Some of the biggest names in Middle Eastern contemporary art will be going on display at Sotheby’s in London today.
Ayman Baalbaki's Al Sharq al Awsat (Middle East) painted in his signature expressionist style and Ali Banisadr's The Chase, another significant abstract work are among the key works in the show, which is a preview to the forthcoming sale in Doha in October.
Monir Farmanfarmaian's Three Brothers exemplifies her brilliant use of mirror mosaics and Nasrollah Afjei's Blue Wave depicts calligraphy as a fluid and universal language.
Also in the show are works by internationally acclaimed artists and, as such, Damien Hirst's canvas covered in butterfly wings – titled Tranquillity – will be part of the exhibition.
With an estimated value at between US$1 million and $1.5million it is the most expensive Hirst to ever be offered at auction in the Middle East.
Lina Lazaar, Sotheby’s International Contemporary Art Specialist commented: “This carefully curated exhibition and sale showcases the diversity of the artistic styles that Middle Eastern artists are working in today, alongside signature pieces by world-renowned international artists including Damien Hirst. The artists represented are some of the most talented and exciting of their generation, some of whom haven’t been presented on an international platform before but we believe will be highly sought after in the years to come. The public exhibition of these works will make a distinct contribution to the exhilarating international arts scene in the destinations in which we are holding our pre-sale exhibitions – from Jeddah to Dubai and now London.”
* The art will be displayed in Sotheby’s London New Bond Street galleries from 22nd July until 22nd August, and then it will move to New York for September, prior to the sale, which will take place in Doha on 13th October.
