CAF AT CHRSTIE'S -PR
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New Strokes: The Rise of Middle Eastern and North African Art
NEW STROKES: THE RISE OF MIDDLE EASTERN AND
NORTH AFRICAN ART
‘Art
is one of the few reliable loudspeakers that can help one understand what
exactly has taken place in a region where memory is constantly interrupted and
distorted by chronic violence’ (Arie Amaya Akermans:2012:Re-Orient) (1)
It is a given to say that the
political tensions that have surrounded the Middle East and North Africa, and
the subsequent media exposure of such events to western societies have steered
the world’s attention to parts of the region.
The media spotlight has encouraged the
recognition of art within the region as well as provided a platform for those artists
to express themselves and be heard without the constraints of censorship. Evocative
articles such as: ‘Think Middle East
Politics Are Hot? Try Middle Eastern Art’[2]
and ‘Art in the Middle East: Foment of the Moment’ [3]
to name but a few, have been an important factor in putting Middle Eastern
Art ‘on the map’. This publicity has
also provided support and a sense of solidarity amongst the entire art
community; as artists come together, collaborate and express themselves on both
a national and international stage.
Their voices aren't just limited to
making a statement or documenting events. There is a keen agenda amongst some
artists to attempt to evoke thought amongst civil society. Reminding them that
the ‘fight’ isn't over, and that as a society they have a civil responsibility
to ensure that they are part of building a Middle East that is authentic to
them.
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| Abdulnasser Gharems: Capitol Dome |
One such artist is the leading Saudi
artist Abdulnasser Gharem, known to many as a pioneer in conceptual art. His
contribution to the political discussion is his miniature version of the US
Capitol Dome which was recently part of the ‘#COMETOGETHER’ exhibition in
London’s Brick Lane. The Dome’s exterior is an exact copy of the original Dome;
however the interior has been designed to resemble a Mosque. The piece is
representative of the current situation the countries involved with the Arab
Spring now face, as their battle deepens and their search for a political
structure continues. Gharem notes a lot of attention is being paid to the US
model of democracy; as the history of ‘no democracy’[4] within
these countries creates a situation of unease and confusion with regard to the
direction that should be followed. However
he is keen to assert and remind civil society that the Middle East isn’t the US
and they have their own destiny to follow. He urges the Middle Eastern
community to ‘talk’, and explains his work as a platform for conversation,
thought and new perspective.
Theatrical directors/writers as well
as visual artists within the MENA[5]
region have also experienced a revival, and their social and political
relevance has been re-discovered. Ibraaz’s Cleo Jay notes that:
‘Egyptian artist Hanaa Abdel Fattah called for
a revolution in Egyptian theatre in a March 2011 interview for Ahram Online, noting that 'Prior to the 25 January
Revolution, Egyptian theatre productions were totally isolated and distanced
from the social and political situation in the country. Theatre did not hear
the social voices calling for democracy.’[6]
The
play L’isoloir (The Voting Booth) directed by Taoufik Jebali, is a play about
taking the next steps to democracy after the fall of Ben Ali in Tunisia. It
represents the new challenges faced by Tunisians as they elect a new
government. Writers such as Kamel Bouaouina (2012) and Jay Cleo (2012) note that the play invites thought and questions within the
audience, and sends out a similar message as that of Gharem’s Capitol Dome.
The revolution in politics has offset a revolution in art, and there is a clear message of solidarity and empowerment. The ‘movement’ has not only set to bring together the art genres and the art community, but the entire Middle Eastern community on a wider level.
In essence these
artists are working as mediators within society; working to empower civil
society and encourage them to be proactive within the current situation and
essentially be that society that not only pioneered a revolution, but made it
work.
Written By Kiran Sahib: CAF Writer/Editor
(1)Arie Amaya-Akkermans , http://www.reorientmag.com/2012/10/impossible-possibilities/
[4] Abdul Nasser Gharem, October 2012 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DO9T_jCOkis
[5] Middle East and North Africa
[6] STAGING THE TRANSITION IN NORTH AFRICA: Theatre As a Tool of Empowerment, Ibraaz Online Magazine, Cleo Jay, 2/11/2012
[4] Abdul Nasser Gharem, October 2012 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DO9T_jCOkis
[5] Middle East and North Africa
[6] STAGING THE TRANSITION IN NORTH AFRICA: Theatre As a Tool of Empowerment, Ibraaz Online Magazine, Cleo Jay, 2/11/2012
The London MENA Film Festival 2012 - Opening Night
LONDON MENA FILM FESTIVAL 2012OPENING NIGHT AT THE TRICYCLE THEATER
The London MENA Film Festival kicked
off on the 26th October at the Tricycle theater, with the screening of ‘How Big is Your Love’,
directed by the very talented Fatma Zohra Zamoum. It is a touching tale about a
young boy, Adel who is sent to stay with his grandparents Rachid and Kadidja-
played by Nordine Alane and Nadjia Debahi- Laraaf- as his parents contemplate
their marriage. Adel’s life becomes very much a part of his grandparents and
together they explore the simple pleasure in life that is unconditional love.
Adel is played by the exceptionally gifted
young actor, Racim Zennadi, whom Zamoum couldn’t give enough praise to at the
Q&A that followed the screening. His raw innocence gave the film a certain
depth and allowed for the audience to connect with the plight of his situation.
The film is set in contemporary Lounès, Algeria and is adamant on
representing an image of North Africa that is far from the popular images that
are currently coming out from the region. Bold colours, rustic foods, familiar
images of cigars and coffee, and images of a lit up Lounes from a balcony view,
together create a sense of normality and home. Fatma commented that she was
tired of the war and terrorism represented in Algerian cinema and wanted to
create something more wholesome. She was determined to cater for an important
part of society that has usually been ignored in Algerian cinema.‘I made this film because children and the
aged are absent in North African Cinema’ she commented with an interview
with FilmFestival.com.
Preceding the film were three short
films ‘Granny Flag’, ‘The Secret Room’ and ‘Here’, which all had clear
revolutionary themes, displaying the angst felt about the Arab Spring amongst
so many. They each provide an individual angle and provide much impact in their
4 minutes.
All in all the London MENA Film Festival picked a great line-up to
start of their week -long festival, which most definitely warmed the chill of
the autumn evening.
By Kiran Sahib : Writer/Editor for CAF
The Official Christie's Press Release
RELEASE: CHRISTIE’S CROWNS AUCTION WEEK IN DUBAI WITH PART II REALISING $2,260,250, 24 OCTOBER 2012
CHRISTIE’S CONCLUDED ITS 13TH SALES SEASON IN THE REGION REALISING A COMBINED TOTAL OF $5,900,350/AED21,665,204 AND ESTABLISHING 29 NEW WORLD AUCTION RECORDS FOR MIDDLE EASTERN ARTISTS.
Christie’s concluded its 13th sales season in the region realising a combined total of $5,900,350/AED21,665,204 and establishing 29 new world auction records for Middle Eastern artists. Tonight’s Part II sale followed the success of last night’s auction and realised $2,260,250 /AED8,295,117, selling 88% by value. In a busy and animated room, this evening’s sale offered works by 16 artists who had never before been represented at auction, all of which sold within or above their high estimate.
Top lot of the evening was lot 106 Louay Kayyali’s The strange Lady Arlette Anhoury, painted in 1962, realising $170,500 /AED625,735 after a fierce bidding battle between room and telephone.
Over the past six years Christie’s in the Middle East has supported a number of charities by offering works of art at auction, raising a combined total of $20 million. This evening we are delighted to have added another $370,000, which will support two further charities: Caspian Art Foundation, which aims to help young students from the region to complete their postgraduate studies at the University of the Arts London; and The Prince’s School of Traditional Arts which was founded in 2004 by HRH The Prince of Wales, and which teaches the practical skills of the traditional arts.
The two lots offered from the private collection of Robert Douaihy to fund the building of the Saliba Douaihy’s gravestone in Ehden, Lebanon raised $106,000 against a low pre-sale estimate of $40,000.
“The October 2012 sales season has demonstrated again the depth of this market and the continuously growing interest in the arts. With 41 young artists represented for the first time at auction in 2012, and with most of them being sought after in the auction room, we continue to lead in the region by offering the most exciting sales platform with the best international reach. We would like to express our thanks to the Islamic Arts Museum in Malaysia, the Farjam Collection, HRH Princess Wijdan M. Al-Hashemi of Jordan and the galleries, all of whom donated works to support the two charities tonight. We look forward to the next sales at Christie’s Dubai, which will be held on 16 and 17 April 2013,” commented Hala Khayat, Specialist of Middle Eastern Art.
OVERVIEW 2012
APRIL 2012
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OCTOBER 2012
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PART I
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$4,016,300
AED14,751,870
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$3,640,100
AED13,370,087
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PART II
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$2,386,525
AED8,763,320
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$2,260,250
AED8,295,117
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SALE TOTAL
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$6,402,825
AED23,515,190
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$5,900,350
AED21,665,204
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SOLD BY VALUE
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91% for Part I
93% for Part II
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96% for Part I
88% for Part II
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SOLD BY LOTS
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85% for Part I
88% for Part II
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86% for Part I
80% for Part II
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NEW RECORDS
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4 for Part I
18 for Part II
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5 for Part I
24 for Part II
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ARTISTS FIRST TIME AT AUCTION
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25
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16
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COUNTRIES PARTICIPATING IN AUCTION
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11 for Part I
12 for Part II
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13 for Part I
14 for Part II
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TOP LOT
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Mahmoud Saïd, Marsa Matrouh
Selling for $602,500
AED2,212,983
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Mahmoud Saïd, Pêcheurs à Rosette, selling for $818,500
AED3,006,350
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Related Sale Sale 8060
Modern and Contemporary Arab, Iranian and Turkish Art Part II
24 October 2012
Dubai
Modern and Contemporary Arab, Iranian and Turkish Art Part II
24 October 2012
Dubai
About Christie’s
Christie’s, the world's leading art business, had global auction and private sales in 2011 that totaled £3.6 billion/$5.7 billion. Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's has since conducted the greatest and most celebrated auctions through the centuries providing a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christie’s offers over 450 auctions annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christie's also has a long and successful history conducting private sales for its clients in all categories, with emphasis on Post-War and Contemporary, Impressionist and Modern, Old Masters and Jewellery. Private sales totaled £502 million / $808.6m in 2011, an increase of 44% on the previous year.
Christie’s has a global presence with 53 offices in 32 countries and 10 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zürich, and Hong Kong. More recently, Christie’s has led the market with expanded initiatives in growth markets such as Russia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in Beijing, Mumbai and Dubai.
*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium. Sales totals are hammer price plus buyer’s premium and do not reflect costs, financing fees or application of buyer’s or seller’s credits.
Complete catalogue available online at www.christies.com or via Christie’s Mobile, iPhone, iPad and Android apps.
Christie’s, the world's leading art business, had global auction and private sales in 2011 that totaled £3.6 billion/$5.7 billion. Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's has since conducted the greatest and most celebrated auctions through the centuries providing a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christie’s offers over 450 auctions annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christie's also has a long and successful history conducting private sales for its clients in all categories, with emphasis on Post-War and Contemporary, Impressionist and Modern, Old Masters and Jewellery. Private sales totaled £502 million / $808.6m in 2011, an increase of 44% on the previous year.
Christie’s has a global presence with 53 offices in 32 countries and 10 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zürich, and Hong Kong. More recently, Christie’s has led the market with expanded initiatives in growth markets such as Russia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in Beijing, Mumbai and Dubai.
*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium. Sales totals are hammer price plus buyer’s premium and do not reflect costs, financing fees or application of buyer’s or seller’s credits.
Complete catalogue available online at www.christies.com or via Christie’s Mobile, iPhone, iPad and Android apps.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DOWNLOAD THE PDF VERSION PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK :
CHRISTIE'S AUCTION OF MODERN & CONTEMPORARY
ARAB, IRANIAN & TURKISH ART
24 OCTOBER 2012, 7:00PM JUMEIRAH EMIRATES TOWERS HOTEL, DUBAI, UAE
Click on the image above to view the online magazine (Flash Animation)
Six lots donated by 7 artists and their galleries will be sold to benefit Caspian Arts Foundation. These will be auctioned off on October 24th at Christie's Modern & Contemporary Arab, Iranian & Turkish art sale in Dubai.
This is the first time these artists' works will be sold at an international auction. Funds raised will go to benefit Caspian Arts Foundation and the scholarships that will be awarded in 2013.
AYAD ALKHADI At The Beginning
Acrylic, pen, charcoal and pencil on canvas
72 x72in. (183 x183cm.)
Executed in 2012
Alkadhi escaped Iraq in 1994 and settled in California but his work is dominated by the effect of the war described by the artist as “the emotional arc by which one compares all other experiences….”. Here the contrasting bright and dark colours and the distorted and monstrous shapes reflect the artist’s internal struggle as he relives the atrocities witnessed in his homeland.
DONATED BY THE ARTIST AND THE LEILA HELLER GALLERY, NEW YORK
SHOJA AZARI & SHAHRAM KARIMI Spring (from the Silence series)
Arcylic on canvas with video projection
50 x 89in. (127 x 226 cm)
Executed in 2007-2008, this work is number one from an edition of three
From the Silence series, this is one of four video paintings representing the seasons – a collaboration between these two lifelong artist friends. Abstract views of a lake are depicted here with subtle movements of wind, water and rain suggested by the projection of a mirror image onto the painted canvas, bringing the flat surface to life.
DONATED BY THE ARTISTS AND LEILA HELLER GALLERY, NEW YORK
SHIRAZEH HOUSHIARY untitled
Signed and dated 'Shirazeh Houshiary' 2007 (on the reverse)
Mixed media
15 ¾ x 15 ¾ in. (40 x 40 cm)
Executed in 2007
The main characteristic of Houshiary’s much sought-after paintings and drawings are that they are intentionally barely visible - emerging from and melting into the black or white backgrounds. The artist explains that her work ‘comes and goes: sometimes you see it, sometimes you don’t. The universe is like that – everything is in a state of flux’. She acknowledges the influence of Sufism and 13th century Persian mystic poetry in her work.
DONATED BY THE ARTIST AND THE LISSON GALLERY, LONDON
HADIEH SHAFIE 11580 Pages (detail)
Acrylic, ink and paper with printed and hand-written Farsi
30 x 30 x 3 ½ in. (76.2 x 76.2 x 9 cm)
Executed in 2012
In this work, individual strips of paper marked with the word eshghe, (love or passion), have been delicately rolled to create miniature scrolls. Shafie’s work is inspired by the Sufist meditative prayer of the heart known as ‘dikhr’, where a single word is repeated. With only one work ever offered by the artist at auction, Shafie’s works are highly sought-after.
DONATED BY THE ARTIST AND THE LEILA-HELLER GALLERY, NEW YORK
Signed and dated 'ALI BANISADR 12' (lower right)
Signed and dated 'Ali Banisadr 2012 (on the reverse)
Oil on linen
30 x 36in. (76.2 x 91.4 cm)
Executed in 2012
Through the use of a bright palette and large brushstrokes, the artist evokes his chaotic memories of displacement and war. Originally from Tehran, a young Banisadr left the country with his family to settle in the United States where he now lives and works. He captures the brutality of the war in this broken and fragmented composition. Banisadr’s works have never been auctioned before, except for charity and, as he produces very few works, his works are rare.
DONATED BY THE ARTIST AND THADDEUS ROPAC GALLERY, PARIS
POURAN JINCHI Morning 06
Signed and dated 'Pjinchi 2009' (lower right)
Waxed charcoal and pencil on Rice paper
18 x 18in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm)
Executed in 2009
“What would a prayer look like if you were asked to draw it? I visualise the spiritual fulfilment of prayers and then translate that into aesthetic creations to see whether they relay what prayer could mean.” (Pouran Jinchi). Jinchi’s work is deeply rooted in her Persian to produce harmonious abstract compositions where the works become platforms for the act of prayer.
DONATED BY THE ARTIST AND THE THIRD LINE GALLERY, DUBAI
Q&A with Alyâa Kamel | Published Under Caspian Arts Foundation | August 8th, 2012
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| The Oriental Dream |
After a week of sharing her wonderfully colourful and dynamic drawings and paintings with Caspian Arts Foundation, Alyâa Kamel speaks with us about her life as an artist and how her time in Egypt during its revolution in 2011, gave birth to her latest exhibition which is on show at the Tafkaj Gallery in Geneva. Currently working on her upcoming exhibit in Cairo, Alyâa shares her views on an artist's ability to shed light on humanity and its place in society, where otherwise it would be obscured or not fully accepted and she feels this ability to respond to the ongoing change within the region, through her work.
This is something that is setting the tone for Middle Eastern contemporary art today: pushing the boundaries and barriers that co-exist within societies, overcoming taboos and basically driving the region to its next level which is connecting to a more global stage, connecting to the West and widening our language and also our vision.
This is something that is setting the tone for Middle Eastern contemporary art today: pushing the boundaries and barriers that co-exist within societies, overcoming taboos and basically driving the region to its next level which is connecting to a more global stage, connecting to the West and widening our language and also our vision.
NM: Thank you for the interview Alyâa. After we spoke, I visited your website and watched a clip where you mentioned that you don’t paint or create your
work through any rational or logical process. What I am assuming is that you
paint from your emotion and inspirations. Is this true each time?
AK: Yes it is true. My Art is a pure emotional
process that flirts with thoughts, to give birth to a painting or a drawing.
NM: What
motivates you before you go and start a new series of works?
AK: My motivation is Life itself and how it
vibrates in me.
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| In the Metallic Mist |
AK: Yes it has happened several times. Usually
it means I have to do something else.
NM: I’m interested in your “social red carpet” works. When we spoke, you briefly
mentioned the inspiration coming from the revolution in Egypt, as you were
there when it happened. What were your impressions before putting paint onto
canvas and was it an immediate connection?
AK: Humanity at its full power that was put into the brush, and then into the colour. An unbreakable
link between all human beings
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| The Red Social Carpet (drawing) |
NM: It
really shows the connection between arts and political events taking place and
how artists truly play a role. Artists really put themselves on the line!
AK: An idea or a feeling expressed in all its
nakedness is always risky in a society that makes sure that all stays in a
fuzzy shadow. An artist transforms darkness into light. A lot of people will try to find the
switch!
NM: Do
you look at art as a tool to bring about change and the social norm, especially
in a region that is undergoing conflict and change?
AK: Art is a way to unleash inner emotions into the world. First
the beauty, second an understanding and finally the beginning of a series of
thoughts that will lead to a strong desire of change.
NM: You were studying for some time in London, how did you find living in such a creative and dynamic city?
AK: Living in London and being in an art
environment was a great opening of the mind and soul. It gave me a lesson in freedom and also in evolution.
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| Dancing Lines |
NM: Do
you have any message of hope to aspiring artists who are living in the Middle
East and who would really benefit from living abroad and align their hopes and
dreams with reality?
AK: The Middle east has a lot to learn from other
countries and other countries have a lot to learn from the Middle East! You
have the chance to bring these worlds together, bringing a wider knowledge, an
extra definition to a multicultural world that needs to move forward.
NM: It
relates to this case of artists struggling to find their voice in most parts of
the region. Do you feel a greater responsibility to your work as you live
outside and enjoy the freedom that you can use in your work?
AK: As an artist and a human being I feel
responsible.
NM: Do
you ever use any other mediums in your art?
AK: I use acrylic, watercolor, ink, sands,
crystals….
NM: Can you share with us one of your personal favourites and tell us why you love it?
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| The Mural |
NM:What
are you currently working on?
AK: I am working on several projects but
getting ready for my Exhibition in Cairo.
To visit Alyaa Kamel's website click here: site
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