RIYADH: For more than three decades, Saudi visual artist Ibrahim Al-Almaai has devoted his time to documenting Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, a vibrant, centuries-old art form traditionally painted by women on the walls of homes across the Asir region.
In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency, Al-Almaai emphasized that for the past 33 years, not a week has passed without him visiting a village in the eastern, western, northern, or central parts of the Asir region.
His mission: to seek out the remnants of this heritage art in homes, many of which have been lost to time and weather.
Despite the challenges, he has documented more than 1,200 variations of Al-Qatt patterns and colors.
The traditional art, known as Al-Qatt, Al-Katba, or Al-Zayan, received international reognition in 2017 when it was registered on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
But long before, Al-Almaai had been tirelessly cataloging the artwork, oftenn navigating harsh conditions, including dilapidated buildings and the threat of snakes and poisonous insects, to reach the artworks.
Almost every visit revealed intricate designs made using natural pigments sourced from the surrounding environment.
He explained to SPA that there are four key components of a typical heritage home adorned with Al-Qatt. Al Shabaka (the Network) are single-colored, interlaced lines that create the structural foundation of the design.
Al-Hanash (the Snake) are serpent-like motifs inspired by the Coluber snake, winding rhythmically across the walls.
Al-Khatmah or Al-Akhtam (the Seal) are a form of visual closure at the end of a design.
Al-Qatt (the Lines) are the horizontal strokes layered beneath the primary art, referred to as Al-Katba (the Writing), Al-Naqsh (the Inscription), or Al-Zayan (the Adornment) depending on the local dialect.
Al-Almaai’s lifelong dedication underscores the importance of preserving Saudi Arabia’s artistic and cultural legacy — one painted wall at a time.
