Sotheby's second auction in Saudi Arabia, 'Origins II,' achieved a total of $19.6 million, nearly doubling its low estimate. The sale, held in Diriyah, saw strong demand for Saudi and MENA artists, with a third of works sold to local collectors, signaling a shift from the previous year's reliance on international blue-chip art.
The results indicate Saudi collectors are prioritizing legacy and regional artists, building a distinct market focused on cultural identity. The record-breaking sale of Safeya Binzagr's work highlights a growing appetite for historically significant local pioneers, fostering a two-way exchange that introduces regional artists to a broader audience while deepening engagement with the Kingdom's own artistic heritage.