A Love Letter to Beirut": Sotheby’s Celebrates Lebanese Artistry

A Love Letter to Beirut

Sotheby’s plans to honor Lebanon with an auction titled “A Love Letter to Beirut,” scheduled for April 23. The event will feature artworks from nearly 50 artists, including 30 Lebanese creatives, alongside talents from Iraq, Egypt, Syria, and Palestine. From February 26 to March 1, the artworks will be displayed in Dubai, followed by a showcase in London from April 19 to 22.

The auction will showcase a diverse range of works, including paintings, watercolors, mixed-media pieces, and sculptures. Renowned artists such as Etel Adnan, Huguete Caland, Ayman Baalbaki, Mona Saudi, Aref El-Rayess, and Saloua Raouda Choucair will be featured, highlighting the evolution of Lebanon's influence on art from mid-century modernism to the contemporary era.

According to Alexandra Roy, Sotheby’s Head of Sale for Modern & Contemporary Middle East, Lebanon boasts a rich artistic heritage that has significantly impacted the global cultural scene. The auction aims to celebrate Lebanon's artistic legacy and spark cross-cultural dialogues, underscoring the growing international interest in Middle Eastern artists.

The auction, titled “A Love Letter to Beirut,” is scheduled to take place on April 23, following exhibitions in Dubai and London. Featuring works from nearly 50 artists, including 30 Lebanese creatives, the event aims to highlight Lebanon's cultural richness and historical significance in the global art landscape.

The artworks on display will include paintings, watercolors, mixed-media pieces, and sculptures, showcasing the diverse talents of artists from Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt, Syria, and Palestine. Renowned figures such as Etel Adnan, Huguete Caland, Ayman Baalbaki, Mona Saudi, Aref El-Rayess, and Saloua Raouda Choucair will be among the featured artists.

According to Alexandra Roy, the Head of Sale for Modern & Contemporary Middle East at Sotheby’s, Lebanon has played a pivotal role in shaping the artistic narrative of the region and beyond. The auction seeks to celebrate Lebanon's artistic legacy and foster cultural exchanges, reflecting the global appreciation for Middle Eastern art.

The auction, titled “A Love Letter to Beirut,” is scheduled for April 23, following exhibitions in Dubai and London. Featuring works from nearly 50 artists, including 30 Lebanese creatives, the event aims to spotlight Lebanon's cultural heritage and artistic contributions to the global stage.

Displayed artworks will encompass various mediums, including paintings, watercolors, mixed-media pieces, and sculptures, showcasing the diverse talents of artists from Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt, Syria, and Palestine. Esteemed artists like Etel Adnan, Huguete Caland, Ayman Baalbaki, Mona Saudi, Aref El-Rayess, and Saloua Raouda Choucair will be prominently featured.

Alexandra Roy, Sotheby’s Head of Sale for Modern & Contemporary Middle East, emphasizes Lebanon's significant role in shaping the artistic landscape of the region. The auction serves as a tribute to Lebanon's cultural richness and aims to foster dialogue and appreciation for Middle Eastern art on a global scale.