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PROPERTY THE PRIVATE COLLECTION OF MR. FADHIL CHALABIBorn in 1929 in Baghdad, Fadhil J. Chalabi studied law at Baghdad University and graduated in 1951 and subsequently was one of the first people from his hometown to gain a PhD in oil economics from the University of Paris. He was one of the few people to leave their country for its benefit rather than his own. He left on a mission to learn something that he could eventually bring back to his country to better it and expose it to what’s out there in terms of culture and way of life. Fadhil belonged to a generation of the 1940s that had large aspirations and a drive for the development and progress in Iraq, only to become disheartened by the dreadful developments in Iraq since 1980. Chalabi was the Executive Director of the Centre for Global Energy Studies, a London-based think-tank he co-chaired alongside H.E. Sheikh Ahmed Zaki Yamani (B. 1930). Additionally, he was the former Undersecretary for Oil at Iraq's Ministry of Petroleum as well as Deputy Secretary General of OPEC from 1978-89 and it’s Acting Secretary General 1983-88. In 1988 he received an Award for Distinction British Institute of Energy Economics. He is also the author of many articles and three books: Oil Policies, Oil Myths: Observations of an OPEC Insider (2010), OPEC and the International Oil Industry: A Changing Structure (1980), and OPEC at the Crossroads (1989).A lifetime working in the oil industry didn’t stop him from gaining a passion for art. Since his adolescence, Fadhil was always passionate for visual arts and especially for classical music, even playing cello as a hobby. During his time in Paris, Chalabi forged a friendship with renowned Iraqi artist, Shaker Hassan Al Said (1925-2004). Through this friendship, Chalabi had a gaining interest in art and began collecting works by the artist himself as well as other artists from his homeland as these works were his remaining connection to it. Over the years Mr. Chalabi has accumulated a massive collection of artworks by solely Iraqi artists. He remained devoted to his homeland and continuously supported the ever-growing art scene in Iraq. In the present sale, Christie’s is proud to offer 12 pieces from various Iraqi artists from his outstanding collection. This collection aims to enthuse, and it did just that when it came to Chalabi’s sons, Talik and Jaafar, who, because of their father’s drive and collection were inspired to become architects. Through these works, Mr. Chalabi hopes to impassion other aspiring artists to move forward with their desires just as he did, as one never knows what’s in store for themselves. Christie's is honoured to have been entrusted with the enchanting and seminal works from the Chalabi Collection. Looking into what defines the strength and continuity of Iraqi Modern art, this collection offers a broader vision into the artistic evolution of some of the most prominent Iraqi artists.

Mohammad Mohreddin (Iraqi, b. 1938)

Untitled

Details

Mohammad Mohreddin (Iraqi, b. 1938)
Untitled
signed and dated ‘M.MUHRADDIN 99’ (lower right); signed, dated and inscribed in Arabic; dated twice (on the reverse)
oil, acrylic and charcoal on canvas
27 3/8 x 27 1/8in. (68.5 x 69.5 cm.)
Painted in 1999

Provenance

Acquired directly from the artist.

Special notice

Lots are subject to 5% import Duty on the importation value (low estimate) levied at the time of collection shipment within UAE. For UAE buyers, please note that duty is paid at origin (Dubai) and not in the importing country. As such, duty paid in Dubai is treated as final duty payment. It is the buyer's responsibility to ascertain and pay all taxes due. Please note that on 1st of January 2018, the UAE introduced a VAT regime. For all lots, a VAT charge of 5% of the buyer’s premium will be payable unless the lot is correctly exported out of the UAE within 90 days of the date of this auction. For lots marked with the ‘star’ * symbol in the catalogue, an import duty of 5% of the hammer price will be payable if the lot is collected or shipped within the GCC and an additional VAT of 5% will be charged on the duty-inclusive hammer price if the lot is released into free circulation in the UAE. Please see the Conditions of Sale in the sale catalogue for full details. If you are shipping outside of the UAE, you will need to indicate your shipping requirements and residency status to us prior to bidding to secure a VAT refund.

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Michael Jeha

mjeha@christies.com +971 (0) 56 311 6088

Lot Essay

Mohammad Mohreddin took upon himself the great responsibility of humanity, becoming aware of the value of the exciting subjects that control the fate of the people and their lives threatened on this land. Experimenting with "committed art", this style addresses important issues that interact with human life and influence them, such as issues of national liberation, support for vulnerable people and the detection of international policy misfortunes that inevitably lead to poverty, hunger and the planting of evil ideas of humanity, and collective conscience.

This work represents the entirety of his oeuvre, creating a space where the viewer has a chance to create their own narrative while also being guided by the narrative the artist has created. Using his deeply embedded knowledge of graphic design and implying them into a more painterly atmosphere allows Mohreddin to create a narrative through geometrical shapes, inscriptions, and an overall sense of chance. The audience can clearly see how inspired he was by automaticity.

The artist witnessed the birth of new styles of art and allowed himself to become familiar with many international artists and to participate with them in international exhibitions. He also studied the latest techniques and technical achievements in the fields of investment of raw materials and adapting them for artistic work.

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