Guide to buying your first piece of art in Dubai

A new collection of limited edition art prints from 18 local and global artists is on sale this month at Capsule Arts, with prices starting from Dhs300. Capsule Arts’ co-founders Rachael Brown and Deepa Bhatia spoke to What’s On.

How important is affordability to the success of the Capsule Arts collection?
Rachael: Incredibly so. Our passion behind the collection is good quality art that people can afford, while allowing artists the opportunity to gain exposure and earn some money.

What are your personal highlights in the new collection?
Deepa: We hope there’s something for everyone, from the more classical pieces by Kate Toledo, to the illustrative drawings of Khalid Mezaina and Nasir Nasrallah, to the urban artworks of Noush Like Sploosh and Fathima Mohuiddin.
R: Every time I look at the collection my favourite piece changes. Currently I’m in love with the drawings of Lama Khatib Daniel.

What advice would you give to first-time buyers?
R: Buy it because you love it.
D: And do your homework. We’ve put a lot of work into helping our buyers gain an understanding [of]and appreciation for the artistic process and the artist themselves. Nowadays people want to get inside the artist’s studio, find out about how the artist works and what inspires them – this does, and should, influence your purchase.

What was the first piece of art you bought?
R: I was studying art at college when I was 17. I was working on a series of drawings of lilies. So when I saw Lily, by Piet Mondrian, I immediately connected with the work. My poster print has travelled with me and now hangs on my bedroom wall at home in Dubai. Every time I look at it, I love it as much as I did when I bought it 13 years ago.
D: My first piece was a pair of artworks titled Fat Angels by an anonymous artist, which I bought during a trip to Thailand to celebrate my 30th birthday. My eyes were drawn to the unique paper cut art of two naked, fat women with angel wings – I bought them right away.

Warehouse A-2, Street 4, Al Quoz 3, Dubai
Tel: (04) 3881799. Taxi: Behind Audi showroom.
capsulearts.com