This November, Christie’s will present “We Are All Beirut”, a charity auction to benefit and aid the restoration and reawakening of the arts and cultural landscape of Beirut.
Ayman Baalbaki; Warehouse N°12, 2020; Estimate £60,000-80,000
The proceeds of the auction, which will take place between 4th and 24th November will be donated to The Arab Funds for Arts and Culture (AFAC) to support the arts and culture community in Beirut including the Sursock Museum.
Mona Hatoum; Witness, 2009; Estimate £35,000-45,000; Credit © Mona Hatoum, Photo Florian Kleinefenn
The auction will include works across three sectors: the arts, the world of design and the world of jewellery. With works by internationally acclaimed artists such as Mona Hatoum and specifically commissioned works for the cause by Ayman Baalbaki, Serwan Baran, Abdel Rahman Katanani and Nabil Nahas as well as iconic designs by Paulin Paulin Paulin and Hervé van der Straaten. The jewellery segment of the sale will include exquisite lots courteously donated by various brands and Maison’s, including Hemmerle, Boghossian and Piaget.
Pierre Paulin, Tapis-Siége, 1972, Estimate £20,000-30,000, Credit ©Paulin
A selection of the works in the auction were part of the exhibition ‘Beirut Year Zero’ which was organized recently in response to the tragic event on 4th August by Zoe and Nabil Debs of Arthaus Beirut and seen by thousands of visitors. The proceeds of these selected works will mainly be donated to the Lebanese Red Cross and Christie’s is delighted to welcome this initiative, as the company has supported the Red Cross in times of crisis for more than 100 years.
Hemmerle Earrings; Estimate £20,000-30,000; Courtesy © Hemmerle
Caroline Louca-Kirkland, Managing Director at Christie’s Middle East commented: “Supporting the work behind AFAC’s cultural and philanthropic initiative, advocating and directing the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Beirut’s artistic and cultural hubs is so important to us here at Christie’s. Witnessing such an incredible level of interest and generous contributions to We Are All Beirut, regionally and internationally, depicts the humanity and benevolence that is so very much needed today.”
Over the coming weeks, Christie’s shall announce the array of wonderous works of art and artists contributing and bringing to life this very special auction.
