$6.4 mln fetched at Christie’s Dubai sale

ISTANBUL- Hürriyet Daily News

The highest amount was fetched by Ercan Akın’s ‘Untitled’ at $32,500.

Turkish artwork that was put under the hammer in the second leg of Christie’s auction of modern and contemporary Arab, Iranian and Turkish art in Dubai fetched $134,500 out of a total $2.4 million. The total sales from the two-day event reached $6.4 million, $300,000 higher than initial estimates.

Among the Turkish artists, the highest amount was fetched by Ercan Akın’s “Untitled” at $32,500.

“The combined total for this, our 12th season in the Middle East, is an encouraging indication of the continuing maturity and long-term strength within this market,” said Michael Jeha, managing director of Christie’s Middle East and head of sales. “[Yesterday] the saleroom was full and bidding was brisk. Much of this participation in the sale came from bidders in the room and this contributed to the lively atmosphere from collectors of all ages. Our part II sale is still in its infancy, this is only the second time we have used this format which is followed in Christie’s other international sale centers. The strong selling rate tonight of 93 percent shows that this was the right decision and the market is ready for this next step. It is encouraging to see the market continues to flourish.” The highlight of the auction was the $46,300 raised during the sale of seven lots for the United Nations World Food Program.