One of the most significant works by renowned Egyptian modernist Hamed Nada, Battle for Liberation (Maerakat al-Tahrir), stunned the art world at Bonhamsโ Modern and Contemporary Middle Eastern Art sale, fetching $274,000โmore than triple its pre-sale estimate. Exhibited at a landmark Paris show in 1971, this extraordinary painting captivated collectors with its powerful historical significance and unique provenance. Continue reading to explore HD photos of this Middle Eastern masterpiece.
In a landmark moment for art history, a 14th-century Sarghitmish mosque lamp from Egypt has shattered records, fetching an extraordinary ยฃ5,130,400 ($6.56 million) at Bonhamsโ Islamic and Indian Art Sale in London on November 12, 2024. The sale attracted intense competition both in the room and via phone bidders, solidifying the lamp’s status as the most expensive glass object ever sold at auction. Initially estimated at ยฃ600,000-1,000,000 ($785,000-1,300,000), the lamp’s final price far exceeded expectations.
A rare and historically significant 14th-century Mamluk mosque lamp from Egypt, known as the Sarghitmish lamp, will be a highlight at Bonhams’ Islamic and Indian Art Sale on 12 November 2024. With an estimated value of ยฃ600,000-1,000,000, this exquisite piece of Islamic glassware boasts impeccable provenance, having been in the family of Egypt’s first Prime Minister, Nubar Pasha, for over a century. The lamp, commissioned by Emir Sarghitmish during the reign of Sultan an-Nasir Muhammad, is adorned with intricate enamel and gilded inscriptions, blending piety and politics in its design. Its rich exhibition history includes displays in some of Paris’ most prominent museums, making it one of the most important examples of medieval Islamic craftsmanship ever offered at auction.
Mostafa Nodeh, a self-taught photographer based in Gilan, Iran, has carved a niche for himself in the world of photography with his captivating minimalist landscape photographs. Born in 1980, Nodeh’s work is characterized by its profound simplicity and the deep sense of calm it evokes. His photographs, predominantly in black and white, are not merely images but visual poetry that invites viewers to pause and reflect, offering a serene escape from the frenetic pace of modern life.
Magzoid Magazine returned with a celebration of artistic talent and growth with the Emerging Art Icons Award 2024, followed by last year’s success. The event, powered by Wasaya Investments, took place at 53 Dubai and was hosted by Joe Mohan. The award presentation, which served as a stepping stone to growing the essence of the art scene in the UAE, showcased exceptional talent across various art disciplines. It underlined the importance of joint ventures, sponsorships, residencies, and charitable endeavors in helping the UAE’s creative economy flourish. Magzoid is a significant player in the industry because, at its foundation, it is committed to building an inclusive, sustainable, creative ecosystem that values innovation, diversity, and important social effects.
The artistic soul of the UAE is set to be rekindled with the eagerly awaited return of the Emerging Art Icons Awards. This second edition unfolds the canvas for a new chapter of artistic exploration, inviting a kaleidoscope of talents to showcase their creativity and vision. In its inaugural year, the event etched an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of the artistic community, celebrated for its unparalleled dedication to elevating unseen talent and fostering a vibrant culture of innovation and expression. “Witnessing the transformational journeys of last year’s participants was nothing short of inspirational,” reflects an art patron, signaling the profound impact of the awards.
An extraordinary rediscovery in the world of Islamic art has emerged as a bronze portrait medallion of Sultan Mehmed II, predating his historic conquest of Constantinople, prepares to take the spotlight at Bonhams Islamic and Indian Art Sale on Tuesday, May 21. The event will be held at Bonhams New Bond Street location in London, where art enthusiasts and historians alike will have the opportunity to witness this remarkable artifact.
Since the Taliban regime took control of Afghanistan in 2021, those working in archives, museums, cultural heritage sites, film and television, music, visual arts, performing arts, literature and arts education have faced the threats of persecution. Punishments have been meted out including extrajudicial killings, arrests, arbitrary detention and public humiliation while arts and cultural institutions, including museums and archives, have been either nearly or completely shut down.
A magnificent and extremely rare Islamic Mecca-centred world map, a masterpiece from Safavid Persia, sold for ยฃ1.86 million at Bonhams Islamic and Indian Art Sale today (Tuesday 14 November). It had an estimate of ยฃ1,500,000-2,000,000. The map, formerly on display at the Harvard Museum of Art, and dating from the last quarter of the 17th century, is the finest and most complete Mecca-centred world map of only three surviving examples (the other two were discovered in 1989 and 1995) and is the most important Islamic scientific instrument ever offered at auction.
The Artistic Freedom Initiative (AFI) urgently called for the safety of Afghan artists who are categorically persecuted by the Taliban as demonstrated in a new report launched today: Artistic Exodus: Afghan Artists Fleeing Taliban Rule. The report, produced in partnership with UC Berkeley Law Pro Bono Program, brings to light the abuse of people working in music, visual arts, performing arts, film and television, literature, museums, cultural heritage sites and arts education since the regime regained control of Afghanistan two years ago.ย
