30th Oct, 2024 12:00
Modern and Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Art
66
FATHI AFIFI (EGYPTIAN B.1950)
FACTORY MACHINE OPERATORS
signed in Arabic and English and dated in English F.AFIFI 2016 lower right
oil on canvas
195 x 146cm; 76 3/4 x 57 1/2in
198 x 149cm; 78 x 58 3/4in (framed)
Property of a Private Collector, Belgium
Provenance
Acquired from the artist
Depictions of daily life in Cairo and the realities of the factory floor have dominated Fathi Afifi’s work for over four decades. Born in the Sayeda Zeinab quarter of Cairo, his canvases mirror the energy that propelled him through an era of industrial transformation and the heyday of the Egyptian plastic arts movement. On the one hand, he endeavours to portray life and labour, as well as the pursuit of freedom and autonomy that united his generation, whilst on the other, his paintings reflect how Egyptians’ daily routine has become mechanical and impersonal.
A member of a number of local art associations, he has exhibited extensively, including in Egypt, Kuwait, Austria, Mexico and Cuba. His work can be found in the collections of the Museum of Egyptian Modern Art; Barjeel Art Foundation, Sharjah; Qatar Museum; and Amman Museum, Jordan, among others.
FACTORY MACHINE OPERATORS
signed in Arabic and English and dated in English F.AFIFI 2016 lower right
oil on canvas
195 x 146cm; 76 3/4 x 57 1/2in
198 x 149cm; 78 x 58 3/4in (framed)
Property of a Private Collector, Belgium
Provenance
Acquired from the artist
Depictions of daily life in Cairo and the realities of the factory floor have dominated Fathi Afifi’s work for over four decades. Born in the Sayeda Zeinab quarter of Cairo, his canvases mirror the energy that propelled him through an era of industrial transformation and the heyday of the Egyptian plastic arts movement. On the one hand, he endeavours to portray life and labour, as well as the pursuit of freedom and autonomy that united his generation, whilst on the other, his paintings reflect how Egyptians’ daily routine has become mechanical and impersonal.
A member of a number of local art associations, he has exhibited extensively, including in Egypt, Kuwait, Austria, Mexico and Cuba. His work can be found in the collections of the Museum of Egyptian Modern Art; Barjeel Art Foundation, Sharjah; Qatar Museum; and Amman Museum, Jordan, among others.
Auction: Modern and Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Art, 30th Oct, 2024
The Modern & Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Art market has flourished over the last 15 years and continues to grow, establishing a strong foothold in the UK. Our expert department at Olympia Auctions has, uniquely among other auction houses, brought together the synergies of the Arab world, Maghreb and the rest of Africa, reflecting the mutuality and shared history of these regions.
Our previous sales have included works from the collection of the late Saudi collector, Dr Mohammed Said Farsi, and we are proud to hold the auction record for the highest value work on paper by the renowned Egyptian artist Tahia Halim (sold for £6,250).
Each spring and autumn, we hold bi-annual, tightly curated, live auctions, offering both young and established collectors the opportunity to acquire works in a wide range of price brackets.
Contact expert Janet Rady to consign in a future sale or for any queries: janet.rady@olympiaauctions.com | + 44 (0)20 7806 5541
Viewing Times:
27th Oct 2024 12:00 - 16:00
28th Oct 2024 10:00 - 20:00
29th Oct 2024 10:00 - 17:00
