#INTERVIEW: Rania Ashur, Art For All

Rania Ashur, founder of Art For All, has brought the iconic "Andy Warhol, The Glam Factory" exhibition to Dubai, showcasing over 100 original works by the king of Pop Art. Curated by Nada Ghandour and hosted at Foundry, this exhibition marks the UAE debut of Warhol’s celebrated screenprints, photos, and magazines, including famed portraits of Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor. Art For All aims to expand the cultural landscape of the UAE, opening doors to dynamic, world-class art exhibitions.

L'Officiel Arabia: What inspired the decision to bring the "Andy Warhol, The Glam Factory" exhibition to Dubai, given the current cultural landscape in the UAE?

Rania Ashur: Andy Warhol is one of the most iconic figures in 20th-century art, known for his transformative impact on the art world through the Pop Art movement. His work challenged traditional distinctions between high and low art, blending consumer culture, celebrity, and mass production in ways that still resonate globally. Pieces like “Campbell's Soup Cans” and “Marilyn Diptych” revolutionized how we view everyday objects and fame, using repetition and bold colours to critique both consumerism and celebrity culture.

Dubai, with its reputation for opulence and luxury, mirrors Warhol’s exploration of consumerism and branding. His art, which both celebrates and critiques mass production and the commodification of art, aligns with many aspects of Dubai’s economy, such as fashion, luxury retail, and media. Hosting this exhibition in a city like Dubai creates a bridge between Western contemporary art and the Middle East’s dynamic cultural landscape.

Another parallel comes from Warhol’s own life—his rise from humble beginnings in Pennsylvania to becoming an icon in New York. This reflects the experiences of many who come to Dubai from around the world, seeking to build careers and lives.

As the city's appetite for contemporary art grows, showcasing Warhol’s work here connects Dubai with major global art centres like New York, London, and Paris. Warhol’s exploration of fame and celebrity—themes that resonate deeply in Dubai’s media-driven culture—makes this exhibition especially timely. With Dubai’s modern identity and its vibrant engagement with global stars and influencers, Warhol’s work will undoubtedly spark important conversations about fame, consumerism, and art in the 21st century.

 

Could you describe the process behind selecting the pieces featured in this exhibition?

The selection process began two years ago when Mr. Piergiovanni Persone from Persone’s Auction House introduced me to Navigare, an exhibition organizer based in Italy. This marked the start of our discussions about bringing Andy Warhol’s work to Dubai. Nada Ghandour was invited to curate the exhibition, thoughtfully connecting Warhol’s themes to the UAE’s cultural landscape. She carefully selected pieces that aligned with the exhibition's narrative.

We also collaborated with Ibrahim Kombargi, who designed the scenography to complement the selected pieces, ensuring that the themes were fully realized in the space. Securing the right venue was one of the biggest challenges, as we needed a location that could host the exhibition for a substantial period. Thankfully, the manager at Foundry Downtown supported the project and offered us the venue for 45 days, despite the usual exhibitions lasting two to three months. This allowed us to move forward, adapting the scenography to fit both the space and time available.

How do exhibitions like this will influence or shape the future of art and cultural exhibitions in the UAE? 

Dubai’s ongoing investment in art exhibitions is crucial to its evolution as a global cultural capital. These exhibitions enrich the city's cultural landscape, nurture local and regional talent, foster creativity, and support economic growth. By hosting events that encourage cultural exchange and artistic expression, Dubai is transforming its image—from a hub of luxury and commerce to a recognized centre for art and culture.

Exhibitions like Warhol’s play a key role in cementing Dubai’s position on the international art stage, connecting it with the world’s leading cultural cities. They also open opportunities for dialogue between different artistic traditions and promote a deeper understanding of contemporary art in the region.

I would also emphasize the importance of guided tours, which have received an overwhelmingly positive response from the public. These tours create a direct dialogue with Dubai’s diverse communities, revealing the vast differences in art knowledge and appreciation among individuals. They play a crucial role in deepening people's engagement with the artwork, offering valuable insights while ensuring art remains accessible to a broader audience—without oversimplifying or diluting its substance.

What is Art for All’s broader vision in selecting artists and exhibitions for the UAE, and how does the Warhol exhibition fit into that vision?

Art For All was founded over 20 years ago with the goal of bringing "edutainment" to the region through performing arts. Today, exhibitions play a crucial role in that vision, providing opportunities to educate and expose young talents to global artistic trends. Exhibitions are essential to supporting Dubai’s aspiration of becoming a leading global art destination, on par with cities like New York, London, and Paris.

The Warhol exhibition fits perfectly into this vision, offering a rare opportunity to engage with a key figure in contemporary art. It serves not only as a visual experience but also as an educational platform, helping young artists and art enthusiasts understand the significance of Pop Art and its influence on modern culture. 

Looking ahead, what types of art exhibitions do you plan to bring to the UAE, and are there specific artists or movements you're excited about?

This exhibition marks a milestone as the first non-virtual, ticketed event initiated entirely by the private sector in the UAE. It’s our first step, and the feedback and results from this event will shape our future.

Art For All aims to reflect Dubai’s multicultural diversity in its selections. While we've already received numerous requests for future exhibitions, it’s still early to share specifics. One key challenge is finding venues that meet museum-level standards and are available for extended periods. However, the strong interest we've seen, particularly from art institutions, schools, and tourists, suggests a bright future for more exhibitions of this kind.