Latest news with #MohammedAl-Saleem
Arab News
09-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Art Week Riyadh: 3 generations of Saudi abstract art on display
RIYADH: The Saudi Research and Media Group unveiled a compelling collection at the inaugural Art Week Riyadh that traces the evolution of Saudi abstraction. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ Titled 'Abstract Horizons,' it highlights the pioneering contributions of artists like Mohammed Al-Saleem and Abdulhalim Radwi, whose work helped lay the groundwork for the Kingdom's contemporary art movement. Borrowing its name from Al-Saleem's seminal work, the collection takes a unique approach, emphasizing the shifting aesthetic and intellectual currents of the Kingdom through the abstract practices of three generations of Saudi artists. The exhibition seamlessly flows from the early beginnings with artists born in the 1930s and 1940s, whose work predominantly emerged in the 1990s: Radwi was a foundational figure in Saudi modernism; Al-Saleem, who became notable for establishing the 'horizonism' movement, characterized his work with a geometric depiction of the Saudi skyline and desertscape; Taha Al-Seban furthered the desert motif with his unique color compositions. From there, it can be seen how abstraction has transformed into a crucial language in the cultural scene. The exhibition continues to work from the early 2000s, engaging more with culture, identity and memory. There are artists like Abdulrahman Al-Soliman, also a critic, who infused architectural elements to bridge between heritage and contemporary expression; Abdullah Hamas, who reimagines the Saudi landscape through geometric compositions; Fahad Al-Hajailan, whose abstraction plays with color and movement; Raeda Ashour, one of the first female Saudi abstract artists, who adopts a minimalist yet evocative approach with a chromatic palette and fluid silhouettes. Then, at the turn of the 21st century, there is the work of artists born in the 1970s. Abstraction is now a conceptual tool. Rashed Al-Shashai, known for his experimental approach, repurposes everyday materials to construct layered compositions that address the tension between tradition and modernity while, in contrast, Zaman Jassim's abstraction interplays between the tangible and the elusive. SRMG's collection is on display as part of an exhibition titled 'Collections in Dialogue,' featuring collected works by the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) and Hayy Jameel.
Arab News
09-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Sotheby's ‘Origins' auction in Diriyah achieves more than $17 million in sales, with Saudi artists shining
RIYADH: Sotheby's inaugural auction in Saudi Arabia, titled 'Origins,' concluded on Saturday with a total of $17,283,840 in sales in the fine art and luxury categories. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ The historic event at Diriyah's Bujairi Terrace was a turning point for the Kingdom's art and luxury scene, with Saudi artists garnering significant attention. A post shared by (@visitdiriyah) Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of Diriyah Company, highlighted the significance of the collaboration between Diriyah and Sotheby's. 'A few years ago, we decided that Sotheby's, as a 277-year-old brand, had to match up with Diriyah because the value systems were the same, and you can't be Sotheby's without being in Diriyah,' he said in his opening remarks. The modern and contemporary art section featured works by Saudi artists that collectively realized $1.1 million in sales. Mohammed Al-Saleem's untitled work, sourced directly from the artist's daughter, led the Saudi work on offer. The piece, blending abstract Arabic calligraphy with Al-Saleem's vision of Saudi landscapes, sparked intense competition among four bidders before selling for a remarkable $660,000 — triple its pre-sale estimate. Abdulhalim Radwi's vibrant 1984 market scene set a personal auction record, selling for $264,000 after fierce bidding online and in the room. Ahmed Mater's 'Illumination Diptych (Makkiah Tale)' exceeded expectations at $102,000. Mater, one of Saudi Arabia's most acclaimed contemporary artists, is internationally celebrated, with works displayed by institutions throughout the Arab world, the UK and the US. Maha Malluh's 'Magadeer' (from the 'Food for Thought' series), inspired by the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Najd area of the Kingdom, sold for $84,000, also surpassing its estimate. When it came to international works, surrealist Rene Magritte's 'L'Etat de veille' sold for $1.2 million and Fernando Botero's 'Society Woman' made $1 million. Meanwhile, Banksy's 'Subject to Availability' from his series of vandalised oils, sold for $1.2 million. The luxury segment dazzled collectors with an extraordinary selection of rare items, such as a Patek Philippe Grand Complication watch, a Cartier diamond necklace from the Art Deco era, and a limited-edition Hermes Birkin bag crafted from exotic leather. Collectors from 45 countries took part in the auction, demonstrating its global appeal, while nearly one-third of the lots were bought by buyers from Saudi Arabia. Additionally, more than 30 percent of participants were under the age of 40, reflecting the growing interest in art and luxury items among younger generations.
