Close

Viktor Udzenija selects 10 contemporary designs from the Middle East for Christie’s auction

The pieces are part of Christie's inaugural Middle Eastern Modern & Contemporary Art & Design auction

Architect and interior designer Viktor Udzenija was invited by international auction house Christie’s to curate its inaugural design section of the Middle Eastern Modern & Contemporary Art & Design auction, presenting 10 contemporary design works by artists and designers across the Middle East and North Africa.

Marking a novel twist to its traditional sale format, the design section presents a separate guest-curated sale, with the mission to connect the Middle East with other geographies.

‘Unique’ chair by Carlo & Mary-Lynn Massoud

“There is a vast depth of ingenuity, innovation and sustainability in these selected works, made by designers from all over the Middle East,” Udzenija commented. 

Udzenija’s carefully-sourced design selection featured a diverse roster of talent from the region, including Lebanese painter and sculptor, Ranya Sarakbi’s ‘Ouroboros’: a monumental looped serpent constructed from more than 16,000 single units of cast bronze. The handmade entangled band is 11 metres long and boasts dramatic, ever-unfolding geometric patterns.

‘Crate Stools’ Hassan Hajjaj covered with upholstery

“It is hard to pinpoint and describe this incredible work without being whisked away into the land of myths and legends,” Udzenija  said of the sculpture. “It is just exquisite.

Other highlights from the auction included a tapestry by Iranian designer Taher Asad-Bakhtiari.

Tapestry by Iranian designer Taher Asad-Bakhtiari woven by semi-nomadic tribal women

Woven by semi-nomadic tribal women using entirely naturally dyed, hand-spun wool, each piece can take up to four months to create, depending on size. Unlike the traditional Iranian carpet, Iranian tribal weaves display simpler patterns, because tribal people weave what they see: the sky, the mountains, the earth and the animals. Inspired by the power of this puritan philosophy, Asad-Bakhtiari imagines a process to further strip the tribal weave to its bare elements, starting with the weaving process itself.

Viktor Udzenija poses in front of Ranya Sarakbi’s ‘Ouroboros’

“Despite being clearly rooted in the traditional Gabbeh carpets, the innovative approach of exposed warps and bold geometries gives this carpet a unique contemporary architectural aesthetic. The use of hand-spun wool and natural dyes make this work the epitome of sustainability,” Udzenija explained.

Moroccan-born Hassan Hajjaj’s ‘Crate Stools’ are inspired by the merging of his two cultures – the artist moved to London early in his childhood. Much of his work fuses elements from traditional and contemporary North African culture with familiar Western imagery and iconography.

Other pieces in the collection include a table by design duo david/nicolas – a tribute to their hometown of Beirut; a mirror by UAE-based designer and architect Ammar Kalo, where traditional crafts from the region meet modern fabrication techniques; and the ‘Unique’ chair by Carlo & Mary-Lynn Massoud, which is made from foam and coloured concrete.

The Latest

On Building to Last

We interview selected architects and interior designers to talk about balancing permanence and progress across their projects

The Culture of Quality

A conversation with Maryam Raeisi, Managing Director of HMA Living by Al Shamsi

What to expect at Feria Habitat Valencia

This year’s fair is set to take place between 29 September and 2 October

ARTDOM Expands to the Middle East

Daria Zolotova, founder of ARTDOM, discusses the brand’s upcoming first major art forum congress, being held at Riyadh on 11-12 November 2025

A Perfect Balance

A bespoke villa in Dubai Hills Grove designed by XBD Collective blends contemporary elegance with high-end craftsmanship

Soulful Sanctuary

Arch Home Interiors has crafted a boutique Pilates studio in Dubai Design District, creating an environment where movement meets self-care

Global Outlook, Local Presence

Henrique Dias, Principal and Middle East Hospitality Design Director for DLR Group, shares the firm’s growth journey in the region

Read ‘Greener Perspectives’ – Note from the editor – September 2025

Read identity magazine's September 2025 edition on ISSUU or grab your copy at the newsstands

identity Design Awards 2025 jury

Meet the judges for the identity Design Awards 2025

Five prominent designers have been selected to judge this year's milestone 11th annual identity Design Awards

Here are 14 Emirati women we admire in the design and creative industry

In honour of Emirati Women’s Day, we celebrate the visionary Emirati women in the industry that are pushing boundaries

Casa Cazaux

A Spanish Revival Reimagined in the Hollywood Hills

Casa Cazaux designed by Jordana Maisie Design Studio was inspired by Slim Aarons photography of post WWII Italian high society and Mediterranean-inspired coastal architecture

Kaskade by Karim Rashid for TREDEX Sara Group

TREDEX x Karim Rashid Introduce KASKADE

A Collection Where Flow Meets Form