The New York–based auction house Bonhams will launch its first initiative in Saudi Arabia next month with a three-day exhibition titled Judhoor / Roots: The Origins of Saudi Modernism. Opening on October 8 at the newly restored LIFT Gallery in Riyadh’s JAX District, the event will later be followed by a London auction on November 25. This marks an important milestone in Saudi Arabia’s growing role in the international art market.
The Rise of Saudi Modernism
The exhibition explores the development of modern art in Saudi Arabia, starting with pioneering figures who laid the foundation of the Kingdom’s artistic identity. Among the featured names are Abdulrahman Al Soliman, Safeya Binzagr, and Mohammed Al Saleem, artists whose works defined new approaches to creativity and cultural expression in the country. The exhibition extends its scope to artists who gained recognition during the 1980s and the decades that followed, showing how the early seeds of modernism evolved into a broader artistic movement.
Featured Works and Themes
A highlight of the exhibition is the display of Mohammed Al Saleem’s horizon paintings, which symbolize a turning point in Saudi artistic expression. Equally significant is Abdulrahman Al Soliman’s 1981 depiction of the Al-Ahsa oasis, created with local soil, a work that embodies the deep connection between place, material, and artistic practice. Visitors will also encounter archival materials from Dar Al-Funoon, known as Saudi Arabia’s first modern art space, which played a central role in nurturing creativity and providing a platform for local artists.
The Role of Women in Saudi Art
One of the central narratives of Bonhams’s initiative is the role of women in Saudi Arabia’s art history, particularly through the work of Safeya Binzagr. She was the first woman in the Kingdom to hold a solo exhibition and studied at Central Saint Martins in London. Binzagr is especially known for her series documenting traditional attire, which not only preserves cultural memory but also highlights her pioneering role as a woman artist in a rapidly changing society. Her inclusion in the exhibition underscores the vital contributions of women to the development of Saudi modernism.
Expanding the Narrative
In addition to these pioneers, the exhibition features works by Bakr Sheikhoun, Abdullah Al Shaikh, and other important figures who shaped the trajectory of modern art in the Kingdom. Their works represent the diversity and richness of Saudi Arabia’s artistic heritage, demonstrating how local traditions and global influences have intertwined over the years to form a unique identity within the modern art world.
Conclusion
With Judhoor / Roots: The Origins of Saudi Modernism, Bonhams is making a powerful statement about its commitment to recognizing and promoting Saudi Arabia’s cultural and artistic legacy. The exhibition not only presents the works of early pioneers and later generations but also highlights the voices of women who played a crucial role in shaping the Kingdom’s modern art history. Opening in Riyadh before moving to London, this initiative bridges local heritage with international recognition, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s place on the global art stage.
