Christie's London auction shines global light on Middle Eastern art

An Arabic word meaning “chain,” silsila (سِلْسِلَة) lends its name to an auction at Christie’s London this week spotlighting the Dalloul Collection including Modern and Contemporary Middle Eastern Art. The title reflects both continuity and connection — themes central to the Beirut-based Dalloul Art Foundation established four decades ago by late collector Ramzi Dalloul and now led by his son, Basil.

Now in its third year, silsila also embodies the ongoing partnership between the foundation and Christie’s, which includes joint exhibitions that have taken place throughout the year.

“There is a commitment from the Dalloul Art Foundation toward young, emerging and contemporary artists from the region, and when we say ‘silsila,’ we are also referring to these notions,” Ridha Moumni, chairman of Middle East & Africa at Christie's, told Al-Monitor, adding that the foundation is selling the works to invest in new and emerging contemporary artists from the Middle East, to sustain artistic continuity.

The online auction for the 39 lots began Oct. 28 and runs until Nov. 11. The live auction at Christie’s London is scheduled for Nov. 6. Highlights from the live auction were on show at Christie’s Dubai and London last month, with the full offering from both sales on display this week at Christie’s London.