
Nima Sagharchi
Group Head
This auction has ended. View lot details
£8,000 - £10,000
Our Islamic and Indian Art specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialist
Group Head
Provenance:
Property from a private collection, London
Having Tunisian, Turkish and Ottoman roots, Salem questions the Arab world's leaders of yesteryear, which he often portrays as figures of fun. His funky and kitsch Sultans and Sultanas are painted on canvas surrounded with fake fur, ostrich feathers, costume jewellery, floral accessories or elaborate frames, emphasising their immaturity as figures of power, although they are portrayed with some affection.
History has shown that for the most part, these were leaders who did not lead; men in power who abused their power or used religion as a tool for power. Salem's work hints that old times may be coming back; that there are now leaders who continue to ignore the demands of the public and the requirements of our times.