Which works will be offered at the first international auction in Saudi Arabia?
The auction will include works from icons such as Rene Magritte and Andy Warhol, and regional art pioneers including Etel Adnan.
ArtDayME: On Feb. 8, Sotheby’s will host “Origins,” which it is billing as “the first international auction in Saudi Arabia’s history.” Key pieces from the auction are on display in the accompanying exhibition at Diriyah’s Bujairi Terrace that is free and open to the public.
Ashkan Baghestani — senior vice president and head of contemporary day sale, contemporary art, New York & Middle East — told Arab News of the importance of offering a diverse array of lots, from sculptures to paintings.
"In terms of fine art, I think it was important for us to show the wide breath of the fields we represent at Sotheby’s,” he said, adding “in the last three years, every time I have been coming I have been seeing more international artists and curators, events, integrated with Arab culture.”
René Magritte is famed for his intriguing images combining everyday objects in whimsical and thought-provoking contexts. “L’État de veille” belongs to a series of dreamlike gouaches featuring several emblematic motifs. (Sotheby's)
While curating the auction and exhibit, Baghestani sought to bring the "greatest Arab and Saudi artists to an international audience … don’t forget, we don’t only cater toward the local audience and Saudi audience … a lot of our clients are looking at the sale."
Baghestani also broke down the different types of auctions to be held: Online, day and evening sales.
"The evening sale auction is probably the highest caliber in terms of quality, featuring the most expensive, museum-quality, and rarest works. However, in terms of volume, it is usually the smallest."
“O' God, Honour Them and Do Not Honor an Enemy Over Them” by Saudi artist Mohammed Al-Saleem. (Sotheby's)
One of the pieces set to be auctioned is by Saudi artist Mohammed Al-Saleem (1939-1997), a key contributor to the evolution of the Kingdom’s art scene.
His painting, titled “O' God, Honour Them and Do Not Honor an Enemy Over Them” is inspired by the gradating skyline of Riyadh from the desert, with both the skyline and calligraphy blended into mosaic-like designs.
The auction will also include works from icons such as Rene Magritte and Andy Warhol, and regional art pioneers including Etel Adnan.
LEAVE A RELPY