Christie’s auction house has assembled over 150 pieces for what they claim to be London’s largest exhibition of Arab art. The show, titled “Modern and Contemporary Art of the Arab World,” is divided into two sections that display works from throughout the region, covering various mediums over 80 years.
One of the non-commercial sections, “Kawkaba: Highlights from the Barjeel Art Foundation,” presents an evenly gender-balanced collection of approximately 100 pieces. “Emirati Art Reimagined: Hassan Sharif and the Contemporary Voices,” the other section, primarily focuses on the influential artist Hassan Sharif, showcasing works both on loan and available for purchase.
Both sections showcase a variety of paintings, sculptures, and installations, highlighting works from both acclaimed and lesser-known artists.
Ridha Moumni, the exhibition’s curator and Christie’s deputy chairman for the Middle East and North Africa emphasized on opening day, “This is special because we try to reflect on the collecting practice of Barjeel Art Foundation, 50 percent are male, 50 percent are female, from different geographies in the Arab world.”
Noteworthy pieces in the “Kawkaba” section include Syrian artist Marwan’s “Head” from the mid-1970s, Lebanese artist Samia Osseiran Joumblatt’s “Formative Radiation,” created in the late 1960s, and “Dreams of the Detainee” from 1961 by Egyptian painter and activist Inji Efflatoun.
The Emirati segment focuses on Sharif’s wide-ranging works and provides a platform for emerging artists. Moumni expressed that the purpose of the exhibition is not only to impress but also to educate.
Moumni added, “It’s usually the quiet season for us because we don’t have sales, so we decided to organize this exhibition to bring people to discover Arab art and culture.”
The “Modern and Contemporary Art of the Arab World” exhibition promises a unique journey through the history and evolution of Arab art, spotlighting various renowned and emerging artists. Christie hopes to inspire and educate audiences by providing free access, cultivating a deeper appreciation for Arab art and culture. The exhibition is set to run until August 23 at Christie’s London headquarters, offering an unmissable summer attraction for art enthusiasts and curious minds alike.
