Their profound interest in the region’s arts, backed by a strong belief in local talent, has helped play a pivotal role in altering the face of the Middle Eastern art market and the way the world perceives
it. Without artists, there is no art or art market. And without curators, great art would routinely go undiscovered.
it. Without artists, there is no art or art market. And without curators, great art would routinely go undiscovered.
Oasis talks to three arts notables with an insatiable appetite for artistic discovery and advancement of Middle Eastern art.
Roxane Zand , Director, Middle East Department, Sotheby’s
At the helm of the Middle East department of Sotheby’s, one of the world’s largest auctioneers of fine art and jewelry, Roxane Zand has been entrusted with implementing a strategic plan for the region, which includes growing Sotheby’s presence there. The veteran art professional launched a career in museum and arts administration in 1978 by helping start up the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art. Her impressive portfolio includes engaging in art education at Oxford University, working with the UK based charity Iran Heritage Foundation, as well as editing the Encyclopaedia Islamica publication of London’s Institute of Ismaili Studies.
At the helm of the Middle East department of Sotheby’s, one of the world’s largest auctioneers of fine art and jewelry, Roxane Zand has been entrusted with implementing a strategic plan for the region, which includes growing Sotheby’s presence there. The veteran art professional launched a career in museum and arts administration in 1978 by helping start up the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art. Her impressive portfolio includes engaging in art education at Oxford University, working with the UK based charity Iran Heritage Foundation, as well as editing the Encyclopaedia Islamica publication of London’s Institute of Ismaili Studies.
What are the root causes behind the reemergence of Middle Eastern/Iranian art?
Growing economies, greater education about art, and greater interest in general in the Middle East can contribute to the flourishing of a particular market.
What is it about Middle Eastern art that intrigues the West in general?
I believe it is cultural curiosity, the freshness of the themes, and the artistic output itself that are further generating interest in the region.
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| © Nja Mahdaoui |
Salma Tuqan, Contemporary Middle Eastern art curator Victoria and Albert Museum
Salma Tuqan’s experience and accomplishments belie her years. Currently the contemporary Middle Eastern art curator at London’s prestigious Victoria and Albert Museum, she has headed the Artists’ Projects at Art Dubai and acted as Artistic Director of the exciting cultural itineraries program Contemparabia.
Salma Tuqan’s experience and accomplishments belie her years. Currently the contemporary Middle Eastern art curator at London’s prestigious Victoria and Albert Museum, she has headed the Artists’ Projects at Art Dubai and acted as Artistic Director of the exciting cultural itineraries program Contemparabia.
Of Palestinian descent and based in London, the Cambridge University graduate has also contributed to several offsite projects as an independent curator and facilitator including Palestine c/o Venice at the 53rd Venice Biennale and Future Movements as part of the Liverpool Biennial 2010. She also chairs the Young Committee of the Barakat Trust for Islamic Art, UK and is an active board member of the Khatt Foundation, Crossway Foundation, and the ArtSchool Palestine organization.
Pascal Odille, Artistic director, Beirut Art Fair
Artistic director of Beirut Art Fair since its takeoff in 2010, Pascal Odille has a wealth of experience in the regional and international arts. A specialist in contemporary art, he has founded several galleries in Paris and worked for various auction houses such as Artcurial and Castandet & Lafon SVV, both based in the French capital.
A member of the Chambre Nationale des Experts Spécialisés en Objets d’Art et de Collection (CNES), Odille is also an artistic adviser for private collectors. The Beirut based Frenchman also teaches art at Lebanon’s Saint Joseph University, and since 2006 has been managing the Art Market Masters program at L’Ecole Des Métiers De La Culture, Paris (Groupe E.A.C.).
Artistic director of Beirut Art Fair since its takeoff in 2010, Pascal Odille has a wealth of experience in the regional and international arts. A specialist in contemporary art, he has founded several galleries in Paris and worked for various auction houses such as Artcurial and Castandet & Lafon SVV, both based in the French capital.
A member of the Chambre Nationale des Experts Spécialisés en Objets d’Art et de Collection (CNES), Odille is also an artistic adviser for private collectors. The Beirut based Frenchman also teaches art at Lebanon’s Saint Joseph University, and since 2006 has been managing the Art Market Masters program at L’Ecole Des Métiers De La Culture, Paris (Groupe E.A.C.).
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