RIYADH: The dynamic evolution and global presence of Saudi art was discussed during a panel at the 2024 Riyadh International Book Fair on Saturday.
The session titled “History of Saudi Art” explored how the arts scene in the Kingdom has developed to new heights in recent years.
Participants emphasized that the Saudi orchestra today represented the collective voices of artists who have shaped the country's vibrant artistic landscape.
The session was organized by the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission and featured distinguished speakers, including academic Nauman Kadowa and Saudi researcher Manal Al-Harbi, with moderation by visual artist and researcher Hanan Al-Hazza.
Kadowa highlighted the multiple transformations Saudi art has undergone, particularly with the establishment of the Theater and Performing Arts Commission and the Music Commission.
These institutions, he noted, have played a pivotal role in reinforcing national identity while serving as bridges for Saudi art to connect with the global community, adding: “Saudi art reflects both our rich past and our promising future.”
Kadowa also underscored the need for a centralized informational hub to consolidate resources and references on Saudi art, calling for collaboration between cultural, artistic bodies, and municipal entities.
Al-Harbi focused on the reciprocal relationship between art and society, describing how Saudi art reflects the customs and traditions of the Kingdom, with roots dating back to prehistoric times.
She lauded the work of late artist Safeya Binzagr, whose paintings vividly captured Saudi traditions. Al-Harbi also noted that many Saudi artists, through their international studies and scholarships, have continued to uphold this cultural responsibility on the global stage.
Al-Harbi addressed a critical challenge in researching Saudi art history: the scarcity of references.
This limitation, she suggested, could be alleviated through collaboration with municipal authorities, whose preserved documents may offer valuable insight into the Kingdom's artistic heritage.
As Saudi art continues to grow and evolve, this session at the Riyadh International Book Fair illuminated the Kingdom's commitment to nurturing and promoting its cultural legacy on a global scale.
