L2: Rashed Al Shashai’s kaleidoscopic “Untitled (Arabic Window)” (Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for Sotheby’s)
L2: Rashed Al Shashai’s kaleidoscopic “Untitled (Arabic Window)” (Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for Sotheby’s)

Hafla spotlights Middle Eastern art and culture at Sotheby’s, London

A summer of Middle Eastern art and culture awaits visitors at Sotheby’s, London galleries. Under the theme Hafla various events and exhibitions in the month of August will showcase and celebrate aspects of the rich Middle Eastern culture, evolving art, food, fashion and jewellery.

On view will be Khasmeen, a modern visual art exhibition showcasing 50 works of art spanning the last half century from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (1965 to 2015), curated in collaboration with Qaswra Hafez, founder of Hafez Gallery. Paintings, sculptures, and installations by a range of artists including Dia Aziz Dia, Mohammed Al Saleem, Abdulhalim Radwi, Adulrahman Al Soliman, Mounirah Mosly and Dana Awartani, among others, will be on display.

A firman with tughra of Suleyman the Magnificent (r. 1520-66), Turkey, Ottoman, dated 973 AH_1565 AD
A firman with tughra of Suleyman the Magnificent (r. 1520-66), Turkey, Ottoman, dated 973 AH_1565 AD
Calligraphy

The exhibition also features a collection of 28 calligraphic works, from the leading art expert Bashir Mohamed’s family collection, detailing the evolution of the Islamic art from 8th to 21st century. Exploring the development of the Arabic script charting over a millennium of manuscript production with a remarkable range of calligraphic leaves produced in the Middle East, Turkey, India, Spain, and China, the exhibit traces distinct styles developed in other regions.  Important Qur’an leaves in Kufic showcase the earliest iterations of the script and contemporary artists conclude the exhibition demonstrating how the calligraphic tradition continues to evolve even today.

Princess Noura with Asprey Nuun collaboration bags
Princess Noura with Asprey Nuun collaboration bags

Jewellery and Handbags

Five limited-edition handbags designed by HRH Princess Nourah Al Faisal, inspired by Saudi cultural heritage will also be part of Hafla. Created in collaboration with Asprey and Princess Al Faisal’s brand Nuun, the bold designs pay homage to the five major regions of the Kingdom, showcasing their diversity and beauty through colours, motifs and embroidery techniques. Princess Al Faisal is also CEO of Art of Heritage, an organisation dedicated to safeguarding the Kingdom’s treasured artifacts and traditional craft.

A2Z jewellery, founded by Abdulrahman Al Zayani, prominent Middle eastern art collector, are also part of the event. Creations, exploring the inspiration of the Eastern world on jewellery design, with coloured gemstones and diamonds along with iconic pieces from leading lables including Cartier, Bulgari and Van Cleef & Arpels will be revealed to the public.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 12: Saeed Gamhawi’s “Nineteen Seventy-Seven”
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 12: Saeed Gamhawi’s “Nineteen Seventy-Seven”

Story Café 

Adding to this ensemble theme, Sotheby’s cafe will also be designed to pay tribute to Middle Eastern courtyards and coffeehouses, blending artistry and heritage with an exclusive selection of cakes by Cake & Flowers at The Dorchester.

For more information and full opening days and times, visit www.sothebys.com/Hafla.