London art house launches in the UAE

Dubai, UAE, July 23, 2018:  London-based conceptual art house, Fortune Favours Art, today opens for the UAE market, with the launch of its website featuring some of the world's most sought-after contemporary and street art.

Founded by British entrepreneur and art connoisseur, Louis Wright, Fortune Favours Art offers the UAE market unprecedented access to some of the world's best-known contemporary artists and a global platform for local Arabic artists to showcase their work to global collectors, with the brand also planning its first physical exhibition in Dubai in Q4 of 2018. 

The concept, originally developed by Wright in the UK in 2017, gives access, via the website fortunefavoursart.com, to Middle East residents interested in purchasing art from famous global artists as well as Middle Eastern contemporary and street artists. There will be a mix of originals and prints available to buyers.

The concept plans to uncover a new generation of artists in the region, offering a platform to showcase local talent, globally and regionally. Each month, three artists will be featured: one established, one emerging and one from the region. In addition, one bespoke piece will be developed as a collaboration between two of the artists and offered as an exclusive through the art portal. 

The company has built an enviable reputation since its inception, having collaborated with well-known international artists including Banksy, Richard Hambleton, John-Michel Basquiat, Harland Miller, KAWS, the Connor Brothers, Damien Hirst and Ben Eine, among a number of other influential creatives, all of whom are now accessible to local collectors directly through Wright. 

A recent exhibition by Fortune Favours Art featured artwork by the late Richard Hambleton. Dubbed ‘the godfather of street art,' Hambleton was a blue chip artist and is known as one part of the trio that initiated the New York street art movement of the 1980s.

Wright explained the overarching objective to increase awareness of global art and further inspire a culture of creativity in the UAE as well as a platform to showcase local talent: “Fortune Favours Art will bridge the gap between western and contemporary street art by working alongside a number of Middle East-based artists, educational institutions, hospitality venues, exhibitions and museums.

“Dubai has built a reputation as the hub for art in the region and the city recently announced its allocation of 11.5 acres for art spaces, galleries and creative businesses. As a newcomer to the UAE market, we hope to be recognised as a forward thinker and pioneer for our contribution towards developing the UAE as an international hub for art and creativity,” said Wright.

He added: “Our objective is to push boundaries, while working to create a seamless fusion between the East and West in the most creative way possible. We are unbelievably excited to announce our entry into the market and hope to make a valuable contribution, while at the same time uncovering all the amazing talent the region has to offer.”