Close

Mod moment: GCC artists at Sothebys

The auction house will celebrate Arab Modernism and contemporary art this month.

A vibrant international platform for modern and contemporary arts spanning an array of countries, this autumn’s edition of Sotheby’s 20th Century Art / Middle East auction will present a dedicated section focusing on artists from the Gulf region. The exhibition opens to the public in London on 19 October, unveiling a number of important works by Mohammed Kazem, Hassan Sharif, Abdulrahman Al Soliman and Munira Al-Kazi – many of whom will be making their first appearance at an international auction in London.

Ashkan Baghestani, Sotheby’s Contemporary Arab and Iranian Art Specialist and Head of Sale, said: ‘Artists, curators, collectors and institutions from the Gulf have for many years made an ambitious mark on the cultural landscape of the Middle East, unlocking the rich heritage of the region and tapping into the unique combination of cultures that coexist. Sotheby’s has always been at the forefront of celebrating – and creating a platform for – this artistic vision, from pioneering the first ever auction of influential Saudi artists in 2014 to consistently introducing new Arab artists to an international audience in London. With the art scene in the region blossoming at an unstoppable rate, it feels like the perfect time to explore both the contemporary practises taking place in the GCC, as well as the modernism that gave birth to these artists and art forms.’

www.sothebys.com

Mohammed Kazem

Hassan Sharif

Abdulrahman Al Soliman

Munira Al Kazi

The Latest

Design Take: Inside the Royal Suite at Jumeirah Al Naseem

With sweeping views of the ocean and Burj Al Arab, this two bedroom royal suite offers a lush stay.

Elevated Living

Designed by La Bottega Interiors, this penthouse at the Delano Dubai echoes soft minimalism

Quiet Luxury

Studio SuCo transforms a villa in Dubailand into a refined home

Contrasting Textures

Located in Al Barari and designed by BONE Studio, this home provides both openness and intimacy through the unique use of materials

Stillness, Form and Function

Yasmin Farahmandy of Y Design Interior has designed a home for a creative from the film industry

From Private to Public

How ELE Interior is reshaping hospitality and commercial spaces around the world – while staying unmistakably itself

A collaborative design journey

A Life By Design (ALBD) Group and Condor Developers have collaborated on some standout spaces in Dubai

Ahmed Bukhash podcast

New Episode: In Design With: Ahmed Bukhash

Watch the latest episode on In Design With.

Highlights of the Biennale Architettura 2025

We shine a light on the pavilions from the Arab world at the Venice Architecture Biennale, on display until Sunday 23 November 2025

Read ‘Bold Design’ – Note from the editor – July/August 2025

Read identity magazine's July/August 2025 edition on ISSUU or grab your copy at the newsstands.

Things to Covet

Elevate your spaces with a pop of colour through these unique pieces

Designing Spaces with Purpose and Passion

We interview Andrea Savage from A Life By Design – Living & Branding on creating aesthetically beautiful and deeply functional spaces