culTure caPiTal
global plaTform for regional arT ChristieÕ s recently showcased the work of contemporary Middle Eastern artists who are taking the art community by storm. Jussi Pylkkanen, President, ChristieÕ s Europe and Middle East, feels that the region has more to offer.
By Sindhu Nair
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ussi Pylkkanen says that he doesn’t do anything much other than selling, estimating and appreciating art. “That is what my life and paspas sion is all about,” he declares, as he talks to Qatar Today during an exhibition of modern Middle Eastern art, curated by Christie’s, that showcased a private collection and artistic highlights from the region. The two-day exhibition, which was open to the public at the Four Seasons Hotel, was held in support of Doha – The Arab Capital of Culture 2010. Pylkkanen recently had a three-week long hiatus from work, his “first in a career of 24 years” and “enjoyed it immensely”. But what he did during his vacation, gives us an insight on how deep his passion is. 102
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Jussi Pylkkanen, President, ChristieÕ s Europe and Middle East
“I read seven books in 10 days, and most of them were on art...” Art for Pylkkanen is not a political language but a spiritual one, one that bridges cultures and allows people to interact with each other. A frequent visitor to the region, for both professional and personal reasons, Pylkkanen has been at the fore of Christie’s activities in the Middle East in recent years. He has a deep interest in the history, art and culture of the region and has built strong friendships with collectors in this part of the world. Pylkkanen talks about corporate collection of art, which was first setup in the US, when IBM and others started to build their own art collections. “Today we see established and new collections all over the world and Qatar and the region might not be an exception.”
The Middle Eastern connections
Pylkkanen’s tryst with the region began ten years ago. “Ten years ago I was invited by the Iranian Ministry of Culture to visit the country and the experience was fascinating. I learned a lot about the passion for arts and culture in the Middle East. In 2002, we organised an exhibition in London on contemporary Iranian work. By 2005, we had done a lot of work in the UAE, organised auctions like the Camel Caravan, supporting charities. We understood that there was an appetite to promote Middle Eastern art and decided to open Christie’s in Dubai,” he reminisces. In 2005, Micheal Jeha was appointed as the Managing Director of Christie’s in Dubai. “His ten years of experience at Christie’s and being from the region made him the best choice. He was to indicate
Qatar Today November 10
11/1/10 7:56:36 PM