Christies Dubai auction beckons change: will there be any takers?

Christie’s sales in Dubai dedicated to International Modern and Contemporary Art on Thursday 1st February 2007 only reinforces the growing importance of Asia and the Middle East to its top line growth.

The catalogue with 195 lots on offer from 21 different countries will undoubtedly have appeal to both the resident Muslim as well as well healed ex pats from all over the world that call Dubai their home. The Indian contingent is strong this time around too with over 60 works which is the most from any single country.

This cleverly crafted catalogue also features single works by European and US superstars such as Bridget Riley and Gary Hume from Britain, Andy Warhol from the US and Gerhard Richter and Andreas Gursky from Germany - all big names that come with even bigger bragging rights. However, some of the more interesting works are from Iran and Syria and to a lesser degree Lebanon and Egypt.






The photo works are especially strong particularly the ones by Shirin Neshat which are my top picks. Amongst the Syrian artists, young self taught Subhan Adam (lot 250) is also quite promising and those looking to shop in Dubai have an opportunity to put on the hat of a true collector, buy with their eyes rather than with their ears and take full advantage to extend their collection beyond the usual suspects.

Take for instance the works by Chafic Abboud who had a conspicuously similar journey to that of Syed Haider Raza. Both studied at the Ecole Des Beaux-Arts and choose to settle in France while still in their twenties. Compare lots 346 and 339 by Raza from the 60’s to lots 239 and 240 by Abboud also from the 60’s and you will find that except the price, there is not much separating the oeuvre of these two French artists of Indian and Lebanese origin.




A head to head comparison like this is probably a bit unfair and is highlighted more to illustrate a point about the psychology of buying and how equally good (or bad) works depending on your point of view can be had for a lot less money if buyers are only willing to overlook less significant attributes such as the signature and artist's country of origin as a guide post to decision making.

Art is nothing if it is not about following your heart and taking a risk so study all the sections of the catalogue - who knows perhaps you will discover a diamond in the rough, or something more precious. Yourself!