Internationally famous British auctions house Christie’s included a painting by the well-known Qatari artist Yousef Ahmed in its auction that was held last Wednesday (April 30) at the Emirates Towers.
The 180 cm X 180 cm painting - named “Father” - fetched 60,000 dollars, which is more than double its expected price. Painted on canvas with colours that mix between blue and orange, it is characterised by its colour sequence and the way it represents the human feelings through colours. It depicts the old wall in the Jisra neighbourhood of Doha, where Yousef Ahmed - who is considered a leader in letters paintings – grew up. The neighbourhood still influences his artistic life and the image of the wall is represented in an impressive abstract way due to his special relationship with his father, who was very supportive. It illustrates the high position of the father and is considered to be among the rare – perhaps even the first - of paintings about a father in the Arab world. No other Arab artist has done anything on this theme before.
This was the third time Yousef Ahmed’s paintings had been on Christie’s auctions, indicating his high standing at regional and international levels as his work captures the attention of buyers, art lovers and collectors around the world.
Christie’s auctions are playing an important role in enhancing Ahmed’s world popularity. His work was chosen by the Committee of Organised Art Auctions because of his outstanding ability and rich experience, being recognised as one of the best abstract artists in his field.
His work was on a Christie’s auction for the first time in February 2007 with a painting named “Al Ha’a” (the letter H in English) that communicates Arabic calligraphy. It fetched around 30,000 dollars. His second participation was in October of the same year through his painting, “Noun” (the letter N in English) which is an abstract.
“I am so proud and happy,” said Ahmed. “This event shows there is a high interest in the region in buying unique art pieces, either from Gulf nationals or from Arab and foreign expatriates.”
“Such auctions and other events form incentives to professional artists, and those with talents, to create more and reach the international markets by participating in public with the best in the world.”
Six of Yousef Ahmed’s paintings were displayed last month during “Art Dubai 2008” in the city’s Madinat Jumeirah, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai. They attracted high interest from art lovers and collectors.
He also displays at other events and exhibitions in the Arab world and internationally, and has received a number of awards for distinctive art.
