I have the pleasure of announcing an imminent opening in Dubai, a new space dedicated to art: Custot Gallery Dubai. It will enrich my personal and professional path, developed over 25 years in Paris, followed by London with the Waddington Custot Galleries, in a world of art in perpetual evolution.

The opening of this space in early spring 2016 in the Alserkal Avenue quarter, the real artistic and cultural centre of Dubai, is the result of a desire I have to share my personal vision of art. The city of Dubai, a crossroads of the East and West, has seen an extraordinary transformation on all levels. Its multiculturalism and its major institutional projects have contributed to making Dubai an important international cultural hub.

Custot Gallery Dubai is a 700 m2 space with 9 metre-high ceilings, offering artists a complete freedom of expression. Whether that is by way of scenography or through the most innovative monumental creations.

My involvement in the biggest international fairs (Art Basel, FIAC, TEFAF, PAD etc...) has given me the opportunity to promote major figures in modern art such as Dubuffet, Calder, Miro, Picasso, de Staël, alongside contemporary names including Soulages, Indiana, Halley, Verdier and Davenport... Running in parallel with this is my work with artists’ estates, for example those of Dubuffet, Flanagan et Albers which has led me to consider another priority, the preservation and promotion of these major works of the 20th century.

The artistic events that I will have the pleasure of presenting will demonstrate my perspective on modern and contemporary artistic creation internationally, from the biggest artistic masters to the most promising emerging artists.

This curatorial calendar, supported by the exigency and expertise that are so valuable to me, will be an opportunity to present works in an open dialogue between East and West. To attract appreciation of these artists’ works in Dubai is an ambitious plan, an interesting challenge and a source of great joy.

The inaugural exhibition which will open next January, will offer a new audience a perfect illustration of this evolution with an exceptional ensemble of modern and contemporary artworks fitting into this pioneering spirit of innovation.

New destination, new space, new project, as well as new opportunities and introductions to come that I will have the pleasure of sharing with you.

Stéphane Custot