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FINE MIDDLE EASTERN WORKS ON PAPER In the present Works on Paper section, a gathering of nine fine drawings, small paintings and a screen print are offered within three distinct groups, each combining outstanding examples of works from the 1960s to the present day by modern Arab artists, who used paper medium to experiment with inks, watercolours, stamps and collages. The watercolour triptych by Paul Guiragossian (lot 182) was painted in 1978 after the Israeli invasion of South Lebanon which took place on the Beaufort Castle Qala'at ash-Shqif. The country is portrayed by a young bright girl holding in her hands the castle which stood still for hundreds of years, followed by the castle being destroyed and then finally a triumphant third composition in which the figure holds two peaceful doves and thus sends a positive message across. The following works on paper in lot 183 are a delightful collection by Syrian artists, Fateh Moudarres, Abdullah Murad and Naim Ismail. Moudarres' Untitled is a soft rendition of the sea, a fine example from his exploration into landscapes which he painted throughout his life following his visits to his childhood land in the North of Syria. The second work is a surrealistic gathering in blue and red by the talented Abdullah Murad and finally a vivid naive composition with warm colours by Naim Ismail. The last group presents three war themed works by Modernist Arab artists, depicting their view of three unfortunate massacres in the recent Arab-Israeli conflict, Tell Zaatar, Sabra and Chatila, and Janin. The first work is a rare example by Nazir Ismail from the late 1970s, a unique drawing showing a circular microworld with heavy artilleries and tanks surrounding the once peaceful group of peasants and goats, emn and women gathered in the centre of the composition as if terrified and trapped. The second work is contemporary pen and ink drawing by Palestinian Abdulrahman Al-Mouzayyen. While serving as a resistance fighter for the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), the artist produced a number of political posters in the 1970s and 1980s, which were iconic works that incoporate a unique combination of embroidery, ancient hsitory, and stylized figures. Using the complex symbolism found in Palestinian embroidery to communicate steadfastness, his references to Canaanite heritage testify to the ancestral roots and longevity of Palestianian art, an element that is paramount to combating the co-option of local culture by Israelis and the near erasure of historical evidence by the occupation. Simultaneously, his employment of embroidery is significant, with occupational forces often clamping down on the displaying of flages or materal related to the resistance; the art form evolved into an intricate coded language of signifiers used as an act of defiance. Abdulrahman Al Mouzayyen is a world-class artist. His masterful pen and ink drawings of the destruction of the city of Jenin reflect his commanding love of his country. The figure of a woman, Anat, the ancient goddess of the Canaanites, symbolizes the soul and the strength of the state. The last work executed in 1983 is by the Abstract Expressionist Iraqi artist Dia Azzawi and is entitled We are not seen but corpses. The work is about the tragic event of Sabra and Chatila, which occurred on 16th September 1982. This composition is enriched with details, from the falling chair to the deceived dove of peace which refer to a feeling of loss under the strong feet stepping on the dream of a nation hoping to rise up again. This massacre was carried out by a Lebanese militia group on the Palestinians in the refugee camps of Sabra and Chatila. The United Nations General Assembly condemned the massacre and declared it an act of genocide, it was a chaotic and tragic event that shocked the whole world. In the present sales, we are proud to present the following works along with other works on paper by important artists of the region. Indeed, the works of Marwan Sahmarani (lot 139), Ismail Fattah (lot 126) and Charles Hossein Zenderoudi (lot 18 and lot 43, Part I), reveal the importance of this medium throughout art history.

Paul Guiragossian (Lebanese, 1926-1993)

Untitled

Details

Paul Guiragossian (Lebanese, 1926-1993)
Untitled
each signed 'PAUL.G' (lower centre)
watercolour and ink on paper; triptych
each: 27 x 18 5/8in. (68.5 x 42.2cm.)
overall: 81 x 55 7/8in. (68.5 x 126.6m.)
Each executed in 1978 (3)

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.

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