Collectors on the Crossroads

Sudan is a land of contrasts, where the Sahara Desert stretches out as far as the eye can see, and the Nile River provides life-giving water to the cities. It is here, in this crossroads of Africa and the Middle East, that Sudanese expatriate Reem El Roubi has built a collection of art that reflects her dual identity.

El Roubi, who has been based in Dubai since 2013, along with her husband Amir Daoud Abdellatif, has curated a remarkable collection of African, Middle Eastern, and other regional art. The collection includes works by renowned artists such as William Kentridge, El Anatsui, and Howard Hodgkin, among others.

What started off as a collection of African art has now extended to include the Middle East and other regions. El Roubi has also shown their works in the Dubai Collection, the city’s institutional collection of Modern and contemporary art, and has loaned pieces to exhibitions such as Kamala Ibrahim Ishag’s show at the Serpentine Galleries in London.

Building a Collection

El Roubi, who has a background in mathematics and finance, is a member of the Africa Acquisitions Committee at Tate Modern and a patron of several art institutions. She has built her collection through a combination of personal interest, research, and networking.

• She has purchased works by Sudanese artists, including Omar Kamal El Din and Moataz Al-Imam.
• She has also acquired pieces by international artists, such as William Kentridge and El Anatsui.
• Emerging artists are also a focus of her collection, including the Mexican artist Zhivago Duncan.

The Art of Collecting

El Roubi has shared some valuable insights on the art of collecting. She believes that the key to a successful collection is to choose artists with a practice.

1. “Choose artists with a practice,” El Roubi advises.
2. “A practice is essential to a successful collection,” she emphasizes.

El Roubi has also emphasized the importance of engaging with the art community and supporting emerging artists.

Dubai’s Art Scene

Dubai is a city that attracts collectors, gallerists, and artists from around the world. The city’s art scene is thriving, with institutions such as the Art Dubai, Sharjah Art Foundation, and the Louvre Abu Dhabi playing a significant role in promoting the art market.

Dubai Art Scene Highlights	Art Dubai	Sharjah Art Foundation	Louvre Abu Dhabi
Art fair	Promotes contemporary art from the Arab world	Supports emerging artists and exhibitions	Hosts international exhibitions

Challenges and Opportunities

El Roubi believes that Dubai’s art scene has the potential to grow and improve. She notes that there is still a need for more engagement with European and American collectors who frequent fairs such as Art Basel and Frieze.

• More international shows would help to attract a broader audience.
• Engaging with collectors from other regions would be beneficial for the growth of the art market.

Excitement for Art Dubai

El Roubi is excited to see the upcoming Art Dubai fair, which promises to be a exciting event for collectors and art enthusiasts.

“The fair has a buzz and is a good way to engage with other collectors. Also to see new galleries with artists that one might not have known before.”

Conclusion

Reem El Roubi’s collection is a testament to the diversity and richness of art in the region.