Ending 7th Jun, 2026 16:00
Olympia Timed: Modern and Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Art 2026
381
SADIQ TOMA (IRAQI B.1952)
MOTHERHOOD
signed and dated Sadiq Toma 2017 lower right; inscribed on the reverse
oil on canvas
59 x 59cm; 23 1/4 x 23 1/4in
67 x 67cm; 26 3/8 x 26 3/8in (framed)
Sold with a Certificate of Authenticity signed by the artist
Provenance
Acquired from the studio of the artist
Throughout thirty years of exile Sadiq Toma continues to search for fulfilment on canvas. New themes and inspiration come from distant memories and from the past, without neglecting the present or future. Yet, Toma is not content to merely excavate his own personal memories, which comprise childhood games and youthful dreams, but has he aims to embrace the memories of an entire ancient civilisation of Iraq.
Although influenced by Sumerian art, Toma does not wish to be an excavator or archaeologist, only an artist who seeks a fresh vision of life and death as did Gilgamesh in his searches and many questions about the fate of mortals. By viewing the original art of Sumeria, such as fragments of clay tablets of cuneiform writing, he converts an often hidden vision in to modern form. Through the use of different materials he produces work that reflects a strong personal belief that the Sumerian era was one of the strongest influences of his Iraqi roots. His portraits display a charming lyricism, harking back to a world now lost.
MOTHERHOOD
signed and dated Sadiq Toma 2017 lower right; inscribed on the reverse
oil on canvas
59 x 59cm; 23 1/4 x 23 1/4in
67 x 67cm; 26 3/8 x 26 3/8in (framed)
Sold with a Certificate of Authenticity signed by the artist
Provenance
Acquired from the studio of the artist
Throughout thirty years of exile Sadiq Toma continues to search for fulfilment on canvas. New themes and inspiration come from distant memories and from the past, without neglecting the present or future. Yet, Toma is not content to merely excavate his own personal memories, which comprise childhood games and youthful dreams, but has he aims to embrace the memories of an entire ancient civilisation of Iraq.
Although influenced by Sumerian art, Toma does not wish to be an excavator or archaeologist, only an artist who seeks a fresh vision of life and death as did Gilgamesh in his searches and many questions about the fate of mortals. By viewing the original art of Sumeria, such as fragments of clay tablets of cuneiform writing, he converts an often hidden vision in to modern form. Through the use of different materials he produces work that reflects a strong personal belief that the Sumerian era was one of the strongest influences of his Iraqi roots. His portraits display a charming lyricism, harking back to a world now lost.
Auction: Olympia Timed: Modern and Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Art 2026, ending 7th Jun, 2026
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 Rabab Nemr, Ahmed Farid, Seif Wanly and Fateh Moudarres. 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.
