Origins in Diriyah: The $17 Million Auction That Has Redefined Saudi Arabia’s Art Market
By Islam Salah
Saudi Arabia marked a major milestone in its cultural evolution with Sotheby’s inaugural auction in Diriyah. Titled Origins, this landmark event not only introduced the Kingdom to the world of high-profile international auctions but also set an impressive record, generating $17 million in sales.
For a country rapidly emerging as a global arts and luxury hub, the success of Origins signals a promising future for Saudi collectors and artists alike!
Why Diriyah? The Perfect Setting for an International Auction
The choice of Diriyah as the venue was no coincidence. As the ancestral heart of Saudi Arabia, Diriyah is home to the UNESCO-listed At-Turaif district and has long been a symbol of the nation’s deep-rooted heritage.
In recent years, it has also transformed into a premier cultural destination, blending historical preservation with contemporary artistic expression.
Hosting Origins in Diriyah reinforced the city’s role as a cultural hub and created a striking contrast between tradition and modernity—a theme that echoed throughout the auction itself.
Saudi Artists Take Center Stage
One of the most exciting aspects of the auction was the remarkable performance of Saudi artists, many of whom set personal records. Their success highlighted the rising demand for homegrown talent in the international art market:
Mohammed Al-Saleem
His untitled abstract calligraphy piece fetched $660,000, which is triple its pre-sale estimate, marking a new high for the artist.
Abdulhalim Radwi
The incredible 1984 market scene achieved a personal best for the artist with a $264,000 sale.
Ahmed Mater
His Illumination Diptych (Makkiah Tale) exceeded expectations, selling for $102,000.
Maha Malluh
Her piece Magadeer sold for $84,000, surpassing initial estimates.
International Highlights: Masterpieces on Display
Beyond Saudi talent, Origins featured an impressive lineup of international masterpieces that captivated collectors:
René Magritte’s L’État de veille
Sold for $1.2 million, drawing significant attention from bidders.
Fernando Botero’s Society Woman
Fetched a strong $1 million after a heated bidding contest.
Banksy’s Subject to Availability
Achieved a final price of $1.2 million, proving the continued demand for contemporary street art.
These high-profile sales reinforced Saudi Arabia’s growing role in the global art market, attracting collectors from all over the world.
Luxury Beyond Art: High-End Collectibles Steal the Show
While fine art dominated the event, the luxury segment also made a significant impact. The auction featured an array of coveted items, including:
- Patek Philippe Grand Complication watch
- Art Deco Cartier diamond necklace
- Limited-edition Hermès Birkin bag
These sought-after collectibles highlighted the Kingdom’s expanding appetite for high-end luxury!
The Global and Youthful Appeal of Origins
The auction attracted collectors from 45 countries. Notably, one-third of all sales were made by Saudi collectors, reflecting the country’s growing engagement with the art market.
Even more striking was the demographic shift among buyers—30% of participants were under 40. This surge of young collectors signals a generational transformation, where Saudi Arabia’s new wave of affluent buyers is actively shaping the future of art and luxury investment.
A Milestone for Saudi Arabia’s Art Scene
Sotheby’s Origins auction was more than just a record-breaking event; it was a defining moment for Saudi Arabia’s cultural evolution. By successfully hosting an international auction of this scale, the Kingdom has positioned itself as a major player in the global art market.
With the enthusiastic response from both local and international collectors, this is likely just the beginning. As Saudi Arabia continues to embrace art and luxury, the world can expect many more groundbreaking events in the years to come!
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