Gazbia Sirry’s Abstract Painting Auctioned at Sotheby’s for GBP 76,000

An abstract painting by renowned Egyptian artist Gazbia Sirry was sold at a Sotheby’s auction in London for GBP 76,000.

In an auction titled ‘21st Century Middle Eastern Art’, the abstract oil painting was displayed alongside an ensemble of artwork by some of the most notable Egyptian artists. The painting was initially put up for auction with an estimated price range of GBP 60,000 to GBP 80,000.  The ‘Untitled’ abstract painting sees Sirry stripping objects to their essential forms, and highlighting the fundamental shapes of the land and sky.

Sirry studied fine arts at the Higher Institute of Art Education for Women Teachers, currently known as the Faculty of Art Education at Helwan University. The artist was a pioneer of Egyptian expressionism, refusing to conform to mainstream art or adhere to one school of thought. Her seven-decade-long oeuvre celebrated women and advocated for gender equality and female empowerment.