Dr Elgibreen places this fascinating collection not only into the context of the local Saudi Arabian art scene from the 1960s until the present but also the extraordinary connections made with other artists from the region, many of which are represented in this selection (see lots 4–33).

Featuring A Modernist Vanguard: The Shatha Ibrahim Al Tassan collection, Saudi Arabia

The Quest for "Real Saudi Art"

The Quest for "Real Saudi Art" by Dr Eiman Elgibreen

Rana Sadik, along with Samer Younis, are life long residents of Kuwait of Palestinian descent. Amongst the two, Sadik has taken the lead on forming the parameters of collecting, based on both their shared interest in their heritage and live culture. Sadik has been active with numerous initiatives such as Ashkal Alwan, Lebanon, Arab Fund for Arts and Culture, Bidoun Magazine, and Delfina Foundation, among others, serving in various roles. Sadik also works closely with multiple independent curators, artists and projects, often forming long lasting relationships, in addition to her own practice of MINRASY PROJECTS, that conceives and produces projects in public spaces.

"I believed in the artist and believe in the work, reinforcing that this work has value to me, and adds value to the greater dialogue of works collected." - Rana Sadik

Selected Works From the Collection of Rana Sadik, Kuwait

Plunge into one of the artist’s favourite places, Ischia. It was here that she not only found refuge but developed a new style inspired by the saturation of colours around her, from the depth of the sea to the grottos along the Bay of Naples and burning sunsets. Note the way she uses the palette knife to create texture and understand the special significance of this work through its special dedication to the reverse.

Fahrelnissa Zeid and Ischia

“When I was studying art beyond the Western artistic creativity I really started getting to learn about artists from my own culture. For someone who has been brought up largely outside of their culture, it connected me with my culture so much more and this adventure has been energizing and wonderful!” - Maya Rasamny quoted in Grazia Pakistan

Thought-Provoking Works From the Maya Rasamny Collection

London

This fall, Sotheby’s is excited to showcase several important private collections at the heart of its bi-annual 20th Century Art/Middle East sale. Showcasing pioneering modernist masters to groundbreaking contemporary artists, one of the binding principles guiding these female-led collections are passion, dedication and the connections and conversations incited by powerful works. It is rare to be able to bring to the market such a broad range of masterpieces, each distinctive in its own way. Another highlight is a rare expressionistic painting produced in Ischia by Fahrelnissa Zeid and gifted to her granddaughter. Further notable masterpieces include four different works by Etel Adnan, a monumental portrait by Marwan Kassab-Bachi, and a highly unusual geometric painting by Egyptian pioneer Abdel Hadi El Gazzar.