Christie’s Middle East is honoured to present Sami Hayek Frequency a selling exhibition from Christie’s Private Sales, the first to take place in the Middle East for Mexican multi-disciplinary artist Sami Hayek taking place from 4 – 14 November at Christie’s, DIFC, Dubai during Dubai Design Week 2024. Sami Hayek is known for creating exquisitely designed original thought-provoking objects, including furniture, sculpture and art installations which evoke specific feelings in relation to both the space they occupy and between the materials which are meticulously selected to work in harmony together. Frequency delves into the concept of how objects hold and radiate intentions, resonating with the individuals who encounter them creating a profound connection between the viewer and their environment.
Sami debuted Frequency at Christie’s Los Angeles in 2023 to resounding success, receiving strong demand to take the exhibition abroad. Over twenty unique pieces will be on view in Dubai, bringing Sami’s unique artistic practice to the UAE for the first time.
The artist’s design process explores the interactions that certain materials have with one another and how each object’s blended ‘frequencies’ co-exist together. Materials including volcanic rock, marble, anodized aluminium, glass beads and precious woods are used to create objects using both machine precision and artisan hand-tooled skills which can take hundreds of hours to create. Each piece’s original features, whether a colour change, the use of materials or a truly bespoke element, ensure every work is one-of-a-kind.
The Dubai Credenza (a cabinet-style piece of furniture) was designed specifically by Sami for the Dubai selling exhibition based on his interpretation of a recent visit to Dubai. Inspired by the incredible energy, vibrancy, culture, growth and diversity of Dubai, Sami equates the frequency of Dubai to that of a hummingbird. The wings of a hummingbird move at an extraordinarily high frequency, are vibrant and colourful and there are over 300 species, many of which are native to his roots in Mexico. The Dubai Credenza design reflects both Sami’s origins in Mexico and Dubai in a new design. Created to be a modular piece of furniture for a living or dining space, it is made from anodized aluminium, with solid walnut interiors, volcanic rock feet and glass beads. The design on the cabinet doors elegantly reflects the mesmerising pattern of a hummingbird’s wings in motion, capturing the essence of its graceful flight. The glass beads are hand-laid by skilled artisans in small Mexican communities who are known for their exquisite beading.
Sami’s series, Frequency, consists of interactive artworks designed to be touched and spun by viewers, inviting them to engage with the pieces in a tactile and immersive way. Maya Frequency 2 is made from iceberg blue marble, ceramic, suede,natural and glazed volcanic rock. Each ‘Frequency’ which hangs on a wall is designed to bring harmony to spaces and support in the movement and behaviour of those who interact with these unique artworks. For example, frequency 528 has for centuries been regarded as a frequency that reconstructs DNA and helps with emotions, whilst higher frequencies such as frequency 963 help with intuition and emotions – each Frequency has a specific formula. All of them have the intention to bring a sense of positivity and well-being.
‘Mini Wing’ side table features a 360-degree rotating top and a secret compartment. Available in six colours at Christie’s Dubai, with the option for custom colours made to order. They feature in the exhibition alongside large display centrepiece tables and dining tables. The Collectors Table made from blue marble, exotic wood, Alcantara and Murano glass candy. This example displays an array of bespoke Murano glass confectionery. The design was a collaboration between Sami and his talented fine jewellery designer wife Daniela Villegas. Sami and Daniela have one of these tables in their home which displays her collection of insects and beetles. Daniela has a love of beetles and was seeking alternatives to framing her collection. This led to the collaboration between the two resulting in a closed glass table top created to display any particular passion for a collecting client. (Illustrated below right), Feather Table (seats 12 people). Made from anodized aluminium and volcanic rock. This table features intricate sacred geometry on its surface, with customizable colours available to suit any aesthetic. Inspired by his deep passion for food, Sami crafted this exquisite piece as more than just a table. It is a beautifully designed centrepiece that brings people together. With it, he invites everyone to celebrate the joy of sharing meals, memories, and meaningful moments with family and loved ones.
Sami Hayek comments, ‘Everything around has a frequency and every colour has its particular resonance, both of which impact us all sensorially. All my pieces have been curated not only with frequencies but also with sacred geometry. Each object has layers and with that comes an intrinsic attraction which leads to the discovery of the intricacy of each piece by the individual. My process is deeply rooted in the dialogue between the materials used, their proportions and the positivity they bring to their surroundings. Dubai is a hub of artistic talent in the Middle East and one that showcases the very best of contemporary design and creativity. I am truly grateful to be holding my first Middle East exhibition at Christie’s during Dubai Design Week’.
Meagan Kelly Horsman, Managing Director, Christie’s Middle East said, ‘Christie’s is honoured to be representing Sami Hayek in the Middle East for his first selling exhibition during a pivotal time of year in the art and design calendar in Dubai. Sami brings a unique design philosophy to his artistic practice based around the ‘frequency’ created by the use of materials, their colour and each imbued with a specific frequency. We invite you for the first time to discover the world of Sami Hayek through this immersive exhibition at Christie’s Middle East ’.
Press release from Christie’s
Image: Sami Hayek. Maya Frequency 2. 2023. Iceberg Blue marble, ceramic, natural and glazed volcanic rock, suede. Image courtesy of the artist and Christie’s
