Sotheby’s Presents Works to Be Featured in “Hurouf: The Art of the World” Sale in Doha

The 145-lot auction will showcase works by over 65 artists from 24 countries, with 82 pieces in the sale which are contemporary interpretations of calligraphy. The entire auction carries a pre-sale estimate of in excess of USD$4 million. The auction takes place in the year that Doha is Doha: Arab Capital of Culture 2010.

Hurouf: The Art of the Word’ traces the developments of the Arabic script from its inception, with kufic leaves dating from the 8th century, through popular calligraphy of the 19th century to the highest calibre works by international calligraphers working today. In selecting some of the most talented, revered and innovative calligraphers working with the Arabic script from, among others, Japan, the United States, Turkey, the Middle East, China and the Indian Sub- Continent, the auction aims to represent the developments of an art form that has entered its second millennium. The sale features monumental pieces on canvas, in bronze and neon too, by – among others - leading artists such as Farhad Moshiri, Ahmed Moustafa, Parviz Tanavoli, Hassan Massoudy, Mohammed Ehsai, Ali Omar Ermes, Sadequain and Laila Shawa, and of particular relevance to Qatar are local artists Yousef Ahmad and Ali Hassan and resident artist MF Hussain.

Dalya Islam, Deputy Director, Sotheby’s Middle East and India Department, commented: “We are delighted to present Hurouf: The Art of the Word in Doha during its Year of Arab Culture, and place on the world stage a first by an international auction house, a retrospective of calligraphy through the ages, highlighting the very genesis of this technique, for private and institutional collectors and buyers of art to acquire, for students and the interested and appreciating public to study and enjoy. We believe that the regional cultural hub of Doha will provide the best platform to present such a themed sale.”

Prior to their sale on December 16, the works will go on public display in Doha at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel from 13 December.