Modern & Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Art in London sale

A Modern & Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Art Auction will take place at London auctioneers Olympia Auctions on October 25, including works by artists from all over Africa and the Middle East, including Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Sudan, Ivory Coast, Ghana, South Africa and Egypt, Tunisia, Lebanon, Iraq and Syria.

Many works are fresh to the market and the majority are from private collections. Estimates range from £200 – £20,000.

The auction house said that collectors and art enthusiasts will be drawn to the rich and vibrant narratives depicted in these works, and their artistic innovation. Numerous pieces celebrate cultural heritage as well as exploring identity and post-colonialisation. The auction will also include pictures from the collection of the late Dr Mohammed Said Farsi, a philanthropist and well-known supporter of the arts in the Middle East.

Highlights from the auction of 89 lots, include works by Lovemore Kambudzi (Zimbabwean b.1978), Ablade Glover (Ghanaian b.1934), Frédéric Bruly Bouabré (Ivorian 1923-2014), Robino Ntila (Tanzanian 1953-2020), Hendrick Lilanga (Tanzanian b. 1974), George Lilanga (Tanzanian 1934-2005), Johannes Meintjes (South African 1923-1980), Maggie Laubser (South African 1886-1973), Peter Clarke South African 1929 – 2014), Hamed Abdalla (Egyptian 1917-1985), Hussein Mohamed Youssef (Egyptian 1910-1975), Seif Wanly (Egyptian 1906-1979), Ragheb Ayad (Egyptian 1892-1982), Youssef Kamel (Egyptian 1890-1971), Yolande Labaki (Lebanese b. 1927) and Emna Zghal (Tunisian b. 1970).

Head of Department, Janet Rady, commented on the sale: “I am thrilled with the variety of works in this sale featuring extraordinarily talented artists from throughout Africa and the Middle East, many of whom are already celebrated around the world. It is also a privilege to shine a spotlight on lesser-known artists who are cementing strong reputations beyond their own countries.”