Mohammed Al Saleem Sold at Auction Prices

b. 1939 - d. 1997

Mohammed Al Saleem is one of Saudi Arabia’s preeminent modern artists and one who has greatly contributed to the growth and evolution of Saudi art. In fact, the artistic and critical influence that took place in the 80s saw the development of three key factions in the local art scene. The first was rooted in tradition and heritage; the second saw local customs as a hindrance to artistic progress, and the third whom Al Saleem belonged to, sought a happy medium between the modernist and the traditionalist.

One of the first artists to have left the Kingdom for a pursuit of a formal art education, it is in the Academia delle Belle Arte in Florence that Al Saleem came across the works of neo- impressionist Henri-Edmond Cross. He was particularly touched by Edmond-Cross’s later work, and its gradual use of broader, blocky brushstrokes leaving small areas of exposed bare canvas between the strokes. A shift which resulted in surfaces resembling mosaics, and owning his oeuvre the position of precursor to Fauvism and Cubism. Upon his return to the Kingdom Mohammed Al Saleem decided to teach many of these Western principles and techniques learned in his arid hometown of Marat.