Nour Kelani, Christie’s Managing Director, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Photo: Christie's)
Christie’s in the Kingdom would be its second in the Middle East after Christie's Dubai, which was inaugurated in 2005.
The Christie's Saudi Arabia division will focus on selling artwork from modern and contemporary Middle Eastern artists, and luxury jewellery and watches.
It will also organize exhibitions and private sales.
The Saudi branch will be managed by Nour Kelani, who is known for her contributions to the contemporary art scene in the Middle East.
As manager of operations at Ayyam Gallery in Jeddah, Kelani introduced the gallery's Young Collectors Auctions to the region.
Additionally, she managed an art and luxury consultancy, worked an art advisor for private collectors, and consulted for global luxury brands.
Kelani received the title of Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the French Ministry of Culture.
A number of Arab artists - including from Saudi Arabia - presented their works at Christie’s Dubai, London, New York, etc.
Earlier this year, Christie’s London held a mid-career retrospective exhibition of a contemporary Saudi artist Ahmed Mater who showcased more than 100 pieces.
In 2011, Saudi conceptual artist Abdulnasser Gharem’s installation titled Message/Messenger, made of wood and copper with a golden dome, was sold at Christie’s for $842,500.
The art scene in Saudi Arabia is rapidly expanding, following Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to bring about significant changes in the country.
The government is actively encouraging arts and culture as part of this plan, highlighted by events like the Diriyah Contemporary Art and Jeddah’s Islamic Art Biennales, along with the creation of many new art museums and public galleries.
Christie’s participated as a contributing partner in the 2024 edition of the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale, where the auction house took part in talks and events.
In 2023, Christie’s hosted the largest exhibition of Arab art in London, bringing together diverse works of art showcasing the richness and history of Arab art.
Founded in 1766, Christie’s is a top art and luxury company that has locations in 46 countries across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
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