Sotheby’s upcoming 20th-century Middle East art auction will be featuring creations of Gulf artists such as Abdulrahman Al Soliman and from Saudi Arabia and Mohammad Kazem and Hassan Sharif from the UAE. Paintings by the Saudi-Kuwaiti artist, Munira Al-Kazi, have also been selected. A number of works presented at the Arab Gulf art department are being auctioned for the first time, said Sotheby’s Head of Sale and modern Arab art specialist Ashkan Baghestani. The art company’s pre-auction is expected to put to public display these artworks on October 19. For many years, Arab Gulf artists, experts and institutions have left an ambitious mark on the region’s cultural scene, working with a rich heritage and bring neighboring civilizations closer together, said Baghestani. Compounded with the company’s London-held international 2014 auction which displayed influential Saudi artwork, the upcoming Sotheby’s sale extravaganza is in line with its supportive policy for championing Middle Eastern art. Flourishing rapidly, contemporary art originating from the Arabian Gulf has become a vital destination for professional spectators. Modern Arab artists have paved the way for emerging contemporary artists, adds Baghestani in reference to works by pioneering artists such as Al Soliman and Sharif. Sothebys October lots for auction will be presenting two rare cubist-style works by Soliman: Worshippers leaving the Mosque (estimate: £ 50,000 — £70,000) and A Woman Sitting (estimate: £40,000 — £60,000). It is worth noting that both paintings were recently exhibited at Art Dubai Modern. Dating back to 1981, the two pieces are prime examples of Soliman’s affinity for local architecture and nature, and they illustrate his artistic techniques and holistic approach. He also turns the spotlight on influential women in his life. Considered one of the most influential artists in Saudi modern art, Soliman is well-known for having strong faith in local art and celebrating Saudi heritage. As for UAE artist Kazem, he is one of the most prominent artists in the field of conceptual art. He used video, photography and performance as an outlet for artistic expression. The National Pavilion of the UAE at the 55th International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale presented Kazem’s “Walking on Water.” Kazem’s “Untitled" workpiece is executed with pastel on scratched paper varying abstract compositions, capturing and incorporating sound, light, and movement embodied on the page. According to Sothebys, Untitled’s use of color may depict a desert sunset. The painting is being auctioned for the first time with an estimate of £ 10,000- £ 15,000. “Olympiad N 2,” a painting by experimental artist UAE artist Sharif, relays a clear impression on art in the Arabian Gulf and is expected to sell at a price estimate of £ 18,000 — £ 25,000. The auction also will feature a painting titled, “Mother and Child”, done by Kazi back in 1960. (£1= $1.30)