JEDDAH: Artist Paul Marlier and dancer Jeanne Morel have brought an interactive digital art display dubbed “ETH3R” to Jeddah’s cultural hub, Hayy Jameel.

The French creatives feature immersive artworks generated using the biometric data of Morel captured during her movement in extreme environments — including in zero-gravity.

The unique blend of technology and creativity has captivated audiences with its perspectives on reality, and contrasts with the often mundane nature of daily life.

In an interview with Arab News, Marlier spoke about the creative process behind their digital artwork. He also highlighted the production of artworks inspired by the human and scientific data he had gathered.

“It is a real pleasure to be here, particularly in Hayy Jameel, where we blend art and science to create a sensory experience like no other,” he said. “It represents the DNA imprint of the world — the dance of our souls.” 

He added: “ETH3R encompasses paintings and dynamic installations derived from the biometric data of my wife, Jeanne Morel, who dances in diverse and extreme environments, from beneath the ocean depths to high-altitude astronaut training.”

Marlier has amalgamated this scientific data regarding human physiology with other information, including air quality, satellite imagery, and even facts from the Red Sea. “These artworks serve as emotional imprints, reminiscent of moments of grace. It’s truly a collaborative effort.”

Explaining the process, he added: “With Jeanne as the catalyst, adorned with sensors akin to a paintbrush, her dance emotions are translated through code into the digital art seen in the paintings. We explore themes of fragility, spirituality, and the inherent unity between humans and nature — the universal dance.”

“We approach data not as mere codification, but as sensations, enabling us to specify and share the experience. By capturing a wealth of information from this singular dancer, we endeavor to materialize the essence of grace,” Marlier said.

Morel added: “Dance is the way to express your deepest emotions, sometimes simpler than words.”

“Dance is the allegory of life. It allows me to stay alive, connected to the movements of the world. Our bodies are constantly dancing, moving, on this earth which itself dances around the sun and remains in balance thanks to gravity,” she added.

Of their first visit to the Kingdom, Marlier said: “The people are absolutely welcoming here. And spirituality and poetry are so present.”

Morel added: “We admire the spirituality and also the open-mindedness of this country regarding art and especially digital art.”

Waleed Harthi, an art enthusiast, said: “Witnessing art that exceeds boundaries was a mesmerizing journey, captivating our senses and sparking wonder at the fusion of art and technology. The live demonstration and dance were incredibly relaxing and offered a serene escape to some other imaginary world.”

The exhibition runs until May 11.

RIYADH: Fishermen from the Jazan region have started preparing for the 20th Hareed Fishing Festival, which begins on Thursday.

The festival, which takes place on Farasan Island and lasts for two days, celebrates the fishing of parrotfish, otherwise known as hareed.

It showcases various tourist activities such as parasailing, traditional folk dances, and competitions for catching the fish, which is difficult due to their survival instinct which leads them to hide by corals.

Hareed are traditionally caught close to the shore in nets. The brightly colored fish come in different sizes and change color as they grow, the color varying according to their sex. They are considered parrot-like as they have teeth that they use to scrape food off coral reefs.

The fishing season varies across the region’s waters. In the past, the people of Farasan celebrated the event by visiting newlywed brides wearing traditional dress, while women and children joined in the festivities at her home.

Visitors to the festival will also get the chance to explore the heritage sites in Farasan, which include Wadi Matar, Al-Qassar village and Bait Al-Jarmal, along with several historic houses.

The island boasts a unique cultural heritage which centers on sailing and pearl-diving experiences in the past.

Jazan Gov. Prince Mohammed bin Nasser is launching the festival, which is organized by the region’s branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, in partnership with the islands’ governorate.

Mohammed Al-Atif, the general director of the branch, said that the festival embodied the customs and traditions of the people of the Farasan Islands and was considered an annual event to highlight the region’s tourism potential.

He added that the festival also celebrates hareed, which appears at the same time each year and proves a major attraction for people in the Jazan region.