To be an artist often means to be alone. Alone in the studio painting the days away. Alone with ones thoughts whilst sketching new ideas. Being alone can often be a blessing for creative minds but it can also be isolating as artists traverse the endless void of their mind in an echo chamber of their own creativity. This is where World Art Dubai (WAD for short) comes in, a grand four day art fair that shakes away that lonely feeling. This event brings artists, galleries and art lovers together and reminds us all that we’re never truly alone as art is a universal language that we all speak and connect with even when we’re by oneself.
With over 10,000 artworks from 400+ galleries and independent artists, World Art Dubai is culturally rich, artistically charged mixing pot held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 16th -20th April 2025. For Amirata Winter, this isn’t just any art fair, it’s a pivotal moment in his career. Years of research and dedication to his craft have finally led him to exhibiting at this prestigious event where his works of contemporary realism can communicate with the world through the universal language of beauty. Many of Amirata’s paintings including older works such as ‘Time for Us’ and ‘Venice’ will join him in this four day adventure alongside his brand new painting ‘The Gift’ (‘Il Dono’).
In this exclusive interview, I catch up with Amirata to learn more about his journey to WAD 2025 and what this show means to him as an artist. For more info of World Art Dubai including Amirata’s exhibitor information please visit their website.
Art, for me, is about storytelling and creating connections, and events like this allow my work to reach a diverse audience, sparking conversations beyond borders.
Interview with Amirata Winter
When did you first hear about World Art Dubai and what made you decide to get involved in it?
I first heard about World Art Dubai a few years ago while exploring international art fairs that emphasise cross-cultural dialogue and contemporary artistic expression. What drew me to WAD was its unique approach—it’s more than just an art fair; it’s a melting pot of global creativity. Dubai’s role as a cultural bridge between East and West makes it an exciting place to showcase my work, especially as I continue to explore themes of identity, heritage, and human connection.
What’s the process been like preparing for this event? Have you faced any big challenges?
Preparing for WAD has been both exhilarating and demanding. I’m curating a selection of works that reflect my artistic evolution while also aligning with the immersive, sensorial experience I want to create for viewers. One of the biggest challenges has been ensuring that every detail—from the visuals to the accompanying music and scents—enhances the emotional depth of the pieces. Logistically, organising an international exhibition comes with complexities, but I see these as part of the journey.
What does participating in an event like this mean to you? Has it been a long term goal of yours to participate in these kinds of global scale shows?
Absolutely. Participating in high-caliber, global-scale exhibitions like WAD has been a natural progression for my artistic career. Art, for me, is about storytelling and creating connections, and events like this allow my work to reach a diverse audience, sparking conversations beyond borders. More than just professional growth, it’s about sharing my artistic language with the world and engaging with different perspectives.
What do you hope to gain from participating in WAD 2025?
I see WAD 2025 as an opportunity to expand my artistic reach and engage in meaningful cultural exchanges. I hope to connect with collectors, curators, and fellow artists who resonate with my vision. Additionally, I’m eager to observe how my sensorial art experience is received in a setting as dynamic as Dubai. Beyond professional aspirations, I look forward to learning—absorbing new influences, perspectives, and inspirations that may shape my future work.
Culture and cultural fusion plays a significant role within your work, I know many of your works have explored Italy and your relationship with the country and its culture. How do you approach researching and refining cultural themes within your work?
Culture is deeply woven into my creative process. My approach is intuitive but also research-driven—I immerse myself in the literature, art, music, and history of a place, absorbing its essence before translating it into my visual language. My time in Italy, for example, has shaped how I perceive beauty, symbolism, and classical composition. However, I don’t aim to replicate culture—I reinterpret it through my own lens, blending reality with emotional memory, personal experience, and universal themes.
Are there any cultural themes/fusions you hope to explore in the future? Perhaps weaving some of Dubai’s culture into your work?
Absolutely. Dubai’s fusion of tradition and modernity is fascinating—it’s a place where history meets innovation, where ancient motifs exist alongside cutting-edge design. I’m particularly intrigued by the region’s storytelling traditions, calligraphy, and symbolic architecture. If I were to incorporate elements of Dubai’s culture into my work, I would explore themes of transformation, heritage, and the concept of “home” in a transient world.
Your work always feels like a snapshot out of a bigger story, how do you approach storytelling when painting? Do you have a specific process that you like to follow?
Storytelling is at the heart of my art. Each painting is a fragment of a larger narrative, often leaving space for the viewer to interpret and complete the story in their own way. My process starts with an emotion or an idea, followed by visual research and composition building. I sketch extensively, experimenting with symbols, gestures, and atmosphere before beginning the painting. Music plays a huge role—I often listen to specific pieces that shape the mood of the work. Lately, I’ve also been integrating multi-sensory elements—such as scent and sound—to deepen the narrative experience.
How do you think your artwork aligns and interacts with other works in the international art scene?
My work exists in a space between classical realism and contemporary storytelling, drawing from traditional techniques while infusing them with a cinematic, emotional depth. In the international art scene, I see a growing appreciation for art that bridges the past and present, that speaks to human emotion while embracing innovation.
As WAD 2025 draws closer, how are you feeling about being part of such a prominent art show? Nervous? Excited? A bit of both?
A mix of both! Excitement, because I see this as an incredible platform to share my vision with a new audience. Nervousness, because I always push myself to elevate each exhibition experience—whether through curation, storytelling, or interaction. But ultimately, it’s a feeling of anticipation—the kind that comes when stepping into a space where new connections, experiences, and possibilities await.
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