Rarares Is The Ultimate Art Gallery For Interior Design Addicts
Marina Baisel reveals how a career in interior design informs her curation of art, as she celebrates the opening of her new gallery, Rarares
Contemporary art space Rarares opened its doors in the heart of DIFC a few months ago, joining the ever-growing number of homegrown UAE galleries. But founder Marina Baisel is doing things a bit differently, having spotted a gap in the market for the sort of contemporary art that she herself enjoys. “Dubai’s galleries typically fall into two categories: either commercial galleries that bring big names to the region or smaller galleries that focus solely on supporting local artists,” she says, explaining that Rarares will bring both new and established artists from around the globe that are rarely seen in the UAE – hence the name, which is inspired by the Latin word ‘rarus’, meaning rare.
The new gallery owner also has another secret weapon for success. Moving into the art world having spent almost a decade training and working in interior design, she knows a thing or two about what sort of art people want to buy for their homes, and how it should be best displayed. “Working in interiors allowed me to engage with art on a daily basis, as I often incorporated various artistic elements into my projects,” says Marina. “The two worlds, art and interior design, have always been intertwined for me. Art has the power to transform spaces, evoke emotions and tell stories, and I have always viewed interior design as a canvas where art plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall experience.”
Her enthusiasm for the art element of her interiors work is what sparked Marina’s desire to take the leap into becoming a full-blown gallery owner. “The move felt natural; it was a way to merge my passion for aesthetics with my desire to support artists and promote their work,” she explains.
So, how has her experience with interiors influenced the design of the gallery? “Greatly so. I believe that a gallery should be more than just a space to display art; it should create an immersive environment that enhances the viewer’s experience. The layout, lighting and overall aesthetic of the gallery have been carefully curated to ensure that each piece is showcased in a way that allows it to shine while also creating a cohesive narrative throughout the space.” And the same attention to detail goes into curating every individual exhibition: “I leverage my knowledge of design to consider how art pieces interact with each other and with their environment,” Marina explains. “Each exhibition is thoughtfully planned to create a unique flow that guides visitors through the space, allowing them to engage with art meaningfully. My design background helps me to take into account aspects such as lighting, forms and palettes to create a harmonious balance between the artworks and the gallery space itself.”
The gallery is currently showing Eidos – a solo exhibition by multidisciplinary artist Mederic Turay, which features his debut collection of ceramic works and is his inaugural show in the UAE. Next up, in April, is Powerful Spring – a group female exhibition which Marina explains as “Exploring the philosophical concept of soft power and acceptance, serving as a unique ode to feminine strength.”
Images: Supplied
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia Interiors’ Spring 2025 issue.