DUBAI: This summer, Sotheby’s is taking over London’s famed Bond Street for “Hafla” (the Arabic word for celebration), a series of exhibitions and events showcasing Middle Eastern culture.
Each of Sotheby’s London galleries will host an aspect of Middle East culture in an almost month-long round of exhibitions, accompanied by a series of public events.
Pochette Zaboon. (Courtesy of Sotheby’s)
Among the highlights displayed are five limited-edition handbags designed by Saudi Arabia’s Princess Nourah Al-Faisal. Created in collaboration with Asprey and the princess’s brand, Nuun, the bold designs pay homage to the five major regions of the Kingdom, displaying their diversity and beauty by the use of color, motifs and embroidery techniques.
Also on display will be more than 50 artworks spanning 50 years of modern visual art in the Kingdom, comprising paintings, sculptures and installations, curated in collaboration with Qaswra Hafez, founder of Hafez Gallery in Jeddah.
Visitors will also get to see 60 exceptional jewelry creations brought together by A2Z Advisory Bahrain, which explore the inspiration of the Eastern world on jewelry design.
A calligraphic scroll section, Turkey or Persia, Ottoman or Timurid, mid-15th century. (Courtesy of Sotheby’s)
Finally, the exhibitions will present the rich calligraphic traditions from across the Islamic world. From the earliest Qur’anic manuscripts in Kufic script to the lavish illumination of the Qajars, a selection of important leaves from religious and secular manuscripts will show the evolution and breadth of the calligraphic arts from the eighth to the 21st century.
Accompanying the art and objects displayed will be a series of events aimed at immersing visitors in the rich history of the Middle East, including panel discussions and gallery tours.
Sotheby’s Restaurant will also get a makeover, in homage to the region’s cafe culture.
