MEET THE GALLERY | NADINE FAYAD ART GALLERY | Beirut
MEET THE GALLERY is an interview series highlighting returning exhibitors and first-time VOLTA galleries. More than simply experts, these VOLTA exhibitors are supporters of young and mid-career artists and provide insights on their presentation at the fair.
MEET THE GALLERY introduces Nadine Fayad, founder and director of Beirut-based NADINE FAYAD ART GALLERY.
Nadine Fayad, we are excited for you to join us at VOLTA New York in May. Tell us a bit about your gallery and your journey in the art world.
Nadine Fayad in her Beirut-based gallery in front of Raouf Rifaï’s paintings.
Nadine Fayad: As an art admirer and collector motivated by my passion for art, I decided to launch a business that I love and that interests me: An art gallery. Despite the economic crisis that Lebanon was going through and continues to endure, and which was later aggravated by COVID, I officially opened my art gallery, Nadine Fayad Art Gallery, in February 2021.
In a nutshell, it is an art gallery, engaged in the expression of modern and contemporary figurative paintings and sculptures. Our goal is to make our gallery a landmark for the visual art where artists can exhibit and sell their works, while customers and guests benefit from a friendly environment and professional advice.
Which artist are you bringing to VOLTA?
Nadine Fayad: Based on the concept "One Artist, One Gallery", it is our utmost pleasure to have on our side at VOLTA Art Fair the world-renowned Lebanese artist Raouf Rifaï, represented exclusively by the gallery. My decision was triggered first by the work of this great artist and influenced by the fact that we share together the same values in terms of love & passion for art.
Raouf Rifai, Darwich Ice Cream, 2022, Acrylic on canvas, 150 x 150 cm
Raouf Rifai, Darwich Love, 2021, Acrylic on canvas, 150 x 150 cm
What encourages you to support young and mid-career artists?
The artist Raouf Rifa
Nadine Fayad: Nurturing, empowering & bringing the young artists to the attention of the public, and giving them the skills and experience they need to pursue even bigger things as their careers progress is an integral part of our belief & commitment towards art in general as well as towards them in particular; hopefully, they’ll have the opportunities to develop their creativity & technical skills thus reaching new audiences. It’s another way to make sure that art and culture , across its various players and most importantly for the young / mid career artists is available to everyone, bringing new experiences.
Which advice would you give to the next generation of collectors that are making their first steps into the art world?
Nadine Fayad: Embarking on a journey to collecting art is in a love story, a unique one. Attending exhibitions and events in order to be constantly informed and updated of the artists and their works is the way to scout this wonderful world.
More importantly, exploring and buying should only and only be according exclusively to your taste , passion and personality and not to others people’s opinions. Furthermore, taking into account the future potential and ensuing intentions, thinking more as a collection and not simply as purchasing pieces here and there , turning it into an approach with the perspective that it will all have to align in some way. And finally, not being deterred by prices ,ensuring the acquired piece will continue to increase in value.
Follow NADINE FAYAD ART GALLERY on Instagram at @nadine_fayad_art_gallery.