Dubai’s renowned The Third Line art gallery is marking its 20th anniversary with a special exhibition titled The Only Way Out Is Through: The Twentieth Line. The show, curated by Shumon Basar, features approximately 70 works from every artist on the gallery’s roster. It’s a unique tribute that unites the gallery’s past with its present, celebrating two decades of fostering artistic talent and bridging local and global dialogues.

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A Champion for MENASA Artists

Since its founding in 2005 by Sunny Rahbar, Claudia Cellini, and Omar Ghobash, The Third Line has been a crucial platform for artists from the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) region. Rahbar expresses immense pride in the gallery’s long-standing relationships with artists like Farah Al Qasimi and Lamya Gargash, who have brought the Gulf’s narratives to international audiences. The gallery has taken risks by showcasing cutting-edge works, including video and new media art, helping to shape the tastes of Dubai’s once-nascent art market.

Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead

Rahbar reflects on the gallery’s journey, noting that one of the biggest challenges has been building awareness and educating audiences about contemporary regional art. The gallery’s rise has coincided with the UAE’s transformation into a cultural powerhouse, thanks to institutions like Louvre Abu Dhabi and Art Dubai. She believes this growth is due to a mix of Dubai’s strategic location, visionary leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit, which The Third Line has been a part of from the very beginning.