43 - ⊕ MOHANNA DURRA (JORDANIAN 1938-2021)

⊕ MOHANNA DURRA (JORDANIAN 1938-2021) UNTITLED signed Durra lower left charcoal on paper 36.8 x 27.8cm (68.6 x 57.7cm framed) The Estate of Mohanna Durra has confirmed the authenticity of this work Property from a Private Collection, London Provenance Acquired by descent from the artist The portrait is one of Mohanna Durra's more traditional pieces. The artist's fondness for depicting Bedouin and Arab subjects is clearly evident in this portrait, rendered in his characteristically loose style. Mohanna Durra was a Jordanian painter whose profound influence shaped not only the visual language of Jordanian modern art, but also the institutional foundation of art education in the region. Over a career spanning several decades, Durra introduced abstraction, expressionism and cubism to Jordan, and was celebrated for his bold manipulation of form and colour - compositions recognised for their expressive brushwork, cubist geometries, and intimate interplay of light. Durra established the Fine Arts Section at the Department of Culture and Art in Amman, as well as Jordan’s first art studio for the professional training of local artists. His international stature grew through major exhibitions across Europe, the United States, Russia, and the Middle East, with notable shows at prestigious venues such as the Palazzo Venezia and the Venice Biennale in Italy, the National Museum of Fine Arts in Valletta, Malta, and the Central Hall of the Austrian Parliament in Vienna. His works were also displayed in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and exhibited at the Pera Museum in Istanbul. Among reputable private collectors, David Rockefeller personally added a painting by Durra to his collection following a visit to Amman in the 1970s. In addition, King Hussein of Jordan was a longtime patron, frequently presenting Durra’s works as official diplomatic gifts during state visit. His legacy endures as an artistic pioneer, educator, and ambassador for the advancement of Arab art.