7th May, 2025 12:00
Modern & Contemporary African & Middle Eastern Art
92
SABHAN ADAM (SYRIAN B.1972)
UNTITLED
signed and dated 2008
acrylic, sand, fabric and sequin on canvas
206 x 65cm; 81 x 25 1/2in
unframed
Property of a Lady, Berkshire
Provenance
Hadba Nizar Kabbani (acquired from the artist)
Thence by descent to the present owner
"The figures I paint have so many things in common with me... I draw myself with everything that exists inside: the sadness, the misery, the shocking things I have faced, the isolation, and the feeling of not belonging to this world."
Syrian-born Sabhan Adam is a self-taught artist who creates works in relative isolation from the art world. A prolific painter, Adam has exhibited at institutions such as the Galleria degli Uffizi in Florence, the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris and the Venice Biennale. His work has been acquired by the British Museum, Jalanbo Collection, Barjeel Art Foundation, the Hassan Smith Collection and many other private collections.
His Orwellian figures challenge notions of beauty and the heinous, exploring motifs of imaginery misshapen creatures often clothed in glamourous, highly coloured attire against plain backgrounds. Demonstrating the pain, fear and phobia which afflicts society, these distorted and monstrous figures equally hold a complex set of personal emotions based on Adam’s own psychology.
UNTITLED
signed and dated 2008
acrylic, sand, fabric and sequin on canvas
206 x 65cm; 81 x 25 1/2in
unframed
Property of a Lady, Berkshire
Provenance
Hadba Nizar Kabbani (acquired from the artist)
Thence by descent to the present owner
"The figures I paint have so many things in common with me... I draw myself with everything that exists inside: the sadness, the misery, the shocking things I have faced, the isolation, and the feeling of not belonging to this world."
Syrian-born Sabhan Adam is a self-taught artist who creates works in relative isolation from the art world. A prolific painter, Adam has exhibited at institutions such as the Galleria degli Uffizi in Florence, the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris and the Venice Biennale. His work has been acquired by the British Museum, Jalanbo Collection, Barjeel Art Foundation, the Hassan Smith Collection and many other private collections.
His Orwellian figures challenge notions of beauty and the heinous, exploring motifs of imaginery misshapen creatures often clothed in glamourous, highly coloured attire against plain backgrounds. Demonstrating the pain, fear and phobia which afflicts society, these distorted and monstrous figures equally hold a complex set of personal emotions based on Adam’s own psychology.
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
