As a collector, Fady Jameel wears two hats. The first one is as chair of the acquisitions committee for Art Jameel, a Dubai- and Jeddah-based cultural organisation, largely funded by Jameel Philanthropies, which is part of his family’s multi-billion-dollar conglomerate Abdul Latif Jameel. Through this role, he is able to push the boundaries of what it means to buy and own art. For example, Art Jameel purchases the artists’ gardens that are commissioned every two years by Jameel Arts Centre in Dubai. A video work by Mohammed Al Faraj comes with an agreement with the artist that he can re-edit the work every year or so, while a rubber floor work by Hemali Bhuta will gradually disintegrate over time.
Then there is his smaller, private collection, influenced by his interest in East Asian cultures: a Japanese-inspired koi fish pond spans the ground floor of his home in Dubai. Jameel says he is particularly interested in the Mono-ha art movement that emerged in 1960s Tokyo, with the Japanese sculptor and installation artist Kishio Suga being a “particular favourite”.
The Art Newspaper: What are you looking out for at Art Dubai this year?
Fady Jameel: The Bawwaba section, for works made in the past year or specifically for Art Dubai, often has gems. The emerging Indian artist Abul Hisham is showing there. Nora Razian, Art Jameel’s head of exhibitions, included him in our recent show An Ocean in Every Drop, after meeting him at the Rijksakademie in Amsterdam.
Encounter (Triptych) (2023) by Abul Hisham, who is showing in the Bawwaba section of Art Dubai
Courtesy the artist and Secci
If you could have any work from any museum in the world, what would it be?
Michelle Stuart’s 1976 work Sayreville Strata Quartet, in the collection of Dia Art Foundation [in the United States]. I’ve learnt so much over the years from Dia and their collecting practices.
Which are some of your favourite local galleries and artists?
I feel privileged to have been a witness to and involved in this incredible transformation of the arts scenes in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates over the past two decades—and to see local enterprises that really kickstarted the commercial scene, such as Athr and Hafez from my hometown Jeddah and the Third Line in Dubai, really take off as international players. In terms of local artists, I encourage everyone to come to Jameel Arts Centre and see the new solo show by Vikram Divecha, and check out other local artists in the group show Guest Relations.
How quickly do you decide to buy a work of art?
For the Art Jameel Collection, research is key and we tend to have specific works and artists in mind before going into a fair, but we pride ourselves on coming together to make decisions quite snappily—this is just one of the beauties of working as an independent institution. We often consult trusted curatorial friends and colleagues, but the committee is primarily internal and led by me with Antonia Carver, director of Art Jameel, and Dawn Ross, the head of collections at Art Jameel.
Do you have a favourite work of art in your collection?
I have a new favourite every week, but just recently it was wonderful to revisit a work by [the Saudi artist] Ahmed Mater that we acquired for the Art Jameel Collection back in 2012—Room With a View ($3,000/night) is included in Guest Relations.
Where do you like to eat and drink in Dubai?
I’m sorry I have to take you back to Jameel Arts Centre again! Teible, the restaurant at the centre, masterminded by Peter Ahn, is outstanding. Using mostly local ingredients—the chefs base the menu around what is available— the food is delicious and the views right on the creek are lovely. Already within two years of operating, they’ve been awarded the Bib Gourmand and Green Star from the Michelin Guide.
What’s your least favourite thing about art fairs?
Trying to get the right balance between being able to really look at and see the art on show while catching up with so many friends
and colleagues.
What tip would you give to someone visiting Dubai for the first time?
Go the beach, but also take time for the city’s (often unsung) really dynamic cultural offerings—Ishara Art Foundation always has intriguing shows, as does Sharjah Art Foundation. See the galleries in Alserkal. And if you’re coming from afar, combine your trip to the UAE with a visit to Saudi.