Parviz Tanavoli

Going once, going twice...and SOLD! by Sarvin Haghighi

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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...

 

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Updates on the Nowruz Gala in Dubai - March 2015 by Sarvin Haghighi

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Persian New Years has always been exciting but as we get closer, I feel a bit more excited even du to the Magic of Persia Gala event; having a piece in any auction could be exciting yet stressful. Lot of "What Ifs" go through my head and at the same time I couldn't be more proud to be part of this amazing night. This could be the only time I will be happy to be a bit jet lagged maybe that would calm me down a bit! Flying from Melbourne to Dubai could not be so bad after all...just like my mom always tells me "Better to see the glass as half full'. Now that the Gala night is just a few nights away, I couldn't be happier to have my husband with me on that night, my number one fan and my supporter will be by my side as always and we will celebrate the Persian new year with selling one of my pieces in an auction which is going to be run by Christie's...could I ask for a better way to celebrate New Years? Don't think so...

The schedule sent to the artists by Magic Of Persia Foundation looks really interesting as well. We will have VIP passes to Art Dubai, an amazing art event which attracts art lovers from all over the world to the magical city of Dubai. On the night of the Auction - March 21st - we will be having some events as well prior to the auction and we will end the night with live performance by Shahram Shabpareh who is a well known musician since 60's.

Stay tuned for some images, photos and updates from Dubai!

MOP Foundation