BMW Art Guide by Independent Collectors

Jean-Paul Najar Foundation

European-American Post-Minimalist Art in a Bauhaus-inspired building – Dubai

Jean-Paul Najar. Photo: Magali Prod’Hom, 1990
Jean-Paul Najar. Photo: Magali Prod’Hom, 1990

Situated on, and presented in partnership with Alserkal Avenue, the heart of Dubai's art quarter, the JPNF opened its gates to the public in 2016. An economist, photographer and sculptor, Najar, began collecting art from the mid-1960’s and engaged in dialogues with many artists from that time. A pivotal figure for abstract art, he curated many exhibitions, and published in depth texts on the artists he had befriended. His exceptional assemblage includes works by Jene Highstein, Gordon Matta-Clark, Suzanne Harris, Marcia Hafif, and Linda Francis, among others. To create a private museum for their collection, architect Mario Jossa came out of retirement to design the Bauhaus-inspired building. The foundation aims to ensure and expand on Najar’s legacy through the mix of new acquisitions, educational programs, and temporary exhibitions.

Jean-Paul Najar Foundation Façade. Photo: Jean-Paul Najar Foundation, 2015
Jean-Paul Najar Foundation Façade. Photo: Jean-Paul Najar Foundation, 2015
3D rendering of the Jean-Paul Najar Foundation. Photo: Mario Jossa, 2015
3D rendering of the Jean-Paul Najar Foundation. Photo: Mario Jossa, 2015

Jeni Fulton is a Berlin-based editor and writer who recently completed her PhD dissertation on the subject of ‘Value and Evaluation in 21st Century Art’ at the Humboldt University, Berlin. She holds an MA from the University of Cambridge, and is the Art and Commissioning editor for Sleek Magazine. She contributes to Frieze, Spike and Randian.

3D rendering of the Jean-Paul Najar Foundation. Photo: Mario Jossa, 2015
3D rendering of the Jean-Paul Najar Foundation. Photo: Mario Jossa, 2015
3D rendering of the Jean-Paul Najar Foundation. Photo: Mario Jossa, 2015
3D rendering of the Jean-Paul Najar Foundation. Photo: Mario Jossa, 2015

More Information on Jean-Paul Najar Foundation