Sotheby's Inaugural Abu Dhabi Auction to Feature Monet, Warhol, and Pioneering Emirati Artists

Sotheby's is set to make history in Abu Dhabi this December with its first-ever fine art auction, titled 'Breaking Ground.' The highly anticipated event on December 10 will showcase a remarkable collection, including iconic works by Claude Monet and Andy Warhol, alongside pieces from influential Emirati artists such as Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim, Hassan Sharif, and Najat Makki. This significant addition marks the second edition of Collectors’ Week, expanding its scope beyond the luxury sales introduced last year. All six auctions will be hosted at the new Saadiyat Grove Experience Centre on Saadiyat Island. The festivities begin on December 9 with auctions of watches, jewellery, handbags, cars, and high-performance bicycles, followed by the fine art sale the next day.

This auction arrives during a vibrant period for Abu Dhabi's art scene, following Christie's first fine art auction in the city on November 1 and the inaugural Frieze Abu Dhabi from November 19 to 22. Sotheby's fine art sale will precede the opening of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi on December 11.

Katia Boueiz, head of Sotheby’s UAE and chairman, Middle East, highlighted the success of the previous year's exhibition, stating, “Whilst those works were there to be seen rather than sold, they were a real focal point – we had queues of people clamouring to see these iconic pieces in the flesh.” She added that these interactions informed their planning for the current edition.

This year's auction will feature notable works such as Warhol’s 'Ads' portfolio from 1985, a series reflecting his interest in glamour, fashion, film, and celebrity. Claude Monet's 'Prunes et Abricots,' painted between 1882 and 1885, originally commissioned for a Parisian drawing room, will also be available. Additionally, a drawing by Christo, depicting the proposed Abu Dhabi Mastaba artwork in the Liwa desert, will be presented.

The sale aims to bridge generations of artists, featuring pioneers of contemporary art in the UAE like Ibrahim and Sharif. Sotheby's is also working to introduce Nujoom Al-Ghanem and Nasser Al-Yousif to the auction market for the first time. Boueiz explained that the 'Breaking Ground' title celebrates artists who have paved the way for others, with a particular focus on women artists, including works by Najat Makki, Huguette Caland, Inji Efflatoun, Fahrelnissa Zeid, and Etel Adnan. Other featured artists include S H Raza, Fernando Botero, and Paul Guiragossian.

“We hope that by them sharing a space, an exhibition, and a global platform, collectors will be able to see new and unexpected synergies,” Boueiz commented. “There will definitely be eyes on this sale from around the world, not just our clients based in the UAE, which makes it all the more important to curate a cohesive mix of art from the region and beyond. What I hope this auction will achieve is to introduce these artists to a much wider audience – whether it is the Emirati artists being introduced to international collectors, or vice versa.”

The luxury auctions will return with approximately 50 watches from the 'Shapes of Cartier' collection, including a rare Twin Strap from circa 1970–1971. The car sale will include several Ferraris, and the jewellery highlights feature a fancy brown-orange diamond exceeding 40 carats.

Collectors’ Week will also include public exhibitions, panel discussions, and masterclasses preceding the auctions. Boueiz anticipates the event's evolution, emphasizing Sotheby's role in fostering art appreciation and knowledge through talks and specialist access. She noted the supportive environment created by investments in museums and cultural institutions, stating, “Ultimately, our ambition is not simply to ‘bring’ the international art market to Abu Dhabi, but to help connect and embed Abu Dhabi even more deeply within the international art market.”