MAWASIM: 20 Years of Modern and Contemporary Middle Eastern Art
Christie’s first live auction of fine art in Abu Dhabi takes place on 1 November, preceded by two viewing days open to all. There will be more than 70 works from six decades of museum-quality art that traces the evolution of artistic practices across the Middle East and North Africa.
Highlights include …
Paul Guiragossian, Noces (1958-59) A vibrant wedding scene that reflects Guiragossian’s enduring themes of home, community and human connection; the work was exhibited at his first major exhibition in Lebanon in 1959. Estimate: $300,000-500,000
Samia Halaby, Yesterday (1978) An important work from Samia Halaby’s 1970s, when the Palestinian-American artist forged her distinctive language of geometric abstraction. Estimate: $200,000-300,000
Mohamed Melehi, A30 (1962: right) From Mohamed Melehi’s seminal 1960–62 series of ‘black works’, reflecting his experimentation with the bianco e nero technique and his engagement with Zen and Sufi. Estimate:$100,000-150,000
Nadia Saikali, Mandala Bleu Nuit (1982) From an important mature phase of Saikali’s work, characterised by its meditative and spiritual abstraction. Four other works from the Barjeel Art Foundation are also offered in the sale. Estimate: $30,000-50,000
Marwan Kassab-Bachi, Kopf (Head) (1987) A pivotal moment in the evolution of Marwan’s portraiture, moving from the horizontally stretched facial landscapes of the 1970s towards the vertical, frontal heads that became a defining motif of his mature practice. Estimate: $200,000-300,000
Inji Efflatoun, Untitled (1987) One of Inji Efflatoun’s last works, representing the culmination of the Egyptian modernist’s practice, characterised by a lyrical synthesis of nature and the built environment through expressive colour and line. One of eight works from the Dalloul Collection offered in the auction. Estimate: $40,000-60,000
The auction will be accompanied by a programme of previews, talks and educational events; details to be announced “in due course”, but signing up for Christie’s mailers will presumably get you advance information.
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