Art scenes are not born overnight. They are painstakingly crafted through the collective efforts of artists, collectors, institutions, and the galleries daring enough to explore new frontiers. Dubai’s art world is a microcosm of this evolution—a vibrant, ever-shifting ecosystem that balances its role as a global commercial hub with the gradual development of a deeper cultural foundation. For a fledgling gallery like RARARES, stepping into this space is both an exhilarating opportunity and a daunting challenge, a true test of vision, adaptability, and endurance. RARARES stands at the threshold of its journey—ambitious yet pragmatic, carrying with it a European and Russian Western sensibility while remaining acutely attuned to Dubai’s unique rhythms. The city’s collectors are still defining their tastes, its institutions are growing but not yet fully realized, and its contemporary art market thrives on a delicate interplay between bold innovation and commercial savvy. In such a fluid and unpredictable environment, a new gallery must be nimble—willing to take risks, but also to listen, to adapt, and to carve out a role that is both impactful and sustainable.
In an exclusive conversation with Artmag, RARARES shared its vision for the UAE art market, the key trends shaping the region, and its participation in Art Central Hong Kong—a significant milestone as the gallery expands its reach beyond Dubai.

Journey to Dubai and the Art Market

Opening RARARES Gallery in Dubai was inspired by the city’s rapidly growing cultural landscape and its strategic position as a global crossroads for art, business, and culture. While the Russian and European markets have a rich historical context and strong local traditions, Dubai offers a unique combination of dynamism and internationalism that is unparalleled. The city’s modern infrastructure, coupled with its growing cultural diversity, makes it the perfect setting for our gallery, which aims to bridge contemporary Russian and European art with a Middle Eastern audience.

Dubai’s position as a global hub places it at the intersection of East and West, making it a unique platform for art that transcends cultural boundaries. The city attracts both regional and international collectors, and its diverse population fosters an openness to various artistic styles and movements. Unlike traditional art capitals such as Paris or Moscow, Dubai’s art scene is relatively young, which creates an exciting opportunity for emerging artists and galleries to establish themselves and shape the market’s direction.

One of the biggest challenges was balancing the gallery’s European and Russian roots with the expectations of the local market, which is still developing its own distinct identity in contemporary art. However, Dubai’s multicultural environment made it easier to present a diverse range of artworks that resonate with both local and international audiences. Commercially, competition is high, but the demand for unique and high-quality art is equally strong, so finding the right niche for RARARES was key.

In less than a year, RARARES Gallery has established a solid presence not only within the Russian expat community in Dubai but also among the local audience, while beginning to build a strong international track record. Through networking and enhancing its internal exhibition program in Dubai, the gallery has been developing global partnerships via fair participations and collaborations with other galleries. The challenges of being an expat were leveraged to our advantage, allowing the gallery to carve out a unique niche in the local market. By representing prominent contemporary artists and offering local talents the rare opportunity to scale to an international level, RARARES Gallery has positioned itself with a carefully curated price range that resonates with the market both locally and internationally.

Trends in the UAE Art Market and Government Support

The UAE art market is experiencing a shift towards contemporary art that blends traditional techniques with modern practices. A key trend is the growing interest in digital art, installations, and interactive pieces, reflecting the UAE’s evolving cultural identity—a balance between modernity and respect for tradition. This trend is also mirrored in the increasing participation of Middle Eastern artists in international biennales and art fairs, highlighting the region’s unique voice as it gains recognition on the global stage.

The UAE government’s support for the arts—through initiatives like the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, Art Dubai, and the Dubai Design District—has significantly impacted the growth of galleries like RARARES. The number of art institutions and foundations keeps growing in the region, and more importantly, they operate on a larger scale and with greater efficiency each year. This demonstrates that, slowly but surely, the local art scene is maturing. Government investments, open calls, awards, and projects in the fields of art and culture have fostered a vibrant environment that encourages galleries to take bold and diverse steps with their programming, showcasing both international and regional talent. Furthermore, this support attracts global audiences, enhancing Dubai’s reputation as a cultural powerhouse and providing opportunities for galleries to establish themselves and grow within the market.

In terms of audience preferences, collectors in the UAE are increasingly drawn to art with strong conceptual narratives that reflect the region’s dynamic cultural transformation. Abstract art, mixed media, and installations are particularly popular, as they engage viewers in more thought-provoking ways.

RARARES Gallery appreciates the opportunity to establish its presence in the region and respects the local customs and business practices. We firmly believe in investing in partnerships that strengthen our network and foster long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. In the art business, ethical practices and a supportive approach are crucial for advancing cultural heritage through contemporary narratives and creative innovation.

Challenges of Opening a Gallery in Dubai

Opening RARARES Gallery in Dubai was a unique experience that took about a year from concept to execution. The biggest hurdle we faced was navigating the strict regulatory requirements, which, while necessary, can be time-consuming. Additionally, finding the right space in a city with a constantly evolving real estate market was a challenge, but we were fortunate to secure a location that perfectly aligned with our vision for the gallery.

Building relationships with local artists, collectors, and the broader art community was essential to establishing RARARES in Dubai. This process involved networking, participating in local art events, and engaging with the community through collaborations. We also worked to demonstrate our commitment to showcasing both international and regional talent.

Patience and attention to detail are key in doing art business in Dubai. Investment in networking is a long-term game, and consistency in marketing is at the heart of operations in the region. More importantly, RARARES Gallery believes that focusing purely on the commercial aspect limits the potential of the local emerging art scene. Strong players in this market stick to their vision and support local art projects in order to carve out their niche in the area.

Last but not least, human capital is at the core of any business. RARARES Gallery is lucky to attract a strong mix of local and international talents to form a unique team that is ambitious, passionate, professional, and empowering.

RARARES Gallery’s Participation in Art Central Hong Kong

RARARES Gallery’s participation in Art Central Hong Kong marks a significant milestone in our journey. It’s our first experience in the Asian market, allowing us to test the waters with international collectors of emerging contemporary artists. We expect this event to open new avenues for collaboration, sales, and recognition within the Asian art market. Art Central provides an excellent opportunity for us to introduce our artists to international collectors and curators, expanding our reach in a region that has become a focal point for contemporary art.

At Art Central, we will showcase works by Mathias Masarati Hagen, Marina Baisel, Maria Koshenkova, and Natalie Katwal. These artists bring diverse perspectives and practices that resonate with global audiences. Their works push the boundaries of contemporary art, blending conceptual ideas with unique materials and techniques. We believe their pieces will be well received on an international platform like Art Central, which attracts a global audience eager to explore new and innovative artistic expressions.

International art fairs like Art Central play a pivotal role in the growth and global recognition of RARARES Gallery. They provide an invaluable platform to introduce our artists to a broader audience, foster relationships with collectors, and expand our exposure in the international art market. These fairs are especially important in regions like Asia, where the art market is rapidly growing. They help position RARARES as a gallery with a strong international presence, attracting both collectors and institutional buyers while contributing to our continued growth on the global stage.

The strategic choice of Hong Kong as our first location in Asia to test the market is driven by the fact that, despite a global decline in the art industry, art hubs like Hong Kong continue to grow—albeit at a slower pace over the past two years. Strong government support and a favorable tax regime in Hong Kong continue to nurture the regional art market, even amid global turmoil. More importantly, RARARES Gallery expects a significant similarity between the collector base in Hong Kong and the private collectors we engage with in Dubai. This allows us to not only showcase a remarkable display of our artists’ work but also create an entirely new, immersive experience within our booth at Art Central.

Unlike the standard approach at many art fairs, RARARES Gallery invests in setting up unique installations that are not only commercially oriented but also provoke thought and curiosity, offering educational insights into contemporary art. In particular, the gallery’s proposal for stand design was highly praised by the Art Central Art Committee, leading to its allocation in one of the fair’s central spots. Stand C26 includes an installation with vintage TV screens showing NFT collectables, futuristic design objects, abstract oil paintings, and glass sculptures.

Curatorial Concept of RARARES Gallery at Art Central Hong Kong 2025

RARARES Gallery will make its debut at Art Central Hong Kong with Fish Market.
In a world abundant with creative potential, only a fraction of artists ever rise to widespread recognition. Like fish in the sea, many swim unnoticed, while a select few end up showcased at fairs and markets. Fish Market spotlights the exhilarating possibilities that emerge at the crossroads of artistic tradition, innovation, and cultural exchange. At its core, this installation reflects the tension between abundance and scarcity in today’s art world. Abundance is represented by the wealth of global talent, the infinite potential of new media, and the creative synergy flourishing among emerging artists. Scarcity, on the other hand, is seen in the competitive nature of the art world and the elusive path to recognition that most artists must navigate—mirroring the idea that only the “chosen catch” makes it to the market shelves.

The exhibition features a dynamic lineup of artists, each bringing a unique perspective to the concept:

• Marina Baisel, the curator, artist, interior designer, and gallerist, brings an ecologically conscious lens to contemporary design, merging natural materials with modern aesthetics.

• Mathias “MA$ARATI” Hagen channels Norwegian street-art culture and vibrant abstractions into paintings that pulse with energy.

• Maria Koshenkova crafts striking glass and sculptural pieces that bridge the delicate and the bold, melding centuries-old techniques with inventive, modern forms.

• Natalie Katwal, drawing on her background in couture, creates thoughtful porcelain and textile works that find poetry in ordinary moments.

• Eegun uses immersive digital media, integrating Yoruba heritage, motion, and illusions to explore identity and the interplay between physical and virtual realms.

These artists, all star residents of the RARARES emerging artist portfolio, are united by their belief in art’s transformative power.

Stepping into Fish Market, visitors are immersed in a multi-sensory experience reminiscent of Hong Kong’s bustling ports. A textile lounge armchair by curator Marina Baisel stands like a navigational marker, drawing attention to ecological themes in the age of late capitalism. Oil canvases by Mathias “MA$ARATI” Hagen hint at the recent legitimization of street art, their layered textures echoing the intertwining energies of a trade hub. Glass sculptures by Maria Koshenkova embody the synergy of time-honored craftsmanship and modern invention, while figurative objects by Natalie Katwal recall the tangible care artisans once poured into local markets—a reminder that modern artistry still draws on timeless traditions. Finally, Eegun’s digital content loops on screens, underscoring how technology has fused with contemporary art, amplifying an artist’s reach across oceans and borders.

In Hong Kong, a vibrant port city characterized by commerce, cultural exchange, and lively energy, Fish Market bridges the gap between local traditions and the globalized art world.

Expanding on RARARES Gallery’s Vision and Future

Our vision is centered on rarity, uniqueness, and the pursuit of meaningful art. The name “RARARES” embodies these values, and our selection process is deeply rooted in the belief that art should be both rare and intellectually engaging. We focus on emerging contemporary artists who bring something fresh and distinctive to the table—whether through their medium, conceptual depth, or approach to storytelling. Our goal is to present works that challenge perceptions, provoke thought, and possess enduring artistic value.

Looking ahead, we have several exciting projects in the pipeline. Among them is a group exhibition showcasing a dynamic blend of international and local female artists, as well as a solo inaugural show in the UAE by a prominent international sculptor who has been honored at the Venice Biennale. These exhibitions are particularly significant, as they not only highlight exceptional talent but also reflect our commitment to diversity and innovation in the art world.

In parallel, we are developing international projects in collaboration with other galleries, where we aim to set a new standard for art fairs by combining exceptional curatorial expertise with the interior design skills of RARARES Gallery’s founder.

Long-term, our ambition is to expand the gallery’s global presence and connect with a broader audience of collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts who share RARARES Gallery’s vision. Finally, through careful and ethical business development in Dubai, the RARARES Gallery team is dedicated to contributing to the growth of the UAE’s unique art scene.

Success in a city like Dubai is neither immediate nor assured. RARARES is not here to follow a well-trodden path, largely because such a path does not yet exist. Instead, the gallery is positioning itself as an active participant in an unfolding narrative, making its presence known and testing the limits of what a contemporary gallery can achieve in this dynamic setting.

This is only the beginning. What comes next will be shaped by time, experience, and the unpredictable, often chaotic nature of the art world itself.