By Eleanor McKenzie | Featured in the Fall 2015 Issue – Art Of The Times
Currently, the Art Marbella fair has made Alejandro Zaia very popular. For four fabulous days in July and August 2015, he brought this major event to town. Specifically, Marbella’s Palacio de Congresos hosted the modern and contemporary art fair.
During the event, the venue transformed into an exposition of 20th and 21st-century art. Consequently, over 5,000 people flocked to admire work flown in from all over the world. Participating countries included Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Norway, the UK, and the USA.
The Vision Behind the Art Marbella Fair
Alejandro Zaia is no novice when it comes to organizing art events. ** previously**, he founded PINTA London and New York. Starting in PR, he landed in the art world through his love of contemporary Latin American art.
You might ask, why did Zaia choose Marbella? He explains: “It is the hottest spot in the European summer and it is a multicultural city.”
Furthermore, he studied the market and spotted an appetite for new cultural events. The Art Marbella fair proves that there are sufficient art lovers in the area to support a market. This is evident as a number of new galleries opened in 2015.
International Galleries and Artists
When the doors opened, ArtSlant was one of the first galleries guests encountered. Joel Kuennan, the Chief Operating Officer of ArtSlant, explained their presence. He noted that Zaia’s enthusiasm totally sold them on coming.
Notably, they showcased British-born artist Brett Day Windham. Her colorful work focused on the archetype of Le Flâneur, the gentleman wanderer of Paris. She collected items from the streets, cleaned them, and sewed them into large wall hangings.
Locally, Joseba Sánchez Zabaleta stood out. Shown by AP Gallery, his piece Deshabitado Verde uses ultra-realism. Additionally, Galeria SaroLeón brought Colour Offerings by African artist Abdoulaye Konaté. This cotton wall hanging blends traditional craftsmanship with political commentary.
The Future of the Art Marbella Fair
International experts curated the show beautifully. They did a wonderful job of showcasing diversity. Moreover, they created a conversation about what is happening in contemporary art.
Later, local artist Alejandro Hermann and gallery owner Mikael Segelström discussed the event’s potential. Interestingly, they both agreed that the Art Marbella fair could lift the city’s cultural profile.
Ideally, Marbella might become an “art fair sibling” to Miami. Ultimately, the hope is that enthusiasts who flock to Miami in December will head to the Art Marbella fair in July.
