested in opening art divisions,” he says.

“The question is whether they are ready for it.”

Art handling, after all, is fairly new to the region. “It is a young market not only for the arts, but for suppliers,” he says.

This year Art Dubai chose German company Hasenkamp as its official shipper. “So far, our experience with them has been absolute excellence,” says Chackal. “What else can you expect from Germany?”

They are also using British company Constantine and UAE-based Bridgeway for art handling.

“There is an art of itself in handling the pieces,” he says.