Christie’s Arrival in Riyadh: A Game Changer for Saudi Art and Collectors
The Saudi Arabian art scene is heading in a completely new direction. The Kingdom is going to be home to Christie’s, the first international auction house to open in Saudi Arabia. The region’s art was already on the world stage as Christie’s opened its doors in Dubai, marking it as its first Gulf location back in 2005.
What Type Of Art Will Be Sold?
In this new branch, a major spotlight will be placed on modern and contemporary Middle Eastern art, along with jewelry and timepieces. The auction house will hold exhibitions and private sales and support cultural and regional events within the Kingdom.
Who Will Handle The Clients?
Riyadh-based art consultant Nour Kelani will be the one to handle client services. She was appointed to the newly created role of managing director. With this role, she will lead Christie’s client services by maintaining and strengthening ties with old clientele while also engaging with new collectors.
How Will The Kingdom’s Art Scene Change?
Having such a prominent auction house open its doors in the Kingdom will give Middle Eastern and Saudi artists higher exposure and will place them on the global map.
Looking at the impact of Middle Eastern artists in Christie’s global auctions, it’s clear they have broken major ground. Their artwork has set several records, including Christie’s raising £5.1 million in two live auctions led by the Dalloul Collection in London.
The opening of the auction house is a strategic move, seeing as the country is already home to a widely growing number of private and public collections.
Finding a home in Saudi Arabia, Christie’s hopes to deepen its ties with the Kingdom’s collectors and open new doors for the Kingdom and the region’s artists.
