ART AUCTION
Mohammed-Al-Saleem Untitled, 1989. Oil on canvas, 100 by 100 cm. 39⅜ ⅜ by 39⅜ in. This painting is one of the major highlights of Sotheby’s Origins II, an art auction driving the Saudi Arabia art market. Image: Sotheby’s
Sotheby’s Origins II marks a pivot for the Saudi Arabia art market. Learn how Blue Chip masterworks and legal reforms are drawing global collectors.
BY KAZEEM ADELEKE, ARTCENTRON
SAUDI ARABIA-Saudi Arabia reaches a defining peak in its cultural evolution this month. On January 31, 2026, the global art world will gather at the Bujairi Terrace in Diriyah for Origins II. This flagship event follows last year’s landmark $17.3 million debut. It marks a decisive shift from market “testing” to market “mastery.” This evolution cements the Saudi Arabia art market as a permanent, high-stakes force in the global creative economy.
Sotheby’s now operates from a permanent office in Riyadh’s Al Faisaliah Tower. This presence has transformed the Kingdom from a seasonal destination into a year-round cultural hub. Under Vision 2030, art no longer sits at the margins. It is now a central pillar of national identity and economic growth.
From Luxury to “Blue Chip” Masterworks
The inaugural 2025 sale featured an eclectic mix of memorabilia and luxury goods. In contrast, Origins II reflects a sophisticated maturing of demand. The 70 lots crossing the block focus exclusively on fine art. This shift signals that Saudi collectors have moved toward “Blue Chip” institutional assets.
Top 5 Lots to Watch
| Artist | Work | Estimated Value | Significance |
| Pablo Picasso | Paysage (1965) | $2M–$3M | A late-career landscape; the undeniable “anchor” of the auction’s global status. |
| Andy Warhol | Disquieting Muses (1982) | $800K–$1.2M | A Pop Art reinterpretation of De Chirico, perfect for a market blending tradition and modernity. |
| Anish Kapoor | Untitled (Concave Mirror) | Up to $800K | His iconic reflective sculptures are a status symbol for high-end contemporary collectors. |
| Roy Lichtenstein | Interior with Ajax (Study) | $600K–$800K | Part of a rare group of 7 works from the artist’s personal estate. |
| Safeya Binzagr | Coffee Shop in Madina Road | $150K–$200K | A “National Treasure” piece by the late Saudi pioneer, providing the local “Origin” story. |
Mohammed Al Saleem and “Horizonism”
The centerpiece of the regional offering is an untitled 1989 work by Mohammed Al Saleem. Known as the “Father of Saudi Modernism,” Al Saleem created a unique visual language called Horizonism (Al-Ufuqiya).
Al Saleem believed the blinding Saudi sun “washes out” traditional shadows. He used a bronzed palette of ochre and gold to capture the desert’s vibration. His style merges Arabic calligraphy with the infinite horizontal lines of the Riyadh landscape. Today, Al Saleem’s estate anchors the Saudi Arabia art market. His world auction record currently stands at $1.1M, set at Sotheby’s London in 2023. Collectors view his paintings as the founding documents of the nation’s modern identity.
The New Vanguard: Profiling the Under-40 Saudi Collector
The Saudi Arabia art market is currently the youngest and most digitally savvy in the world. Last year, 30% of bidders were under the age of 40. This new generation drives the market through three distinct traits:
- Legacy Building: They prioritize “Blue Chip” assets over decorative luxury.
- Digital Fluency: They use online bidding platforms with total confidence.
- Patronage: Many buy artworks with the intent to loan works to the new museums in Diriyah and AlUla.
“Riyadh is no longer just buying culture; it is curating a legacy. Collectors are seeking museum-grade assets that define the nation’s place in global art history,” expressed Ashkan Baghestani, Sotheby’s Head of Sale.
Strategic Alignment and Legal Stability
The timing of Origins II coincides with the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale (opening 30 January 2026). This alignment creates a “cultural season” that rivals major fairs in Europe. The Biennale’s theme, “In Interludes and Transitions,” mirrors the evolution seen on the auction block at Bujairi Terrace.
Legal modernization fueled this growth. The 2023 Civil Transaction Law (CTL) provides the transparency necessary for high-value international trade.
- Contractual Certainty: The CTL codifies “offer and acceptance,” reducing risk for global buyers.
- Liability Protections: New laws allow for “lost profit” recovery and “limitation of liability” clauses.
- The Hybrid Model: Sotheby’s utilizes English law for familiar protections while operating within the refined local regulatory framework.
Origins II: Auction & Exhibition Details
The auction and public exhibition take place in the heart of historic Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
| Event | Date | Location |
| Public Exhibition | 24–31 January 2026 | Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah |
| Exhibition Hours | 14:00–22:00 AST | Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah |
| Live Auction | January 31, 2026 (19:30 AST) | Historic Diriyah, Riyadh |
International Bidder’s Checklist
If you plan to participate in the 31 January auction, follow these steps:
- Verify Your Account: Complete registration at least 48 hours before the sale.
- Financials: High-value “Premium Lots” (like the Picasso) may require a bank letter of reference.
- Choose Your Method: Options include in-room paddles, telephone lines, or the Sotheby’s App.
- Logistics: Ensure your shipping partners use the updated 2026 SABER Customs Codes for Saudi ports.
The Forecast for 2026
As the hammer falls this January in Diriyah, one thing is clear: Riyadh is no longer a future prospect. It is the market of the present. The Saudi Arabia art market has moved from the margins to the center of the global creative economy.
