7th May, 2025 12:00
Modern & Contemporary African & Middle Eastern Art
71
‡ AHMED CHIHA (EGYPTIAN B.1945)
UNTITLED
signed and dated A.Chiha / 2019 lower left
oil, sand and chalk on board
121.5 x 121.5cm; 50 x 50in
138 x 138cm; 54 1/2 x 54 1/2in (framed)
Juxtaposing figurative motifs with more abstract compositions, Chiha’s oeuvre draws on his personal vision of his ancestral background along with its inherent mysticism, fusing the artist’s personal fascination with gardening and horticulture in his works. His visual language includes hybrid and zoomorphic forms as well as geometric shapes such as the ones featuring in the present work. Through a distinctive combination of abstraction and symbolism, Chiha’s work captures the complexities of memory, identity, and cultural heritage, solidifying his legacy as a pivotal figure in contemporary Middle Eastern art.
Born in Cairo, Ahmed Chiha is a prominent figure in the Egyptian and international art world, as well as a current member of the Formative Artists Association and the Group of Artists and Writers. With over fifty solo and group exhibitions across the world including the Venice Biennale of 2019, he is a recipient of the State Appreciation Award in the Arts by the city of Los Angeles and is represented by the Picasso Art Gallery in Cairo, one of the oldest and most established spaces in the Egyptian capital.
UNTITLED
signed and dated A.Chiha / 2019 lower left
oil, sand and chalk on board
121.5 x 121.5cm; 50 x 50in
138 x 138cm; 54 1/2 x 54 1/2in (framed)
Juxtaposing figurative motifs with more abstract compositions, Chiha’s oeuvre draws on his personal vision of his ancestral background along with its inherent mysticism, fusing the artist’s personal fascination with gardening and horticulture in his works. His visual language includes hybrid and zoomorphic forms as well as geometric shapes such as the ones featuring in the present work. Through a distinctive combination of abstraction and symbolism, Chiha’s work captures the complexities of memory, identity, and cultural heritage, solidifying his legacy as a pivotal figure in contemporary Middle Eastern art.
Born in Cairo, Ahmed Chiha is a prominent figure in the Egyptian and international art world, as well as a current member of the Formative Artists Association and the Group of Artists and Writers. With over fifty solo and group exhibitions across the world including the Venice Biennale of 2019, he is a recipient of the State Appreciation Award in the Arts by the city of Los Angeles and is represented by the Picasso Art Gallery in Cairo, one of the oldest and most established spaces in the Egyptian capital.
Auction: Modern & Contemporary African & Middle Eastern Art, 7th May, 2025
Auction Location: London, UK
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 the Zulficar Family Collection.
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
For further sale enquiries please contact Isobel Bambury: isobel.bambury@olympiaauctions.com | + 44 (0)20 7806 5541
PUBLIC EXHIBITION
Thursday 1st May: 10:00am- 8.30pm (Private View: 5:00 - 8:30pm including Panel Discussion at 7:00pm)
Friday 2nd May: 10:00am-5:00pm
Monday 5th May: 12:00pm-4:00pm
Tuesday 6th May 10:00am - 5:00pm
AUCTION
Wednesday 7th May, 12:00pm
Viewing
Public Exhibition:
Thursday 1st May: 10:00am- 8.30pm (Private View: 5:00pm - 8:30pm including Panel Discussion at 7:00pm)
Friday 2nd May: 10:00am-5:00pm
Monday 5th May: 12:00pm-4:00pm
Tuesday 6th May 10:00am - 5:00pm
AUCTION
Wednesday 7th May, 12:00pm
