Having arrived in Abu Dhabi in 2022, come spend 5 Minutes With Mark Dickens, artist extraordinaire
A relative newcomer to the UAE capital, Mark Dickens has more than firmly established himself as one of the brightest artists in town. His work at Abu Dhabi Art Fair was hosted at Emirates Palace, which acted as a catalyst for Mark’s rise to acclaim in the country.
Today his artwork can be found in the royal collections of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan as well as at Yas Marina Circuit.
Spend 5 minutes with the artist himself!
Tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Mark Dickens. I’m a Fine Artist now living and working in Abu Dhabi since I came here in 2022 from London.
We [my family and I] are living in the beautiful developing Cultural District on Saadiyat Island. I have a long association with Abu Dhabi, starting with the Abu Dhabi Art Fair with works purchased by H.H Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and some for the new Guggenheim Collection. I was also commissed to commemorate the opening of the Yas Marina Circuit 2029.
Currently, I’m working towards a new exhibition at the Manarat Al Saadiyat in June 2024 entitled ‘A Conversation with Nature’.
How and when did you move here, and what inspired the move?
We moved here to begin a new adventure, with so many possibilities especially living in the Cultural District which is the start of something very special. My partner took up her position as Head of Senior Drama at Cranleigh school, which presented a wonderful challenge for us.
How has living in Abu Dhabi shaped your sense of belonging and community?
I knew that living here in Abu Dhabi would open many more opportunities as an artist. My connections have been forged over many years working on various art projects here. Now that I’m living here, I feel very much part of the cultural community and commissioning bodies.
Can you tell us about a particular person in Abu Dhabi who has had a significant impact on your life and why?
I have been blessed to have artworks purchased by the Royal Family here in Abu Dhabi and many VIPs. This for me is the ultimate endorsement of my choice to live here. The person that first commissioned me was Khaldoon Al Mubarak, which included 10 paintings to commemorate the opening of Yas Marina Circuit 2009. It will always be special because it started my relationship with UAE.
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What is your favourite thing about the emirate and why?
I love Abu Dhabi not only for the wonderful possibllities but I feel very much at home here. My eyes feel twice the size and my heart feels warm. I’m absorbing everything Abu Dhabi is offering me.
A myth about Abu Dhabi that you would like to bust
So many myths about Abu Dhabi that are untrue. It’s not my position to counter these myths from people but just to say, “Come here and experience Abu Dhabi. See for yourself.”
Could you share a memorable moment when you felt the genuine warmth and hospitality of the Abu Dhabi community in your own life?
I can’t highlight just one memorable moment because there are many and more importantly I’m looking forward to many more in the future.
For more information about Mark and his incredible art, visit markdickensfineart.com
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