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Husein Alireza Curates Sotheby’s First Auction in Saudi Arabia
The Olympic rower returns to his first love – art – at the Origins auction in Diriyah.
I n reaching the quarterfinals in rowing at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Husein Alireza – the first Saudi Arabian to ever do so – triggered a wave of pride from his home country. Not only was he a dashing young sports icon achieving global success, he was also a figurehead for a new era of Saudi achievement and sporting excellence.
Having gone on to represent the Kingdom again, at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Alireza’s face is now a familiar one within the elite cadre of Saudi Arabia’s global athletes. He is a hero for Saudi youngsters, who have been increasingly drawn to the traditional sport so beloved of Oxford and Cambridge universities, thanks to Husein’s passion for the thrills and excitement of competitive rowing.
A co-founder of the Saudi Rowing Federation, Alireza’s international recognition reflects a wider mood of positivity and optimism across the Kingdom – with confident, passionate and supremely optimistic young Saudis innovating and representing in sports and culture on a global platform. Having ascended the heights of sporting success, Alireza now has set his sights on rekindling one of his deepest passions – for art.
“My mother loved art, and she loved that I was into art from an early age.”
- Husein Alireza
An art lover since his childhood spent at Charterhouse, Edinburgh and Cambridge, Husein Alireza credits his late mother as a key motivator in his love of creative expression. “My mother loved art, and she loved that I was into art from an early age,” he tells Sotheby’s, as we discuss the forthcoming Origins auction in Diriyah, Sotheby’s inaugural presentation of fine art, jewellery and sporting memorabilia, on February 8, 2025.
Today, he counts a series of prayers, hand painted by his mother and framed after her death by Alireza and his sister, complete with pressed flowers, as being the most precious items on his wall. “They are the first things you see when you come in the house,” he says. “So every time I walk through that door, it sort of it re-centres me. Your compass may be all over the place, but as soon as you walk through that archway into the room it’s set back to north!”
Alireza is drawn, he tells Sotheby’s, towards an artwork’s inner narrative, irrespective of formal attributes or superficial elements. Humour, humanity and lived experience also deeply fascinate him. This approach, borne of a lifetime’s curiosity and sensitivity to the human condition and the state of the world, drives Alireza to note intriguing parallels between the sports sector in Saudi and the Kingdom’s recent resurgence of cultural activity, most visible in the rise of art events in Jeddah and Riyadh, in recent years.
“What we are seeing now, after hosting sporting events in football, boxing and Formula One, is that interest from the younger generation here is very high. I’m getting messages all the time from youngsters asking, how and where can I row? We don’t have enough capacity to keep up at the moment; we cannot meet the demand with rowing. We’re working as fast as we can to get as many boats as we can, to hire as many coaches as we can!”
“And so that’s what’s happening in the Saudi art scene now,” he continues. “Having this auction here exposes the locals to all these wonderful pieces. And the pieces you have are sculptures, paintings, jewellery – and I see great value in that, in that it will inspire people to these standards. Bringing all these incredible art pieces here informs us where we need to end. So, I think that is going to be exciting.”
Husein Alireza’s Picks
Abdulhalim Radwi, ‘Untitled’
“I chose this untitled painting because, firstly, the narrative really stood out to me. I recently met one of Abdulhalim Radwi’s relatives and came to learn about his key role in shaping Saudi Modernism. His artistic perspective was deeply influenced by being one of the first artists from Saudi Arabia to study abroad – something that I can relate to, having also studied abroad. What makes this even more meaningful to me, is that he lived in Jeddah, the city I call home.
“Radwi had this amazing way of blending traditional Arab and Islamic motifs with Modern and abstract styles, creating a visual language that connected with people both locally and globally. He wasn’t just a painter – he was also a writer and a cultural advocate who played a big role in building up the art scene in Saudi Arabia. His work is still super inspiring, striking a balance between tradition and modernity that feels timeless.
“With this painting in particular, I enjoy the intricate patterns and textures that remind me of Islamic art, especially the use of geometric shapes and symmetry. The bold red tones give off energy and passion, and they might even reflect the desert landscapes of Saudi Arabia. There’s also a warmth to the painting that feels like a deep connection Radwi had with Saudi. After looking at his other works, they always seem to tell stories that feel personal but relatable. Finally, in this piece the way the forms are grouped together makes me think of themes like community, unity, and connection – things Radwi often explored in his art.”
Michael Jordan’s Game-Worn ‘Last Dance’ Jersey
“I’ve spoken about the importance of storytelling and narratives, and what this jersey represents for me first and foremost as an athlete is an unyielding dedication to perfecting one’s craft, a relentless obsession with honing every detail and striving for mastery. The singular focus required to achieve greatness. In today’s world, life is made increasingly complex by the constant noise of social media and distractions pulling us in countless directions. For me, this jersey would serve as a powerful reminder to cut through the clutter, stay grounded and remain steadfast in the pursuit of excellence.”
Fernando Botero, ‘Society Woman’
“Fernando Botero’s Society Woman tells a story – the exaggerated form of the woman can symbolise the excesses of privilege and the self-importance often tied to high society. But it’s not necessarily a critique; it’s more of a playful observation. The piece combines humour, beauty and depth, creating art that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking. I find humour, in particular, a powerful way to communicate, and here it invites us to reflect on human nature while still enjoying the artistry.”
Cartier Crash
“What makes the Cartier Crash so special is its unique design, [possibly] inspired by Salvador Dalí’s melting clocks, giving it a direct connection to the art world. This watch embodies the innovative and rebellious spirit of the Swinging Sixties – a period defined by cultural shifts and creative freedom. It’s a testament to how art tells a story, capturing the essence of its era in a way that remains compelling and relevant. I always look for the narrative, and the story of this watch appealed to me.”
Henri Martin, ‘Le Bassin principal du parc de Marquayrol à Labastide-du-Vert’
“This painting has such a nostalgic vibe, like looking back on a favourite childhood memory. The soft, pointillism-inspired style gives it a warm, dreamlike feel. For Henri Martin, Marquayrol – his retreat in the south of France – was his happy place. He loved painting its gardens and landscapes, and you can feel his connection to it in the details. I spent summers in the British countryside as a kid – me and my siblings would be playing in fields surrounded by cows and sheep – so this scene really resonates with me. It feels familiar and comforting in a way that’s hard to explain.”
Sotheby’s is pleased to partner with the 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale, which takes place in Jeddah and is the world’s first biennale dedicated to the Islamic arts, offering the opportunity for renewed perspective and research. Discover more here.
