Exhibition showing art by Graffiti artist Banksy to open in Riyadh

A recent artwork believed to be attributed to British activist-artist Banksy is pictured in Paris, France, June 25, 2018. (Reuters)
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Updated 19 February 2020
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Exhibition showing art by Graffiti artist Banksy to open in Riyadh

  • The show, “The Art of Banksy ‘Without Limits,’” will open at the King Abdullah Financial Center
  • The exhibition has already stopped in Amsterdam, Melbourne, Berlin and Paris

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is to host an exhibition showcasing work from the British graffiti artist Banksy.

The show, “The Art of Banksy ‘Without Limits,’” will open at the King Abdullah Financial Center in Riyadh on Feb. 20.

It will be the first time the works have been shown in the Middle East.

Around 70 artworks from Banksy will be shown at the exhibition using photographs and various printed materials, the Saudi Press Agency said.

The artist, whose true identity remains a mystery, became a global phenomenon through using his distinctive style and often humorous to portray social issues.

The exhibition will also include visuals, theatrical effects and a documentary on the artist and his work. 

“The Art of Banksy is meant to celebrate Banksy’s art and drive his message of hope and humanity to the world,” according to the organizers. 

The exhibition has already stopped in Amsterdam, Melbourne, Berlin and Paris.

Banksy is known for using his graffiti to make political statements and has produced a number of pieces in the occupied Palestinian territories, including a satirical drawing on the Israeli barrier wall built through the West Bank.

In 2017, the artist opened “The Walled Off Hotel” in Bethlehem, which overlooks the barrier and is filled with his work.


Elyanna shares backstage footage after ‘SNL’ debut 

Updated 07 October 2024
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Elyanna shares backstage footage after ‘SNL’ debut 

DUBAI: Palestinian Chilean singer Elyanna made her “Saturday Night Live” debut over the weekend, teaming up with frequent collaborators Coldplay on stage to perform their new song, “We Pray.” The singer took to Instagram to celebrate the milestone after the show by re-posting footage of backstage rehearsals recorded minutes before she hit the stage. 

Elyanna and the British band were joined on stage by Argentine singer and actress Tini, also a featured artist on the track. Elyanna also released her own Arabic-language version of the song on Sept. 20.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Elyanna (@elyanna)

Coldplay also performed their new track “All My Love” from their new album “Moon Music,” which was released on Friday.

Elyanna is set to perform live with Coldplay again when the band heads to Abu Dhabi for four shows in the UAE capital in January 2025. The band will perform as part of the “Music of the Spheres World Tour” on Jan. 9, 11, 12 and 14 at Zayed Sports City Stadium.

The “SNL” performance comes just days after the 22-year-old also appeared at iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas to perform the same song.

In August, she took to the stage in Dublin to perform “We Pray” in Arabic. She performed alongside rapper Little Simz, Nigerian singer Burna Boy and Tini.

“I’m still in awe of last night! Sharing this moment with all these amazing artists on @coldplay’s stage felt so wholesome,” she wrote to her 1.7 million followers on Instagram. “I sang ‘We Pray’ in Arabic, I sang for hope and most importantly for my hometown Palestine.”


Bahraini artist Salman Alnajem seeks to ‘learn from the wisdom of the past’

Updated 07 October 2024
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Bahraini artist Salman Alnajem seeks to ‘learn from the wisdom of the past’

RIYADH: Using heavy industrial materials as a canvas may be unconventional to some, but to Bahraini painter Salman Alnajem, it is the perfect backdrop for his exploration of ancient civilizations, technology, religion, and mythology.

The artist has exhibited his works in solo and group exhibitions in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UK, France and Italy and holds a master’s in fine art from London’s Royal College of Art.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by salman alnajem (@smnajem)

In his most recent project, “Cosmic Perspectives,” Alnajem painted a series of small and mid-scale artworks bursting with color.

“I'm making these paintings on steel that have a lot of these religious references … I aim to find remnants and clues of ancient-advanced-civilisations that seemingly were capable of building the most magnificent monolithic monuments to learn from the wisdom of the past, to bring it into the present, to create a better future.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by salman alnajem (@smnajem)

Alnajem’s artwork explores “a vast amount of knowledge that is encrypted in ancient symbols.”

“Trying to find answers to how and why the Pyramids, Stonehenge and countless other monolithic sites were built. How did the ancients have such a comprehensive understanding of architecture, astronomy and astrology? In doing so I keep finding connections, and similarities between disparate ancient cultures that are hundreds of years and kilometres apart. Almost as if they are telling the same story, in different languages,” the artist said.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by salman alnajem (@smnajem)

Alnajem’s painting process begins with compiling images from his research which he turns into a collage-like digital sketch.

“These images are then arranged in a process that is similar to abstract painting. Usually an abstract painter’s first mark abstractly informs the next. In my process the placement of a symbol informs, indicates, and inspires the next.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ghada Khunji (@gkhunji)

Coining his own artistic style called “abstract symbolism,” Al-Najem said he disentangles and assembles complex societal, mythological, and spiritual matters to present them in a simple-compositionally-harmonic way.

“I do so by creating complex paintings using simple-common symbols from popular culture, contemporary life and antiquity.”

For Alnajem, painting isn’t about making aesthetically pleasing pictures, but a way to create energy.

“My art is not something the viewer should ‘get.’ The artwork’s role is to ‘get’ the viewer ... when we look at a piece of art, we agree to open our minds to receive it. Art makes us more sensitive, when an artist is able to create small details that draw us in, to lean into the painting, that's us being a little more sensitive. Art, in its truest form, is an expression of the soul.”


Shooting starts in UK for Pakistani superstar Fawad Khan’s Bollywood comeback ‘Abir Gulaal’

Updated 07 October 2024
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Shooting starts in UK for Pakistani superstar Fawad Khan’s Bollywood comeback ‘Abir Gulaal’

  • After political disputes, there has been an unofficial ban since 2016 on Pakistani artists working in Indian films 
  • In 2023, Bombay High Court dismissed a petition seeking to officially ban Pakistani artists from working in India

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani superstar Fawad Khan and Bollywood’s Vaani Kapoor have started shooting their upcoming romantic comedy film “Abir Gulaal” at locations in and around London, Variety reported on Monday. 
The film, which will be shot in the UK over October and November, is directed by Aarti S. Bagdi and produced by Indian Stories, A Richer Lens and Aarjay Pictures. Its producers include Vivek B. Agrawal, Avantika Hari and Rakesh Sippy. 
“The film explores the journey of two individuals who unintentionally help each other heal, with love blossoming as an unexpected consequence,” Bagdi told Variety. 
Khan enjoys heartthrob status in both Pakistan and India and has played the lead in Bollywood hits “Khoobsurat” (2014) and “Kapoor & Sons” (2016). He also starred in “Ms. Marvel” (2022) and “The Legend of Maula Jatt” (2022), Pakistan’s biggest hit of all time. The Indian release of “Maula Jatt” is currently on hold after a right-wing fringe group objected to it. Khan is also the lead of hit Zindagi series “Barzakh,” which debuted at Series Mania in 2023.
Kapoor, who won critical acclaim playing a transgender character in film “Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui” (2021), is also the lead in upcoming Netflix crime thriller series “Mandala Murders” and coming-of-age Bollywood drama-comedy “Badtameez Gill.”

The “Abir Gulaal” producers said: 

“Fawad has a massive global fan base, and we anticipate that audiences and his fans will wholeheartedly embrace this film, as it showcases him in his most endearing role yet,” Abir Gulaal producers said in a statement. “The chemistry between Fawad and Vaani is expected to light up the screen with their captivating performances and undeniable charm.”
Since 2016, there has been an unofficial ban on Pakistani artists working in Indian films, following political disputes between the two countries. However, in 2023, the Bombay High Court dismissed a petition seeking to officially ban Pakistani artists from working in India. 
“Arts, music, sports, culture, dance, and so on are the activities which rise above nationalities, cultures, and nations and truly bring about peace, tranquility, unity, and harmony in nation and between nations,” the court had said in its ruling.


Amina Muaddi celebrates PETA win on Instagram

Updated 06 October 2024
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Amina Muaddi celebrates PETA win on Instagram

DUBAI: Jordanian Romanian luxury shoe designer Amina Muaddi took to Instagram to celebrate her win at the PETA Vegan Awards 2024.

Muaddi won the award for Best Vegan Heels in the Fashion category for her stylish Brito Slipper heels crafted from plexiglass and TPU.

“I won a @peta award for the Brito,” she wrote on Instagram Stories and shared a photo of the award.

Now in their 11th year, the PETA Vegan Awards celebrate fashion companies and designers dedicated to creating animal-friendly clothing, shoes, accessories and bags. The 2024 winners include Berlin-based GmbH for its innovative leather biker jacket and Armedangels for its eco-conscious recycled linen blazer, among others.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by AMINA MUADDI (@aminamuaddi)

Last month, Muaddi unveiled her latest pair of heels on none other than Barbadian superstar Rihanna as the footwear mogul was spotted at Milan Fashion Week.

Muaddi created a custom-made pair of Anok mules for the singer in a shade called butter satin, which Muaddi showed off on Instagram before hitting the streets at the now-concluded Milan Fashion Week.

The designer attended shows by Ferragamo, The Attico and Gucci and showed off apparel by each of the brands as she sat in the front row.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by AMINA MUADDI (@aminamuaddi)

She also turned heads at the Dior show at Paris Fashion Week last month, while French Saudi model Amira Al-Zuhair graced the runway for Danish fashion label Ganni.

Muaddi, who is a regular at Dior fashion shows, opted for a classic white button-down shirt and a sleek black satin pencil skirt. Her look was accessorized with a pair of dark, round sunglasses and a small, textured blue Dior handbag.

Since launching her eponymous footwear line in August 2018, Muaddi has attracted a loyal following of celebrities including Dua Lipa, Gigi Hadid, Kylie Jenner and Hailey Bieber. Her brand, known for its distinctive footwear, bags and jewelry, has quickly become a favorite among the fashion elite.

Since the launch, Muaddi has enjoyed a series of successful events, notably her collaboration with Rihanna’s Fenty collection. This partnership was immensely successful, earning the Collaborator of the Year award at the 34th FN Achievement Awards in 2020.

A year after this accolade, Muaddi’s influence and success were further recognized when she was named one of Women’s Wear Daily and Footwear News’ 50 Most Powerful Women.


Tilda Swinton wears Maison Alaia as protesters interrupt film screening

Updated 06 October 2024
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Tilda Swinton wears Maison Alaia as protesters interrupt film screening

DUBAI: British actress Tilda Swinton wore an all-black ensemble from Maison Alaia on the red carpet at the New York Film Festival screening of her film “The Room Next Door.”

The simple design from the label, which was founded by late Tunisian couturier Azzedine Alaia, featured a black sweater and skirt, which Swinton paired with bright red heels.

According to a report by Deadline, the post-screening Q&A for “The Room Next Door” was interrupted by protesters chanting in support of Palestine as well as Lebanon, the recent target of Israeli airstrikes.

A spokesperson told Deadline: “Two individuals held a banner and shouted slogans in the theater during the Q&A following the NYFF screening of Pedro Almodovar’s film ‘The Room Next Door.’ They were peacefully escorted out.”

The protest reportedly drew some applause, along with some shouts calling for them to “go away.” Director Almodovar gave the group a chance to be heard as he and Swinton helped diffuse the situation.

“The Room Next Door” is Spanish filmmaker Almodovar’s first English-language movie. The picture won the Golden Lion at its Venice Film Festival world premiere as well as the Brian Award for Almodovar.

Swinton described the protest as “a dignifying thing for this festival,” adding: “These interruptions are uncomfortable, but they’re necessary, and it is relevant to our film. Syria is the room next door, Beirut, Gaza. Pedro’s film asks us not to look away.”