high r esults AUCTIONS
Christie’s is a name that has become celebrated in the art world amongst elite buyers and sellers, deciding auction pieces for record-breaking sales. Christie’s Dubai is enriched in grandeur and high-profile Middle Eastern names and has sold over $250 million pounds worth of art, watches and jewellery since the first international art auction which took place in 2006. 360 of these auctions have been record-breaking sales. by Ryan Cahill
Christie’s Dubai garnered a lot of attention in 2008, realising $2.8m for “Oh Persepolis” by artist Parviz Tanavoli, which is the highest auctions made in history for a piece by a Middle Eastern artist. In addition to this, Christie’s Dubai also holds the record for the highest price paid for a piece by an Arab artist which was achieved in 2010 when Mahmoud Said’s “Whirling Dervishes” sold for $2.5m. The upcoming 16th sale season in Dubai, which commences on 19th March 2014 and is sponsored by Zurich, has an array of interesting pieces. One lot which is much-talked about, gaining favourable attention from potential buyers, is, Sixth Ode from Muallaqat Al Sabaa by acclaimed artist Ali Omar Ermes. The piece is an ancient poem one of 7, however some say 10 by pre-islamic warrior poet Anter Ibne Shaddad describing his battles, and the complexity of life. The poem is described as being on layers of opulent oranges, reds and violets. With some of the proceeds going to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) this piece seems destined to take high numbers when it goes to auction in the Spring. Elsewhere in the upcoming season there are pieces by the aforementioned Mahmoud Said. His 1922 “A House In Talkha” will be featured in the 16th season alongside a magnificent piece by Shafic Abboud from 1988 called
Christie’s Dubai is undeniably at the forefront of the art world and gives Middle Eastern artists a platform on which to be recognised by art buyers around the world. It’s evident success, which has been achieved over only matter of years, cements the companies continuing grow and development.
Image cour tesy of Christie’s
“Nuits V” which is a magical ensemble of green shades with lashings of reds, browns, oranges and yellows.