Saudi artists join roster for prestigious Sotheby’s auction 

Saudi artists join roster for prestigious Sotheby’s auction 
Taha Al-Sabban’s ‘Untitled (Boats).’ (Supplied) 
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Updated 11 April 2024
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Saudi artists join roster for prestigious Sotheby’s auction 

Saudi artists join roster for prestigious Sotheby’s auction 
  • Highlights from Sotheby’s Modern & Contemporary Middle East sale, which runs April 11-25 

DUBAI: Here are the highlights from Sotheby’s Modern & Contemporary Middle East sale, which runs Apr. 11-25.

 

Abdulhalim Radwi 

‘Untitled’ 

Radwi’s ability “to merge popular culture and sentiments with newly acquired artistic techniques serves as a precursor to contemporary Saudi art today,” Sotheby’s states in its auction notes. Radwi’s mother — an artist herself — is credited with nurturing his ability as a child, but it was in Rome in the 1960s that his skills truly flourished as he began to explore abstraction. He is recognized as one of the first Saudis to pursue further education abroad, and in the seven years he lived in Italy, he exhibited nine times. When he returned to his homeland in 1968, he began to teach art. “Though absorbed by Western artistic discourses, Radwi did not stray from local heritage and traditions, and instead invoked his own narrative of the Arab world through cubism and expressionism, setting himself apart from his contemporaries,” the auction notes state. 

This piece, according to Sotheby’s is “exemplary” of Radwi’s later work, “which became more engaged with the artist’s cultural identity.” It depicts the old neighborhoods of Saudi towns “through a futurist scene blending traditional Ottoman architecture with contemporary influences.”  

The notes continue: “The very essence of his works lies not in their physicality but in the emotions they trigger.”  

 

Taha Al-Sabban  

‘Untitled (Boats)’ 

Al-Sabban was born in Makkah in 1948, just eight years after Abdulhalim Radwi. The latter became something of a mentor to Al-Sabban, having, according to Sotheby’s “a profound effect” on his development as an artist, selecting him for one of the first exhibitions at the Jeddah Centre of Fine Arts. Encouraged by Radwi, Al-Sabban, too, studied abroad, first in Beirut and then in Rome. 

“Al-Sabban recognized the cultural necessity of art in Europe, which lent itself to his enduring fascination with his own culture and traditions. The holy city of Mecca, his birthplace, and the ancient city of Jeddah, to which he relocated, are central influences to the artist’s oeuvre; he derived inspiration from the rich history and variety of the people that he encountered in the city, its rituals, landscape, and social life,” the auction notes state. This expressionistic work was produced while he lived in Jeddah, where he had developed a deep love for the sea. “Here, he captures in abstract the nature of the ocean through a cool, deep palette and vertical energy, as if the forms rise, swaying, from the sea floor.” 

 

Inji Efflatoun 

‘Untitled (Baking)’ 

Efflatoun was an important figure in Egyptian culture not just for her artworks, but for her social activism. As a young adult, she shunned her privileged aristocratic background, joining several left-wing organizations, and promoting anti-imperialist and anti-nationalist causes. “Her political convictions are mirrored in her compositions, depicting the predicaments of Egyptians under social inequalities,” Sotheby’s states. 

In 1959, Efflatoun was imprisoned as part of a crackdown on communism in Egypt. Upon her release four years later, she continued to paint, but produced less overtly political work. However, as Sotheby’s notes, and as this 1971 work shows, “she persisted in representing the working class and its living conditions, the one cause which always animated her.” 

 

Mohamed Hamidi  

‘Untitled’ 

This veteran painter is considered one of Morocco’s finest artists. He studied in France before returning to teach in his homeland, where he took part in the seminal “Manifesto” exhibition in Marrakech in 1969, as one of the co-founders of the Moroccan Association of Plastic Arts. 

Morocco’s Loft Art Gallery says of the artist, “The whole of Hamidi's work focuses on the body, whose representation he pushes to the limits of abstraction with the use of increasingly refined forms. He demonstrates a keen interest in African art and its symbols. Bright colors also characterize his work.” 

  

Faik Hassan 

‘Untitled (The Three Wise Men)’ 

Recognized as a central figure in Iraqi contemporary art, Hassan’s work, Sotheby’s states, is “marked by technical skill and variation through a vast exploration of stylistic genres, Hassan has been labelled a primitivist, an impressionist, and a cubist,” according to the auction notes. “His exploration of styles prompted a break with academic restrictions. He is most commonly known for his realistic depictions of everyday life in Iraq. His works are dominated by Iraqi villagers, laborers, horsemen, and landscapes, all conveyed with an emotional fragility, regardless of style.” 

 

Tarek Al-Ghoussein 

‘K Files – 655’ 

This work is from the late Kuwaiti artist’s “K Files” series, which, according to The Third Line gallery in Dubai, “documents found material from family albums, antique shops, the Internet and other sources in an ongoing process. The performative photographs feature interactions between the artist and sites of grandness and importance in an attempt to track significant places in Kuwait’s development.” 

 

Chant Avedissian 

‘Tahiya Carioca (no 45)’  

Much of Avedissian’s work focuses on figures from Cairo’s “Golden Age,” although the vibrant images are inspired by the often-dark nationalism of those times. In this work, Sotheby’s states, “the artist’s nostalgia manifests itself through an image of Tahiya Carioca, the Egyptian belly dancer and film actress who is a household name across the Middle East. Carioca’s life intertwined with the forces of liberation and was filled with art and rebellion. Avedissian deploys sophisticated stencils to readapt a popular picture of Carioca. In doing so, he linked himself directly to media imagery from the mid-20th century.” 


Gail’s Bakery co-founder dismisses claims of Israeli ownership as ‘ridiculous’

Gail’s Bakery co-founder dismisses claims of Israeli ownership as ‘ridiculous’
Updated 31 August 2024
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Gail’s Bakery co-founder dismisses claims of Israeli ownership as ‘ridiculous’

Gail’s Bakery co-founder dismisses claims of Israeli ownership as ‘ridiculous’

DUBAI: The co-founder and chief executive of London’s Gail's Bakery, Tom Molnar, has addressed claims that the bakery is Israel-owned and opposed to the ceasefire, calling these allegations “ridiculous.”

In an interview with The Times, Molnar said: “Gail’s proudly has Jewish roots and there’s plenty of stuff out there celebrating our heritage and history, but it’s not true it’s Israel-owned.

“There’s some just crazy stuff on the web thinking we are funding Israel, which is just completely ridiculous. We’re a wholly UK-based business, paying UK taxes, it’s just ludicrous and I think it needs to be called out,” Molnar added.

The backlash against the bakery has been growing over the past month, fueled by posts like one from author Salma Ibrahim on X, who wrote: “Guys, Gail’s is an Israeli company. Another one to boycott along with Starbucks and Pret.” Her post garnered over 3,700 shares and likes, reaching nearly 300,000 people.


Loli Bahia showcases bold style in new campaign

Loli Bahia showcases bold style in new campaign
Updated 31 August 2024
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Loli Bahia showcases bold style in new campaign

Loli Bahia showcases bold style in new campaign

DUBAI: French Algerian model Loli Bahia has added another high-profile campaign to her portfolio, this time joining Swedish fashion brand H&M’s latest Autumn/ Winter 2024 collection.

In the first campaign image, Bahia, who is signed to Women Management Paris, was seen wearing a flowing black ensemble that includes a sheer, oversized top paired with wide-leg trousers. The outfit featured ruffled hems and a high neckline and was accompanied by a large black bag.

The second image shows the catwalk star in a crisp white blouse with structured, exaggerated sleeves, paired with a high-waisted black leather skirt detailed with silver studs.

In the first campaign image, Bahia was seen wearing a flowing black ensemble that includes a sheer, oversized top paired with wide-leg trousers. (Supplied)

In another shot, she was pictured in an oversized dark fur coat layered over wide-leg pants.

The campaign also features British singer Charli XCX, Venezuelan musician Arca, British model Lila Moss, American skateboarder and artist Sage Elsesser, and British musician Sega Bodega.

The latest collection embraces a mid-century aesthetic, evident in its suiting with boxy jackets and micro skirts. 

In another shot, she was pictured in an oversized dark fur coat layered over wide-leg pants. (Supplied)

The new drop features vintage-style opulence, with beading and studs adorning knitwear, heirloom-style mesh dresses, as well as leather and suede pieces.

The knitwear selection includes skirt suits in stretch wool, along with matching vests and shorts that are set to become wardrobe essentials.

The color palette spans a range of browns, from caramel to deep mahogany, with oxblood and green adding to the archival vibe. Black and white are used as accent tones. 

Accessories in the collection include heeled pumps with statement round toes, studded loafers, and furry slip-ons. The bags are sleek and directional, while the jewelry ranges from minimal and angular to off-beat and earthy.

The catwalk star also wore a crisp white blouse with structured, exaggerated sleeves, paired with a high-waisted black leather skirt detailed with silver studs. (Supplied)

“This collection is full of many special inspirations and quality materials. The leather, the knits, the sparkly separates – together the pieces showcase the strength of H&M’s fashion ability. It’s all about truly great clothes: real wardrobe icons. The campaign lets the fashion shine,” said Eliana Masgalos, the womenswear design director at H&M. 

Meanwhile, Bahia is one of the most in-demand models in the industry, becoming a runway fixture in just a few months after a breakthrough Spring 2022 fashion season, where she walked in 65 shows.

She has walked for a host of prestigious labels, including Chanel, Tory Burch, Givenchy, Lanvin, Schiaparelli and Valentino. Bahia also fronted campaigns for Saint Laurent, Tod’s, Isabel Marant, Courreges and Max Mara in addition to starring on the cover of Vogue Italia.


Elyanna joins Coldplay on stage in Dublin

Elyanna joins Coldplay on stage in Dublin
Updated 31 August 2024
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Elyanna joins Coldplay on stage in Dublin

Elyanna joins Coldplay on stage in Dublin

DUBAI: Palestinian Chilean singer Elyanna joined Coldplay on stage this week during their concert in Dublin to perform their recently released song “We Pray.”

She performed alongside rapper Little Simz, Nigerian singer Burna Boy and Argentine singer Tini, who are also featured on the track.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Coldplay (@coldplay)

“I’m still in awe of last night! Sharing this moment with all these amazing artists on @coldplay’s stage felt so wholesome,” she wrote to her 1.7 million followers on Instagram. “I sang ‘We Pray’ in Arabic, I sang for hope and most importantly for my hometown Palestine.”


Italy showcases 25 brands at Dubai Fashion Week’s ‘La Moda Italiana’ initiative

Italy showcases 25 brands at Dubai Fashion Week’s ‘La Moda Italiana’ initiative
Updated 31 August 2024
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Italy showcases 25 brands at Dubai Fashion Week’s ‘La Moda Italiana’ initiative

Italy showcases 25 brands at Dubai Fashion Week’s ‘La Moda Italiana’ initiative

DUBAI: Dubai Fashion Week is gearing up for its Spring/Summer 2025 showcase, with international labels set to hit the runway from Sept. 1-5.

This year, Italy will make a significant appearance at DFW with the launch of “La Moda Italiana: Dubai Edition,” a dedicated initiative introduced by the Italian Trade Agency in collaboration with the Arab Fashion Council and Confindustria Moda. 

The initiative will feature 25 Italian brands across various product categories, including clothing, textiles, footwear, leather goods and eyewear. These brands will showcase the pinnacle of Made in Italy craftsmanship in Dubai Design District. 

Valerio Soldani, the Italian trade commissioner, told Arab News that he believes this initiative will strengthen Italy’s relationship with the UAE, particularly in the fashion sector.

“Our trade exchange has been growing by double digits in recent years when it comes to the four pillars of Made in Italy: factory, fashion, food and furniture,” he said. “We think that fashion is also a good way to provide opportunities for Italian and UAE designers to collaborate, create new things, and blend cultures, industries and ideas.”

He believes this collaboration could happen through initiatives such as agreements with local retailers and partnerships between Italian companies and local designers to boost sales in the online channels across the Gulf Cooperation Council region. 

“We have noticed that our fashion exports have been growing consistently in the last five years. So we thought — with our headquarters — to do something big, to have a big splash into the UAE market. And we decided to team up with the Arab fashion Council and Confindustria Moda to showcase Italian excellence, quality and innovation when it comes to fashion.” 

The 25 brands, Soldani said, were carefully selected by the involved parties. “They provided an opportunity for many Italian companies to apply by submitting their lookbooks and Instagram accounts. Our partners at the Arab Fashion Council then chose a selection of 25 brands that best represent and align with the UAE’s tastes and trends in fashion.”

He said this provides Italian fashion startups with the opportunity to enter the GCC market.

Reflecting on the essence of Italian fashion, Soldani quoted Giorgio Armani: “Elegance is not about being noticed; it is about being remembered.”

He added: “I think that Italy is renowned and remembered all over the world because of quality, innovation, and sustainability, which is a very big topic right now for young designers, for customers all around the world, and it resonates with the efforts of the UAE in delivering cutting-edge solutions and driving innovation in these key areas.” 


REVIEW: Jeff Goldblum shines as Zeus in modern-day Greek comedy ‘Kaos’

REVIEW: Jeff Goldblum shines as Zeus in modern-day Greek comedy ‘Kaos’
Updated 30 August 2024
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REVIEW: Jeff Goldblum shines as Zeus in modern-day Greek comedy ‘Kaos’

REVIEW: Jeff Goldblum shines as Zeus in modern-day Greek comedy ‘Kaos’

DUBAI: Although “Kaos” is steeped in the world of ancient Greek myth, its story of an aging, vain, thin-skinned despot desperate to be worshipped and prone to lash out indiscriminately in rage if he feels slighted is, sadly, very of-the-moment.

In this case, that despot is Zeus (played beautifully by Jeff Goldblum), king of the deities, who lives on Mount Olympus with his wife (who’s also his sister — that’s the ancient Greeks for you) Hera (a regal and weary-of-cleaning-up-Zeus’-messes Janet McTeer).

“Kaos” is set in an alternative modern world where pantheism is still the prominent religion, and where the deities — and other figures from Greek mythology — move among humans. We jump into the action on the holy day of Olympia, when humans celebrate Zeus (via, among other ways, human sacrifice of a willing volunteer). A new monument to him is due to be unveiled, but when it is, it has been vandalized by a gang of Trojans. Coupled with the discovery of a new wrinkle on his forehead, this is enough to send Zeus spiraling, and he decides that an old prophecy about the end of his reign must be coming true — leading to ever-increasing paranoia and bad choices.

The catch is, at least according to the narrator, Prometheus (whom Zeus considers his closest friend, despite condemning him to an eternity chained to a rock while an eagle pecks at his liver), the prophecy is coming true. Or, at least, a series of events that will have the same effect is in motion.

Ostensibly, “Kaos” is a comedy. And there are certainly some very funny moments. But it’s also much deeper than that. In the first two episodes alone there are ruminations about the loneliness of falling out of love with your partner, gender politics, and the potential damage of parental expectations; (off-camera) infanticide; a magnificent scene of a young couple wordlessly pleading with The Fates to be allowed to enter the Underworld and try to recover their deceased son; and many takes on the danger of power. In other words, there’s a lot to sink your teeth into. And that’s without mentioning all the great portrayals of other figures from Greek myth (including Orpheus, Dionysus, Hades, Medusa, and Cassandra).

Show creator Charlie Covell has crafted something very special with “Kaos.” It’s an intelligent, compelling, very funny, and deeply moving show that richly rewards — and deserves — your attention.