Jean-Paul Najar: Vision & Legacy

The JEAN-PAUL NAJAR FOUNDATION is pleased to announce the opening of a permanent space for its Collection of European and American abstract art from the 1960s to today. By making its home in Dubai, the JEAN-PAUL NAJAR FOUNDATION, presented in partnership with Alserkal Avenue, is honoured to connect this seminal period of contemporary art history to the extraordinary energy of such a burgeoning international art destination. The new dedicated space designed by Mario Jossa of Marcel Breuer & Associates will offer a full programme of exhibitions and related public events.

A non-profit private museum, and registered ICOM member, the Foundation has three main goals: to present its permanent collection, to support its artists and to converse with a new generation of collectors. To achieve this, the Foundation is committed to educational programs, ongoing acquisitions, guided tours and Friends of the Foundation events, engaging the audience and opening a conversation. After a successful pop-up event in November 2015, the inaugural exhibition Jean-Paul Najar: Vision & Legacy, curated by Jessamyn Fiore, will reflect on the Founder’s immense care for, and understanding of the artists. "Presenting individual masterpieces from the last half century, as well as letters and ephemera from several artists throughout the decades, the show will provide an insightful look into Jean-Paul Najar’s lifelong friendships with artists" Fiore says.

The Collection has evolved through time, staying true to its anchor in abstraction while gathering conceptual works that still challenge and inspire contemporary art to this day. Artists include Martin Barré, Jene Highstein, Richard Nonas, Doug Sanderson, James Bishop, Gordon Matta-Clark, Suzanne Harris, Marcia Hafif, Christian Bonnefoi, and Linda Francis, to name a few.