29th Oct, 2025 12:00
Modern & Contemporary African & Middle Eastern Art
55
‡ ABDULHALIM RADWI (SAUDI ARABIAN 1939-2006)
UNTITLED (FISH)
signed and dated in English Redwi / '75 lower left; signed and dated in Arabic lower right
oil and sand on canvas board
45.5 x 33 cm; 17 7/8 x 13 in
55.2 x 42.2 cm. 21 5/8 x 16 5/8 in (framed)
The authenticity of this work has been confirmed by the family of the artist.
Property of a Lady, Madrid, Spain
Provenance
Faustino Moreno Villalba Collection, Spain
Acquired from the above as a gift by the present owner
Abdulhalim Radwi, born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, was a prominent sculptor, curator, and poet whose artistic practice was shaped by both his cultural heritage and modernist influences. Radwi significantly contributed to the advancement of Saudi modernism, drawing upon his experience as one of the Kingdom’s pioneering artists to pursue studies abroad. He earned his Fine Arts degree in Rome between 1961 and 1968, a period during which his work evolved from realism towards abstraction. Upon returning to Saudi Arabia, he began teaching, which reinforced his reputation within the local arts community and inspired emerging artists such as Taha Al Sabban and, later, Ahmed Mater. Although deeply engaged with Western art movements, Radwi remained committed to his roots, integrating elements of Arab heritage into Cubist and Expressionist frameworks, which distinguished his work from that of his peers.
In the 1970s, Radwi served as Action Director of the Association for Arab Artists in Madrid and completed his studies at the Royal Arts Academy in 1979. That same year, he was awarded a professorship and taught in Madrid until 1984. Throughout his prolific career, Radwi produced thousands of artworks and held leadership roles in numerous art organisations, including serving as director of Jeddah’s Centre for Fine Arts.
His works have been exhibited throughout the Middle East and Europe, notably receiving third prize at the Ibiza Biennale in 1968. Radwi's body of work exemplifies a sophisticated synthesis of tradition and innovation, and his integration of regional themes with contemporary techniques paved the way for the development of modern Saudi art.
Sold for £13,000
UNTITLED (FISH)
signed and dated in English Redwi / '75 lower left; signed and dated in Arabic lower right
oil and sand on canvas board
45.5 x 33 cm; 17 7/8 x 13 in
55.2 x 42.2 cm. 21 5/8 x 16 5/8 in (framed)
The authenticity of this work has been confirmed by the family of the artist.
Property of a Lady, Madrid, Spain
Provenance
Faustino Moreno Villalba Collection, Spain
Acquired from the above as a gift by the present owner
Abdulhalim Radwi, born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, was a prominent sculptor, curator, and poet whose artistic practice was shaped by both his cultural heritage and modernist influences. Radwi significantly contributed to the advancement of Saudi modernism, drawing upon his experience as one of the Kingdom’s pioneering artists to pursue studies abroad. He earned his Fine Arts degree in Rome between 1961 and 1968, a period during which his work evolved from realism towards abstraction. Upon returning to Saudi Arabia, he began teaching, which reinforced his reputation within the local arts community and inspired emerging artists such as Taha Al Sabban and, later, Ahmed Mater. Although deeply engaged with Western art movements, Radwi remained committed to his roots, integrating elements of Arab heritage into Cubist and Expressionist frameworks, which distinguished his work from that of his peers.
In the 1970s, Radwi served as Action Director of the Association for Arab Artists in Madrid and completed his studies at the Royal Arts Academy in 1979. That same year, he was awarded a professorship and taught in Madrid until 1984. Throughout his prolific career, Radwi produced thousands of artworks and held leadership roles in numerous art organisations, including serving as director of Jeddah’s Centre for Fine Arts.
His works have been exhibited throughout the Middle East and Europe, notably receiving third prize at the Ibiza Biennale in 1968. Radwi's body of work exemplifies a sophisticated synthesis of tradition and innovation, and his integration of regional themes with contemporary techniques paved the way for the development of modern Saudi art.
Auction: Modern & Contemporary African & Middle Eastern Art, 29th Oct, 2025
If you want to start collecting striking modern and contemporary art in a newly developing market, our sales are for you. Each spring and autumn, the Modern and Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Department hold tightly curated, live and online auctions. Expect to find Arab artists such as Tahia Halim, Seif Wanly, Mahmoud Said and Mohanna Durra. African artists featured have ranged from modern masters such as Ablade Glover, Sam Ntiro and Jacob Hendrik Pierneef, to contemporary artists George Lilanga, Jilali Gharbaoui, Famakan Magassa, Christano Mangovo, Oluwole Omofemi, Esther Mahlangu and Brett Seiler.
PUBLIC EXHIBITION:
Sunday 26th October: 12pm to 4pm
Monday 27th October: 10am to 8pm (Drinks 5-8pm)
Tuesday 28th October: 10am to 5pm
