29th Oct, 2025 12:00
Modern & Contemporary African & Middle Eastern Art
60
‡ WIDAD AL-ORFALI (IRAQI B.1929)
UNTITLED
signed and dated in English and Arabic W Orfali 1992 lower right
watercolour and pen on canvas
79.5 x 65cm; 31 1/4 x 25 1/2in
82 x 68cm; 32.5 x 26 3/4in (framed)
Property of a Private Collector, Kirkuk, Iraq
Provenance
Acquired from the artist in 1996
Thence by descent to the present owner
Born in 1929, Widad al-Orfali studied at the Beirut College for Women for three years, before attending the Institute of Art in Baghdad studying under artists Faiq Hassan, Faraj Abbo, Ismail al-Shaikhly and other prominent figures. She graduated from the institute in 1960 and subsequently held her first solo exhibition in West Germany in 1964.
In 1983, Al-Orfali and her cousin established the first private art gallery in Iraq named the Orfali Gallery that later expanded into a cultural centre, increasing their offerings beyond art exhibitions. The new space hosted musical performances, language classes and poetry readings, and became synonymous as a hub of creativity drawing audiences from far and wide.
Inspired by a trip to Andalusia with her husband in 1973, Al-Orfali transitioned from a more naturalistic style to one which focused on fantasy cityscapes, which she calls 'dream cities'. These intricate works amalgamate architectural forms and traditional floral motifs, harking back to Islamic miniature modalities.
Her work is held in major collections, including the Barjeel Art Foundation, Hindiyeh Museum, and the Ibrahimi Collection.
Sold for £5,000
UNTITLED
signed and dated in English and Arabic W Orfali 1992 lower right
watercolour and pen on canvas
79.5 x 65cm; 31 1/4 x 25 1/2in
82 x 68cm; 32.5 x 26 3/4in (framed)
Property of a Private Collector, Kirkuk, Iraq
Provenance
Acquired from the artist in 1996
Thence by descent to the present owner
Born in 1929, Widad al-Orfali studied at the Beirut College for Women for three years, before attending the Institute of Art in Baghdad studying under artists Faiq Hassan, Faraj Abbo, Ismail al-Shaikhly and other prominent figures. She graduated from the institute in 1960 and subsequently held her first solo exhibition in West Germany in 1964.
In 1983, Al-Orfali and her cousin established the first private art gallery in Iraq named the Orfali Gallery that later expanded into a cultural centre, increasing their offerings beyond art exhibitions. The new space hosted musical performances, language classes and poetry readings, and became synonymous as a hub of creativity drawing audiences from far and wide.
Inspired by a trip to Andalusia with her husband in 1973, Al-Orfali transitioned from a more naturalistic style to one which focused on fantasy cityscapes, which she calls 'dream cities'. These intricate works amalgamate architectural forms and traditional floral motifs, harking back to Islamic miniature modalities.
Her work is held in major collections, including the Barjeel Art Foundation, Hindiyeh Museum, and the Ibrahimi Collection.
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
