The Middle Eastern Art Sale organized by Bonhams will be held on October 7 in London presenting modern and contemporary works from Muslim countries and India.
Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques.
Most of the works put up for sale are from Iran. A total of 34 creations from Iranian artists, 23 ones from Egypt, 10 from Iraq, 8 works by Syrian artists, and 4 art pieces from Lebanon will be sold at the auction. Turkey, Algeria, Jordan, and Morocco also will have one artwork each. From painting and calligraphy to sculpture and photography, the works include a wide range, suited for every artistic taste, honaronline reported.
Two lots from Iran have been estimated to have the highest value: a painting of acrylic on canvas by Hossein Zenderoudi, estimated at $130,000-$200,000, and an oil painting on canvas titled ‘The Hanging Clothes’ by Sohrab Sepehri estimated at $120,000-$170,000.
Other works are from artists like Farhad Moshiri, Mohammad Ehsai, Monir Farmanfarmaian, Reza Derakhshani, Shirin Neshat, Reza Aramesh, Ali Shirazi, Reza Mafi, etc.
Recognition
The modern and contemporary Middle Eastern art market has experienced significant growth since it began gaining recognition among collectors regionally and globally over the past decade. Twentieth century Arab and Iranian art has witnessed an extraordinary development, keeping in line with the rich artistic legacy of the region, as also reflected in the world’s long standing fascination and interest in Middle Eastern art and culture.
Bonhams has maintained a significant international presence in the market since the early years of its development. During the inaugural sale of modern Middle Eastern art in Dubai in 2008, the auctioneer broke 33 world records and witnessed the first Middle Eastern artwork to achieve an auction sale of over one million dollars; Farhad Moshiri’s stunning mixed media work ‘Eshgh’.
Since then Bonhams has firmly established itself as one of the leading auction houses in the category, holding regular bi-annual sales first in Dubai and now in London, in recognition of the growing international market for art from the Middle East and surrounding regions.
Today, Bonhams offers more sales than any of its rivals, through two major showrooms in London. It has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas.
