Latest news with #Chevalierdel'OrdredesArtsetdesLettres
CairoScene
09-05-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
How Christie's is Turning Saudi into the Art World's New Power Player
Few names carry as much weight in the auction world as Christie's. Known for moving billions annually through record-breaking saleroom sales, the house's global reach spans cultural hubs from London to Dubai—and now, Riyadh. Saudi Arabia's growing appetite for art has opened a new frontier for Christie's, and at the centre of this expansion is Nour Kelani, the company's Managing Director for the Kingdom. Beyond her credentials—including France's prestigious Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres—Kelani is fast becoming one of the region's most influential connectors in a market defined by both rapid growth and deep-rooted traditions. Speaking to SceneNowSaudi, Kelani unpacks Christie's ambitions in Saudi Arabia and offers a rare glimpse into the dynamics shaping the Kingdom's art scene. From the new generation of collectors driving demand to Christies' highly anticipated online auction this May, Kelani paints a picture of a country that has quickly become impossible for the global art world to ignore… Everyone in the art world seems to agree that, when it comes to Saudi Arabia, the time is now. What's the thinking behind Christie's foray into the Kingdom? Saudi Arabia offers exciting new opportunities in the secondary arts and luxury markets. Christie's saw regional growth across the arts in recent years. Between 2015 and 2024, we saw a 173% increase in Saudi bidders and buyers. From 2019 to 2024 alone, that figure rose by 150%. With Vision 2030 underway, leadership decided the time was right to secure a commercial license and build a team in Saudi Arabia. Will Christie's Saudi focus primarily on Saudi art, or are there plans to expand to the wider MENA region? We operate with a global outlook and local expertise. While we prioritise representing Saudi artists and art histories, we also support clients interested in works from across the world. Our growing Saudi team will include locally recruited talent who travel extensively and represent Christie's around the region. We've had a Middle East hub in Dubai since 2005, now celebrating its 20th anniversary. Our specialists travel throughout the region—from visiting artists' studios to working with collections and institutions. That won't change. Ahmed Mater, ILLUMINATION X-RAY While we know Christie's Saudi will focus on artists from the Kingdom, are there any plans for the rest of the MENA region? We operate with a global outlook and local expertise. While we prioritise representing Saudi artists and art histories, we also support clients interested in works from across the world. Our growing Saudi team will include locally recruited talent who travel extensively and represent Christie's around the region. We've had a Middle East hub in Dubai since 2005, now celebrating its 20th anniversary. Our specialists travel throughout the region—from visiting artists' studios to working with collections and institutions. That won't change. Are there any standout sales and events on the horizon that collectors and art enthusiasts should keep an eye on? We're focused on forming collaborations within the region's arts ecosystem. Christie's is a programming partner of the Islamic Arts Biennale, which runs until May 25th. Christie's will host a workshop on collecting art this May 12th at the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah. There will be an insider tour called 'Behind the Scenes at an Auction House', which follows the journey of a work of Islamic art from consignment to auction. Our bi-annual London sale, 'Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds including Rugs and Carpets', continues to be a major draw. It spans nine centuries and includes carpets, ceramics, manuscripts, textiles, metalwork, and more. These sales attract interest from Middle Eastern collectors and institutions, offering global exposure to their acquisitions. Our annual sale, Modern and Contemporary Middle Eastern Art Online, is live for bidding until May 8th. It features 69 works, including paintings, photographs, sculptures, and works on paper. We're excited to debut 'Saudi Now!', a curated selection of 12 pieces by Saudi artists that chart the country's evolving cultural landscape. Samia Halaby, Water Lilies When it comes to Saudi collectors, have you noticed any unique trends in their purchases? And how is Saudi and Arab art being priced in the global market? Saudi collectors are drawn to a range of categories, including old masters, contemporary Arab art, fine jewellery, and timepieces. Over the last three years, we've seen increased demand for artists like Ahmed Mater, Manal AlDowayan, and Dana Awartani. Millennial collectors in the Kingdom are showing growing interest in modern and contemporary art from the 20th and 21st centuries, not limited to Saudi artists. I've noticed that they're drawn to contemporary and conceptual works, works that are more research based. They're after what inspired the artist, good conversation starter pieces. They're focused on Middle Eastern art that resonates with them. Saudi and Arab art have long had a regional market, but with growing visibility, their value and demand are rising. How does the buying behaviour in Saudi compare to other regional markets? One key difference is the youth of our clientele. 30% of Christie's Saudi buyers are millennials or Gen Z. Their preferences are already reshaping trends, especially in categories like luxury watches and fine jewellery in the secondary market. What advice do you have for people who are interested in starting their art collection? I advise new clients importantly to buy what they love and to be driven by their passion. Visit studios in the JAX District, attend galleries, and keep an eye on auctions for emerging talent. Great works are still accessible now—but as demand grows, so will their prices. On a personal level, what drew you to contemporary art from Saudi Arabia? I collect contemporary Saudi art. I was an early supporter of Ahmed Mater and own one of his 'Magnetism' series pieces, so I have a deep connection to the contemporary Saudi scene and a strong interest in emerging voices. With the inaugural Riyadh Art Week marking a new chapter for Saudi's art scene, how did Christie's help set the tone? Riyadh Art Week made art more accessible through a citywide showcase featuring over 45 galleries, institutions, and collections. Christie's participated with a workshop led by one of our leading lecturers and joined a panel discussion featuring our President, Anthea Peers. We see events like these as vital to building cultural exchange and supporting the arts locally. They also allow us to share our global expertise in art history, curation, and collecting. In five years, what do you personally hope Christie's Saudi will have achieved? I am personally looking forward to seeing the continued rise in awareness and visibility of Saudi art and artists on an international platform. There is such incredibly rich artistic talent in the Kingdom. With the next generation of artists emerging, I am sure it will continue to flourish with the wider support of the art market and grow considerably over the next five years. Growing our team locally is a top priority. I also foresee an increase in international engagement in Saudi art and artists as international awareness grows in part due to the ongoing digital accessibility and also from touring loan works. It really is a very exciting time to be living in the Kingdom and to play a role in the remarkable changes taking place.
Egypt Today
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Today
Nadine Abdel Ghaffar Meets French President Emmanuel Macron During His Official Visit to Egypt
During his recent official visit to Egypt, His Excellency President Emmanuel Macron met with Nadine Abdel Ghaffar, founder of Art D'Égypte by CulturVator, at the French Institute of Oriental Archaeology in Cairo. This meeting reaffirms the deep-rooted cultural ties between Egypt and France and supports their joint efforts to foster dialogue between civilizations through art and culture. This meeting comes four years after Ms. Nadine Abdel Ghaffar was awarded Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, in recognition of her impactful contributions to promoting art and culture and sharing Egyptian creativity with the world. During the meeting, President Macron expressed his appreciation for the efforts of Art D'Égypte by Culturvator in promoting Egyptian culture and preserving heritage by merging it with contemporary art. He emphasized the importance of continuing cultural cooperation between France and Egypt. In turn, Nadine Abdel Ghaffar shared her pride in the meeting, noting that France's support for the arts and culture continues to inspire her mission to position Egypt as a global platform for art and creativity. This year marks the fifth edition of the Forever is Now exhibition, which will feature a renowned French artist. Since its launch, the exhibition has served as a cultural bridge between Egypt and France, being the first contemporary art exhibition ever held at the Pyramids of Giza. Over the years, it has welcomed some of the most French prominent artists who left a significant mark on the Egyptian art scene: • JR, the French visual artist, participated in the first and second editions with large-scale interactive works combining photography and conceptual art, creating a unique experience that bridges past and present. • eL Seed, the French-Tunisian artist, blended Arabic calligraphy with street art to convey messages of unity and shared culture in a captivating visual language. • In the third edition, Stephan Bruer, a digital artist, presented a distinctive visual experience that reinterpreted ancient Egyptian architecture through light and visual illusion. • In the fourth edition, Jean-Marie Appriou added a mythological dimension to the historical site through his poetic sculptural works, supported by Perrotin Gallery. Prominent French cultural institutions have played a vital role in the success of these initiatives, including the French Embassy in Egypt, the French Institute in Cairo, and the Centre Pompidou under the leadership of Laurent Le Bon. TV5 Monde also supported the global promotion of the exhibition through media campaigns that amplify the voice of contemporary art and highlight the importance of cultural dialogue. As further global recognition, the exhibition is under the patronage of UNESCO, headquartered in France, emphasizing its role in connecting civilizations and preserving heritage through modern art. Forever is Now presents a unique artistic vision that merges Egypt's ancient legacy with contemporary expression, offering visitors a journey from the depths of history to the horizons of the future. The project embodies the strong cultural bond between Egypt and France and underscores how art can be a powerful tool for human and cultural connection across time. Through these initiatives, Nadine Abdel Ghaffar and Art D'Égypte by CulturVator continue to play a pivotal role in building bridges between civilizations and positioning Egypt as a global destination for art and creativity.
Identity
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Identity
Nadine Abdel Ghaffar, Founder of Art D'Égypte by CulturVator, Meets French President Emmanuel Macron During His Official Visit to Egypt.
Cairo, April 15 – During his recent official visit to Egypt, His Excellency President Emmanuel Macron met with Nadine Abdel Ghaffar, founder of Art D'Égypte by CulturVator, at the French Institute of Oriental Archaeology in Cairo. This meeting reaffirms the deep-rooted cultural ties between Egypt and France and supports their joint efforts to foster dialogue between civilizations through art and culture. This meeting comes four years after Ms. Nadine Abdel Ghaffar was awarded Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, in recognition of her impactful contributions to promoting art and culture and sharing Egyptian creativity with the world. During the meeting, President Macron expressed his appreciation for the efforts of Art D'Égypteby Culturvator in promoting Egyptian culture and preserving heritage by merging it with contemporary art. He emphasized the importance of continuing cultural cooperation between France and Egypt. In turn, Nadine Abdel Ghaffar shared her pride in the meeting, noting that France's support for the arts and culture continues to inspire her mission to position Egypt as a global platform for art and creativity.
Express Tribune
22-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
LLF unfolds at Alhamra
The 13th edition of the Lahore Literary Festival (LLF) commenced at the Lahore Arts Council, Alhamra, marking the opening day of a vibrant three-day celebration of arts, literature, history, and civilisation. The opening ceremony was attended by distinguished dignitaries, including LLF Chairman Iqbal Z Ahmed, LLF CEO Razi Ahmed, and Punjab's Provincial Minister for Information and Culture, Azma Bokhari. A highlight of the event was the special recognition of LLF CEO Razi Ahmed, who was honored with France's prestigious Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres for his contributions to the arts and cultural exchange. The festival began with a patriotic note, featuring a rendition of the national anthem by an Alhamra Academy of Arts student. Throughout the ceremony, Razi Ahmed expressed gratitude to national and international delegates for their support. Awards were presented to the winners of the Lok Dastan Prize 2025, and noted scholar Rashid Ahmed and acclaimed writer Ikramullah were honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards. In a statement that resonated with pride and appreciation, the Executive Director of Alhamra commended the entire Alhamra team for their unmatched support and dedication. "The success of this festival is a testament to the unwavering commitment and hard work of the Alhamra team. Their support has been instrumental in creating a platform where art and literature converge to celebrate centuries of civilisation," he remarked.
