Images and more updates on Christie's Auction - Dubai 2015 - MOP Nowruz Gala

The whole process from the time my painting was accepted to be part of 2015 MOP Foundation Gala till the time it was auctioned by Christie's was just like a dream. Very mixed feelings, I was so proud to see my name within such amazing artists. The event was mesmerizing as mentioned. Location was perfect, full of art, flowers and lovely people. The start of the evening we had a video message from HH Shahbanoo Farah Pahlavi - The former Queen of Iran - to us all and it was amazing. The setting, the speech, the whole thing was just spectacular. Then we had HE Sheikh Nahayan Bin Mubarak Al Narayan - Ministry of Culture, Youth & Social Development - reading a keynote speech to us all. And of course then came the Auction which I have mentioned in details in my previous posts...

Here you can have all the links to all the images, speeches and all for the Magic of Persia Foundation events in Dubai on Nowruz 2015. It was an honor to be part of this magical event and hoping to be part of it again in coming years.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL DETAILS AND IMAGES - MOP FOUNDATION - NOWRUZ GALA - Dubai / 2015

Going once, going twice...and SOLD!

 

And finally the day I was so looking forward to arrived.  The Magic of Persia Nowruz Auction Gala benefit in Dubai which was held on Iranian new years - March 21st 2015 - at Emirates Towers. The setting was beautiful and I was accompanied by my number one fan, my husband.   We were welcomed by champagne to the salon where all the artworks were on display.

There were so many beautiful artworks many by famous artists and some by emerging and other well - established artists.  Shirley Elghanian - Founder of the MOP organization - started the ceremony welcoming the artists, followed by a beautiful and touching video speech by Empress Farah Pahlavi - Former Queen of Iran - It was so unreal to be within so many amazing artists in such an amazing atmosphere. The program continued with a speech by HE Sheikh Narayan Bin Mubarak Al Nahayan - UAE's Head Minister of Culture, Youth and Social Development - and then the Christie's auctioneer stepped up and started the auctions. My painting was the 5th one of the auction list. I felt like I couldn't breath for a long time.  I noticed the start of bidding prices for most of the art works had been lowered compared to the suggested bid in the program.  My painting was one of the few that held its original bid price.

All prices mentioned in the catalogue are based on MOP and the artists suggested value but ultimately Christie's has say on the starting bid . Nervously, I saw my piece at a glance being brought up to the stage. The auctioneer started by mentioning the start bid of 2000 USD.. there was a few seconds of silence - to me it was much longer - and then the bidding started. I still couldn't breath and once I heard the word "SOLD" I realized it was sold for $6,000 USD. I was still in shock and could hardly hear my husband congratulating me...

As the auction continued we also realized that most of the pieces had an average of 20% increase between the start of bidding price and the selling price, whereas I  had a 300% increase.  At that moment it dawned on me how well my piece had performed.   This was the best start of the year I could have asked for. The ceremony continued with the performance of Shahram Shabpareh who is a legend in Iranian Rock music. I could not stop smiling the whole night. My piece was safe, with someone who appreciates it...this was the best Nowruz gift ever...