The Second Auction of Arabian Wings (AW) showcasing the artwork of Saudi and Arab artists on Thursday was a runaway success with sales worth SR4.7 million. The artistic pieces included sculptures, paintings, contemporary art, Islamic and classical art.
AW, the leading patron of art in the Kingdom, organized the auction with the cooperation of the Fitaihi Group at the Fitaihi auction hall.
The auction was graced by the presence of art connoisseurs and famous art collectors namely Lina Lazaar, Mohammed Hassan Jameel, Fadi Jameel, Dr. Manal Fakeeh, Tariq Fakeeh, Dr. Talal Adhaum, architect Talal Kurdi, Eng. Ghazi Jann, Hasan Halabi, Mohammed Al-Mubarak, Faisal Yamani, Amar Al-Amuwi, Abdullah Naseef and his wife Noura Al-Mazroa’a.
Dr. Manal S. Fakeeh, partner and member of the board of Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital Jeddah, who bought almost 10 art pieces of different kinds, said it was an excellent opportunity for her to acquire some unique art work for her personal collection and for display at the Fakeeh Nursing College.
“I am an art collector so it was an excellent opportunity for me to attend and be able to see a unique collection of art work such as sculptures, paintings, photography and art work by young and old Arab artists, especially Saudi artists. I think my purchase is a good investment,” she said.
Mohammed Bharwai, the chairman of Arabian Wings, told Arab News that the first round of Arabian Wings art auction was held in 2011, which was also quite successful but 2013 was all about contemporary art with different moods and tastes.
“In this auction we presented an antique Islamic collection, Kiswat Al-Kaaba; 20 percent of the pieces were classical and about 80 percent comprised contemporary artwork,” he said. He further said that after the remarkable success of the first ever Saudi artists’ collection auction in Jeddah they are planning to hold the event twice a year over two days. The first day will showcase antique, Islamic and classical art while the second day will be all about contemporary art. “But all the artwork will be displayed under one roof,” he explained.
Lina Lazaar, contemporary art specialist from Sotheby’s and director for the Middle East told Arab News that the collection was excellent.
“This is the first time I have ever seen such a successful auction in Jeddah. There was much more focus on local talent which was quite nice. I come from the world of auctions and was quite surprised by the quality of the work, the venue, layout and the auction itself,” she said.
The auction presented the artwork of budding Saudi artists namely Mohammed Siam, Taha Saban, Abdullah Hassas, Mohammed Asiri, Mazhar Ahmed, Nahar Marzooq and many more.
“Most of the artwork on sale was by young artists discovered in the Arabian Wings (AW) contests, the AW contemporary awards and Jameel photography award. We are very thankful to Jameel photography awards and the Abdul Latif Jameel community Initiatives (ALJCI) for supporting AW and the artists,” said Najla’a Felemban the founder of Arabian Wings and an artist.
Abdullah Hassas, one of the Saudi artists said that he believes that Arabian Wings will have laid the foundation for art shows in Jeddah within three years. Already, it is a leading name in the world of art, both locally and internationally. “Being with Arabian Wings is an honor for me,” he said.
