Influential French gallerist Stephane Custot of London’s Waddington Custot Galleries will add to his impressive list of achievements with the launch of a new space in Dubai’s dynamic and constantly expanding Alserkal Avenue gallery district on January 18, 2016.Custot Gallery Dubai will launch with a major group show titled “East Meets West” which brings together artists from China, Europe, and the United-States including Jean Dubuffet, Bernar Venet, Fabienne Verdier, Pierre Soulages, Ian Davenport, Marc Quinn, Robert Indiana, Frank Stella, Chu Teh-Chun, and Zao Wou-Ki.A preview of the gallery space will be held during Alserkal Avenue Galleries Night on November 16, 2015.To find out more about his plans for Custot Gallery Dubai and his motivation for opening the new space, BLOUIN ARTINFO got in touch with Stephane Custot and asked him a few questions.What was the inspiration and motivation to open a new gallery space in Dubai over any other location in the world?Dubai is a crossroads where many cultures meet. The region is experiencing remarkable artistic development at every level, with the large current and planned institutional projects turning heads all over the world.I believe that Dubai's clear vision will secure its position on the global map as a centre for finance, tourism, arts and culture; underpinned by its geographical position and incredible investment in art infrastructure. These ingredients have created an art hub that attracts an international and cosmopolitan crowd, and the undeniable potential that this brings.What are the specific aims and goals that will drive the program and character of the new Dubai space?The concept and location of Alserkal Avenue captivated me; the mixing of industrial and art spaces creates a unique atmosphere. I am thrilled that our 700m2 gallery will offer artists the freedom to express themselves through monumental creations on a scale that most galleries cannot allow. The opening of this new space results from a desire to introduce something new and different to the region, hopefully encouraging exchanges through art.How will the new Dubai gallery continue the history and heritage of the gallery brand that you have established?I want to share my expertise, exigency and above all passion with a new audience. As well as my close relationships with contemporary artists, I also work closely with the estates of Modern artists so my connoisseurship of their oeuvre is deeply ingrained in my mission. I will of course be showing works by modern masters such as Dubuffet, Picasso, Albers, Calder and Miro to name a few, continuing the work I have been doing for the past 30 years.What can visitors expect from the opening exhibition of Custot Gallery Dubai?The first exhibition will be an introduction to the gallery, to present the works that we love to a new audience. This exhibition will set the tone for future exhibitions, which will explore the dialogue between modern masters and international contemporary artists from the East and West. We are fortunate to have found a large space in the exciting new Aserkal Avenue district. At 700 meters squared with 9-meter-high ceilings, it will give us the opportunity to exhibit monument sculptures. The inaugural show will be an opportunity to see historically important modern and contemporary works, from Frank Stella, Fabienne Verdier, Pierre Soulages, Robert Indiana, Bernar Venet, Ian Davenport, Marc Quinn, Jean Dubuffet, Zao Wou-Ki and Chu Teh-Chun. This will be the first time many of these artists will be shown in the region.How will you engage with the local art scene while at the same time remain connected with the origins and legacy of the Custot name?Alserkal Avenue is a place for people to come together and share ideas. I am really excited about discovering the local art scene, engaging with new people and starting this new adventure. We will look at how to engage actively with the region’s public and educational institutions and embrace the multiculturalism Dubai has become so celebrated for.I hope to able to inspire and be inspired.
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