On October 4, Dubai’s DIFC will welcome a special showcase of jewelry and art crafted in the UAE, to be exhibited alongside highlights from Sotheby’s worldwide auctions. Encompassing show-stopping jewels from international names like Fabergé, Bulgari and Tiffany & Co, and artworks from Athier Mousawi, Parviz Tanavoli and Fahrelnissa Zeid, ahead of Sotheby’s 20th Century Art/Middle East auction (that opens for bidding online from October 20), it’s the lesser-known names that have really piqued our interest.
Six jewelry designers and a selection of emerging artists, curated by collecting platform Engage 101, all based out of the UAE, have been given the opportunity to display alongside this portfolio of established names, in order to demonstrate how deserving the UAE is of international recognition on the art and design stage. At the same time, the artists and curators hope to highlight how far the production side of jewelry-making has come in the region, allowing artisans to genuinely label their pieces as ‘Made in Dubai’.
Sara Ahli, Balloon Stacks 5, 2021
“In the past decade, jewelry production in the UAE has undergone a complete transformation, meaning that today, the full creative process can be completed right here from start to finish. Now is the perfect time to spotlight the innovations in this sector emerging from the Emirates, and we hope to elevate this onto an international platform,” comments Sophie Stevens, Sotheby’s Jewelry Specialist for the MENA region.
Expect to see high jewelry creations from Dubai-based Saudi Arabian designer, Sarah Abudawood, contemporary takes on traditional Emirati jewelry from Mahir Khansaheb, and bold emerald sets from Hessa Al Shafar of Savolinna, alongside emerging artists Sara Ahli, Nasir Nasrallah and Alaa Edri, to name a few.
HASHI designed by Hamda Al Mansoori
“The exhibition brings the best of the Emirates under one roof at the same time as our international auction highlights, in a curated one-stop destination for lovers of art and jewelry alike. The perfect opportunity for young collectors looking to acquire and acquaint themselves with new and celebrated artists from the Emirates,” says Katia Nounou-Boueiz, Head of Sotheby’s UAE.
Made in the Emirates is free and open to the Public at Sotheby’s Dubai, Gate Village 3, DIFC, between 4 and 7 October 2021; Cover image: Emerald-cut diamond ring weighing 10.79 carats, pear-shaped diamond ring weighing 8.16 carats, oval-shaped diamond ring weighing 20.83 carats, Yataghan.
