RIYADH: An American-Jordanian artist has captured her love for Riyadh in a collection of 26 paintings that went on display recently at the Ritz-Carlton hotel.
Titled “A Love Letter to Riyadh,” this is Aida Murad’s first exhibition in the country and seeks to convey her passion for the city and its people.
“I fell in love with every part of the people, the nature, the energy,” she told Arab News.
“So, naturally, I had to express my love through art, which is, in this case, 26 abstract paintings that are love letters.”
Murad’s passion for Riyadh is tangible in the works on show.
“It’s a Colorful World,” for instance, includes actual leaves the artist collected from the city’s Diplomatic Quarter, which she said represented the diversity of its people.
“What I have done is actually walk around the Diplomatic Quarter and gather leaves, which felt really beautiful because I felt like a child just being curious, playing and walking around.
“I got different leaves and painted them with different colors to celebrate the diversity that I have met in Riyadh, while also honoring nature.”
“I hope you will take away from this exhibition a feeling of nourishment. Really, it’s a nourishment and gratitude to standing on the land that we are on … and a deeper appreciation for the people and for being alive.”
“A Love Letter to Riyadh” closes on Saturday.
