A million dollar calligraphy at Sotheby’s
Qatar recently hosted Sotheby's first ever auction held by an international auction house dedicated entirely to calligraphy. This time the auction was held at Doha (Qatar), where previously a Museum of Islamic Art was opened.
Doha – the city that hosted Sotheby’s calligraphy auctionBefore the auction, all visitors had the possibility to visit a special exposition, which presented the development of Arabic calligraphy beginning from the 8th century. The exposition displayed calligraphic paintings, monumental figures on canvas, bronze, and even made of neon by such famous masters as Ahmed Moustafa, Parviz Tanavoli, Mohammad El Baz and others.
The auction offered 145 masterpieces. Guests of the event were able to estimate the works of 65 artists from 24 countries. On auction completion 103 lots were sold, totaling more than $5.5 million.
The most expensive lot $842 500,00: Ahmed Moustafa “The Night Journey and Ascension”
Nasrollah Afjei, Untitled
Ali Omar Ermes, “The Fourth Ode”
Ahmed Moustafa “Interior in the Exterior”
Farhad Moshiri “095ttv”Commenting on the outcome of event, Robin Woodhead, Sotheby's Chairman, said: "The concept of a calligraphic auction was very well accepted. This exposition was exhibited in London, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Beirut, Cairo, Kuwait, and finally, in Doha, culminating in this auction. Last week, we witnessed hundreds of visitors coming to the pre-sale exhibition and lectures. The auction room was filled with nearly 150 clients, who were competing in the purchase of unique works”.
The representative of Sotheby's in the Middle East, Dalya Islam, added that the success of the auction is clear evidence that the level of the proposed work sets extremely high prices for items in all categories.
Undoubtedly, this auction is a testament to the revival and appreciation of calligraphy in the world. The team of the International Exhibition of Calligraphy proudly notes that one of our participants is Nja Mahdaoui, the patriarch of world and Arabic calligraphy. He is a calligrapher of Arab sheikhs and kings, well-known throughout the world through paintings on national Asian airline aircrafts. Also, he is famous for his designs on stained glass windows of buildings and palaces. Mr. Mahdaoui is International Jury member of the Unesco Arts Prize. His works have been exhibited around the world, they can be found in major collections such as the British Museum.
Master-class by Nja Mahdaoui at the II International Exhibition of Calligraphy
External design of aircrafts for the GULF AIR 50th AnniversaryIn 2009, Nja Mahdaoui visited Moscow at the II International Exhibition of Calligraphy by invitation from Alexey Shaburov, Director of the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy. Showing up at the pavilions of EcoCenter Sokolniki Museum-Educational Complex, Nja Mahdaoui held a series of master classes for children and adults, and also gave a number of exclusive interviews for the federal TV channels.
Experts note the International Exhibition of Calligraphy – the largest world project dedicated to the art of beautiful handwriting – was one of the incentives while organizing the auction. Calligraphy as an art becomes a relevant trend, interest in which is growing rapidly from year to year.
