Saudi calligrapher Nasser Al-Salem’s modern take on Islamic art
Updated 06 November 2019
Hams Saleh
DUBAI: Jeddah-based Saudi artist Nasser Al-Salem has revealed his latest project, which will be showcased in the UAE’s Al-Burda Endowment exhibition — organized by the UAE Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development — on Nov. 21.
Al-Salem is one of 10 contemporary artists awarded the Al-Burda Endowment in 2018. The endowment is awarded to “artists who explore Islamic art practices and continue to work towards developing contemporary Islamic Art,” according to a press release.
Al-Salem's latest project will be showcased in the UAE’s Al-Burda Endowment exhibition. (Supplied)
That is something Al-Salem has a history of doing, dating back to his time studying at Al-Haram Al-Sharif in Makkah. In 2010, Al-Salem came second in Saudi Arabia’s National Calligraphy competition. He is also a member of the National Guild of Calligraphers and an active member of Saudi Arabia’s Arts and Culture Group.
His work in general incorporates modern design elements (he has a background in architecture) with traditional calligraphy and Islamic geometry, often referencing verses from the Qur’an. He has been hailed as “pushing the boundaries of Islamic calligraphy” for his habit of using mixed-media platforms to present his work.
In 2010, Al-Salem came second in Saudi Arabia’s National Calligraphy competition. (Supplied)
For the Al-Burda exhibition, Al-Salem has created an installation of a room with green walls (a reference to the green screens used to insert special effects into movies) with Arabic text written on them — a quote from the hadith, “Ma la aynon raat,” which translates as “Like never seen before,” according to Al-Salem.
“The idea (behind the) green-screen room is that every (filmmaker) can create a scene, then edit the picture and add backgrounds that are sometimes surreal or difficult to achieve in real life,” Al-Salem told Arab News. “Every one of us has different expectations of heaven, and I tried to translate this idea in the project. When you are in the room, you will not only see one perspective of the project, you can also spin around to see other perspectives of the work… and this translates the idea of ‘Like Never Seen Before.’ There isn't one clear image you can see from one corner of the room, just like there isn't one perspective or one picture through which we can imagine heaven.”
In the ‘Paris of the Middle East,’ Brigitte Bardot is mourned alongside memories of a golden era
Bardot’s visit in 1967 coincided with Lebanon’s cultural zenith
Nation highlighted as center of global style and sophistication
Updated 30 min 41 sec ago
Shyama Krishna Kumar
BEIRUT: The death of French film legend Brigitte Bardot at 91 has focused attention on one of the 20th century’s most captivating cultural icons — and a remarkable, if brief, moment when her star power intersected with Lebanon’s own golden age.
In March 1967, Bardot arrived in Beirut for a four-day visit that would briefly place the French screen legend at the heart of a Middle Eastern hotspot of glamor and modernity.
Brigitte Bardot in Baalbek, Lebanon. (Instagram)
At the time, Beirut was celebrated as the “Paris of the Middle East,” known for its luxuriant hotels, lively nightlife and cosmopolitan mix of cultures.
Mimi Raad, a noted Lebanese image consultant who is the Head of Image Department at MBC1, said to Arab News, “The 60s were considered the Golden Age of Beirut. Lebanese women, known at that time as the most ‘avant-garde’ and stylish women in the Middle East, were fascinated by Brigitte Bardot’s iconic style as well as by her carefree attitude and freedom. The Lebanese high society would look up to the European glamour and Brigitte Bardot was this breath of novelty in style and attitude.”
“Her visits to Lebanon cemented Lebanon's image as a glamorous Mediterranean destination, often compared to Saint-Tropez, reinforcing Beirut's reputation as a cosmopolitan hub and a trendy holiday destination that mirrored the chicest parts of Europe during that era.”
Meanwhile, Lebanese style consultant Hadia Sinno spoke to Arab News about her lifelong admiration of Bardot. “Since I was young, Brigitte Bardot was an icon I deeply admired, not just for her beauty, but for her effortless style, her natural simplicity and that unmistakable French art de vivre. I was always captivated by her look, especially the headbands she wore in her hair and those signature off-the-shoulder tops,” she said.
“For us as Lebanese, there was always a special connection. We have a deep love for French style, and her visit to Lebanon remains a legendary milestone that bridged our two cultures. Beyond the silver screen, she became a force of nature, leading the anti-fur movement that shocked the world and the fashion industry.
“With her flowing skirts, messy hair and playful confidence, she didn’t just wear clothes, she defined an era. A true icon.
“And even though we hadn’t heard much about her in recent years, it was deeply sad to hear of her passing.”
Brigitte Bardot and husband Gunter Sachs returning from Beirut. (Getty Images)
Bardot stayed in the famed, five-star Phoenicia Hotel where international celebrities lounged by the pool and rubbed shoulders with jet-set elites. Paparazzi captured her in relaxed celebrity mode by the poolside, emblematic of both her global appeal and Beirut’s vibrant scene.
During her short stay the actress wandered through the old Beirut souk, the bustling marketplace that was then a fusion of merchants selling jewelry, watches, and luxury goods.
She visited Assaad Georges Daou, a jeweler celebrated for designing pieces for royalty and film stars — a testament to Beirut’s reputation as a fashion and style hub in the region.
Bardot also ventured beyond the capital to Byblos, an ancient Phoenician port city with sparkling sea views and historic ruins.
There she strolled the scenic harbor and old souk, sampled local seafood and soaked up seaside leisure that mirrored the relaxed Mediterranean allure she embodied onscreen.
Her departure from Lebanon was part of a Mediterranean cruise. According to some accounts, the voyage was interrupted by mechanical trouble that stranded the vessel briefly at sea.
Bardot became a global star after appearing in “And God created Woman” in 1956, and went on to appear in about 50 more movies before retiring in 1973.
Bardot then dedicated over four decades to protecting animals, a mission that resonated with animal welfare groups globally, including in Lebanon.
Beirut for the Ethical Treatment of Animals took to social media to post a heartfelt tribute, greeting her death with “immense sadness” and highlighting her “unwavering commitment” to their mission.
“Today, we say goodbye to Brigitte Bardot — a legendary soul whose love for animals reshaped countless lives. From the silver screen to the front lines of animal welfare, she devoted more than four decades to protecting those who cannot speak for themselves,” the post read.
“Through the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, she turned compassion into action and inspired the world to care more deeply, love more fiercely, and stand up for the voiceless.
“At BETA, we extend our deepest gratitude to Brigitte Bardot and the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for their generous support and unwavering commitment.
“Your kindness strengthened our mission, brought hope where there was despair, and helped save so many precious lives.”
Bardot’s visit left a lasting image of Lebanon as a center of international style and sophistication.
