30th Oct, 2024 12:00
Modern and Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Art
77
WIDAD AL-ORFALI (IRAQI B.1929)
IMAGINARY VIEW OF BAGHDAD
signed in English and Arabic and dated Widad Al Orfali / 1990 lower right
oil on canvas
108 x 88.5cm; 42 3/4 x 34 3/4in
113 x 93cm; 44 1/2 x 36 3/4in (framed)
Property of a Lady, London
Provenance
Acquired from the artist by the present owner in 1992
Born in 1929, Widad al-Orfali studied at the Beirut College for Women for three years, before attending the Institute of Art in Baghdad studying under artists Faiq Hassan, Faraj Abbo, Ismail al-Shaikhly and other prominent figures. She graduated from the institue in 1960 and subsequently held her first solo exhibition in West Germany in 1964.
In 1983, Al-Orfali and her cousin established the first private art gallery in Iraq named the Orfali Gallery that later expanded into a cultural centre, increasing their offerings beyond art exhibitions. The new space hosted musical performances, language classes and poetry readings, and became synonymous as a hub of creativity drawing audiences from far and wide.
Al-Orfali's paintings are known for focusing on fantasy cityscapes, which she calls 'dream cities'. The works amalgamate architectural forms and traditional floral motifs inspired by regions the artists had visited, namely Andalusia and Baghdad.
The present lot is an exquisite work presenting an imaginary view of Baghdad as it might have been soon after its creation in CE 762/AH 144 by the second Abbasid Caliph, al-Mansur, to be his new capital. The lower part of the painting shows reflections of the buildings in the waters of the Tigris, while the blues, golds and greens are traditional Islamic and Baghdadi colours.
Sold for £16,000
IMAGINARY VIEW OF BAGHDAD
signed in English and Arabic and dated Widad Al Orfali / 1990 lower right
oil on canvas
108 x 88.5cm; 42 3/4 x 34 3/4in
113 x 93cm; 44 1/2 x 36 3/4in (framed)
Property of a Lady, London
Provenance
Acquired from the artist by the present owner in 1992
Born in 1929, Widad al-Orfali studied at the Beirut College for Women for three years, before attending the Institute of Art in Baghdad studying under artists Faiq Hassan, Faraj Abbo, Ismail al-Shaikhly and other prominent figures. She graduated from the institue in 1960 and subsequently held her first solo exhibition in West Germany in 1964.
In 1983, Al-Orfali and her cousin established the first private art gallery in Iraq named the Orfali Gallery that later expanded into a cultural centre, increasing their offerings beyond art exhibitions. The new space hosted musical performances, language classes and poetry readings, and became synonymous as a hub of creativity drawing audiences from far and wide.
Al-Orfali's paintings are known for focusing on fantasy cityscapes, which she calls 'dream cities'. The works amalgamate architectural forms and traditional floral motifs inspired by regions the artists had visited, namely Andalusia and Baghdad.
The present lot is an exquisite work presenting an imaginary view of Baghdad as it might have been soon after its creation in CE 762/AH 144 by the second Abbasid Caliph, al-Mansur, to be his new capital. The lower part of the painting shows reflections of the buildings in the waters of the Tigris, while the blues, golds and greens are traditional Islamic and Baghdadi colours.
Auction: Modern and Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Art, 30th Oct, 2024
The Modern & Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Art market has flourished over the last 15 years and continues to grow, establishing a strong foothold in the UK. Our expert department at Olympia Auctions has, uniquely among other auction houses, brought together the synergies of the Arab world, Maghreb and the rest of Africa, reflecting the mutuality and shared history of these regions.
Our previous sales have included works from the collection of the late Saudi collector, Dr Mohammed Said Farsi, and we are proud to hold the auction record for the highest value work on paper by the renowned Egyptian artist Tahia Halim (sold for £6,250).
Each spring and autumn, we hold bi-annual, tightly curated, live auctions, offering both young and established collectors the opportunity to acquire works in a wide range of price brackets.
Contact expert Janet Rady to consign in a future sale or for any queries: janet.rady@olympiaauctions.com | + 44 (0)20 7806 5541
Viewing Times:
27th Oct 2024 12:00 - 16:00
28th Oct 2024 10:00 - 20:00
29th Oct 2024 10:00 - 17:00
