For the second year in a row, the Jeddah Art Week (JAW) has been a successful event, exhibiting more than 50 different works of art made by local, regional and internationally celebrated artists.
The event kicked off on Feb. 1, with a turnout of more than 12,000 during its six-day run.
The event was held under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture and Information and the Abdul Latif Jameel Community Initiatives.
The Saudi Society for Culture and Arts, in collaboration with Sotheby’s, Edge of Arabia Projects and Arabian Wings, intend to build on the success of last year’s inaugural event, which saw 1,500 people attend.
On display was one of the biggest calligraphy and graffiti pieces made by Tunisian calligrafitti artist, Elseed.
The artist used a Saudi poem and different shades of pink spray paint and worked his magic on one of the old buildings located on the Jeddah downtown area.
Hundreds of Jeddawis attended the event.
“I used the help of five Saudi street artists to help me with filling the color. My main goal is to to inspire them to go bigger and I want to tutor them. This is my way of giving back to the community,” he said. “This, to me, is more interesting than the project itself,” he said.
The audience also attended the unveiling of Jeddah’s open-air museum on the same day. The initiative was launched by Abdul Latif Jameel Community and the Jeddah Municipality, which worked hand in hand to restore the sculptures that dot the waterfront in a bid to improve the visual ambience of Jeddah’s Corniche.
The sculptures include the works of famous artist Henry Moore (UK), Victor Vazarelly and Cesar Baldicini (France), Joan Miro (Spain), Alexander Calder (US) and Jane ARB (Germany), and Arab artists, including Mustafa Sunbul (Egypt) and Rabia Al-Akhras (Syria). The sculptures have been around since the 1980s.
The second day marked the grand opening of JAW 2014 at the Park Hyatt Al-Furusiyah, which featured 12 different exhibitions.
Kakaibang Jeddah, Filipino for “unique Jeddah,” stole the spotlight with their work, which was made by the Filipino community living in Jeddah.
The photography exhibition showcased photos taken around Jeddah, where 15 Filipino photographers exhibited their work for the first time to the public. Even the minister of Labor praised their artistic talent. “I was pleasantly surprised with the various artwork that was presented by Filipino workers. I think it is one of the things that we should work on more,” Fakeih said.
“We want to encourage our guest workers to share their experiences living in Saudi cities and encourage cultural interaction with our society,” he said.
He said this would enrich their lives. “This is a step in the right direction and the Ministry of Labor is going to further encourage various communities to participate in Saudi Arabia’s cultural activities.”
Khalid Zahid hosted his first solo exhibition entitled “I Dream Kingdom,” with five different art pieces that expresses the artist’s opinion about social issues in Saudi Arabia. “It reflects what I see happening in Saudi Arabia in the future. I see a better and positive direction with the Saudi labor force and women rights, including women driving,” he said.
“JAW combines very strong international galleries and artists with local talents and I thought this was the perfect opportunity to launch my first solo exhibition,” he added.
Another solo exhibition that caught the eyes of the audience was the work by Wasma Mansour titled Single Saudi Women, which is an ongoing photographic study of single Saudi women living in London. It is an interrogation of the stereotypical representation of women from her native country.
Artist and writer Saad Bin Mohammed contributed to JAW with a piece entitled “heaven is a state of mind, only freedom proves it.”
The artwork is part of a collection called “rebelling heaven.”
“In this specific painting, I’m saying heaven is just a state of mind that only freedom proves it. This man in the painting is standing in his own heaven with his knowledge and his wisdom, which is what the awl represents, and he is giving his back to his own heaven seeking freedom,” he said.
“I am associating freedom with heaven; there is no absolute freedom unless there is heaven. The mirrors are there to emphasize the main concept of the painting for you to put yourself in his shoes. If you find your freedom, you are in heaven,” he added.
JAW also presented Sotheby’s Exhibition Highlights from its upcoming contemporary art auction in Doha, including works by Ali Bandisadr, Jannane Al Ani, Mounir Fatmi, Damian Hirst, Hayv Kahraman, and Khalil Rabah.
The third day began early, where Dar Al-Hekma University and Ibraaz, an online publishing forum initiated by the Kamel Lazaar Foundatio, hosted a one-day conference on contemporary art and its historical development.
There was an international gathering of speakers that looked at the background behind contemporary art and its global development, specifically in the MENA region. The five-hour conference discussed markets for contemporary art, collecting art and the development of new institutions across the MENA region.
All discussions were chaired by Dr. Anthony Downey, director of the Master’s Program in Contemporary Art at Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London, and Lina Lazaar, founder of JAW and deputy director and international contemporary art specialist at Sotheby’s London.
That same day, the audience moved to the Ayyam Gallery to attend the “Contemporary Kingdom,” an exhibition of six contemporary Saudi Arabian artists. Spanning three generations, each artist in the show was specifically featured for their creative dynamism and consistent development in pushing the boundaries of contemporary and conceptual art in Saudi Arabia. In “Contemporary Kingdom,” Faisal Samra, Maha Malluh, Abdulnasser Gharem, Rashed Al Shashai, Shaweesh and Huda Beydoun exhibited artworks addressing, as well as embodying, the spirit of rapid modernity and its impact on Saudi Arabia.
Day number four of JAW was a celebration of Saudi Art at Al Alamia Gallery and then Abdulaziz Bube Asher solo exhibition, Saudi art center that was curated by Arabian Wings gallery north Jeddah.
On the fifth day, Jeddawis went to Palestine street to see the Saudi colors exhibition at the house of artists. They also attended Shift, a new perspective at the Dama art gallery.
On its final day, the JAW audience attended a miniature and contemporary art event from the Middle East at Rochane Gallery.
The art week ended with the Al-Corniche exploration, art and culture association.
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Jeddah Art Week — a blend of local and international talents
Jeddah Art Week — a blend of local and international talents
Saudi students explore intersection of science and art
- Exhibition organized by the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts runs until May 2
JEDDAH: The Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts has launched an exhibition in Jeddah showcasing 25 artworks exploring the link between science and art.
The second annual exhibition organized by the arts society, in collaboration with the Biology Club at King Abdulaziz University, was opened in the presence of Mohammed Al-Subaih, director-general of the organization, Mona Al-Harbi, vice dean of the college of science, local artists, and parents.
HIGHLIGHTS
• The Sci-Art exhibition was organized by the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts in collaboration with the Biology Club at King Abdulaziz University.
• It is being held to encourage students to showcase their creativity.
The exhibition, which will run until May 2 at the organization’s Abdul Halim Radwi Auditorium, presents an artistic interpretation of scientific inquiry. It is being held to encourage students to showcase their creativity.
Fifteen female students presented their paintings, sketches and other projects at the opening of the event.
The students chose as subject matter the body’s various systems, the solar system, human mind, natural world, animals, mathematics, computer programming, global warming and more.
The Sci-Art exhibition allows participants to engage their creative and analytical minds to forge new connections between ideas and learn about the world through art.
Mona Al-Harbi, Vice dean of the college of science, King Abdulaziz University
Al-Subaih praised the students for their work. “This exhibition comes as part of our role in spreading culture and arts … we thought of creating a platform for students to exhibit their talents and showcase their innovative ideas and this exhibition is an exciting moment for us to share with our community.”
Al-Harbi added: “The sci-art exhibition allows participants to engage their creative and analytical minds to forge new connections between ideas and learn about the world through art.
“This exhibition is a way to provide a platform for students and others to express that side of themselves and bring art and science together. Our aim is to encourage students to show their artistic talents and create paintings that related to subjects that they have learned in science.”
‘Chicago’ musical to hit the stage in the UAE
DUBAI: “Chicago,” the American musical with the longest Broadway tenure, is set to be performed in the UAE in September.
The musical will hit the stage at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena for a limited run from Sept.12-22.
“Chicago” is a tale of passion, murder, greed, betrayal and redemption through the journey of two competitive women – an aspiring jazz performer, Roxie Hart, and a former vaudeville star, Velma Kelly.
The production spawned numerous beloved tunes such as “All That Jazz,” “Cell Block Tango” and "Razzle Dazzle.”
Since its premiere on Broadway New York 27 years ago, “Chicago” has played in major cities around the world like London, Sydney, Tokyo, Seoul, Paris, Berlin and Madrid.
Emily Blunt, Ryan Gosling laud stunt performers in ‘The Fall Guy’
TEXAS: Hollywood stars Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling pay tribute to stunt actors in a film by director David Leitch, who himself started as a stunt actor. Loosely based on the 1980s TV series about stunt performers, “The Fall Guy,” which releases in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, is billed as blending humor, romance, mystery, and action.
“It's a celebration of our incredible industry and this film is about that, but it's really to just broadcast the incredible and indelible work of stunt performers and what they've done for cinema,” Blunt said in an interview with Arab News.
“What they've done for people's entertainment … they've risked life and limb to give people that crackling sense of wonder that you feel in movies and it's time they got their outing,” she added.
In a challenge to the invasion of digital effects in film, not only is “The Fall Guy’ packed with stunts but it has officially set a Guinness World Record for the most cannon rolls in a car, performed by stunt driver Logan Holladay. Eight-and-a-half rolls broke the previous record of seven, set by Adam Kirley for 2006’s “Casino Royale.”
Gosling praised the film for giving a platform to stunt performer.
“I had a stunt double my whole life. And it's always been this strange dynamic where they come in, they do all the cool stuff, and then they go and hide and you pretend like you did it and it's not cool, it's about time that recognize (their work),” he said.
The film follows the story of Colt Sievers, a stuntman who left his job to focus on his own health. When the star of a big-budget movie directed by his ex-girlfriend goes missing, he is recalled to active duty.
“Ted Lasso” star Hannah Waddingham also stars in the film. The British actress shed light on what the movie means to her.
“You know, we shot it this time last year in Sydney. Starting in late November, October time. So to finally be here, I feel like I've had to keep a lid on it for so long. And my brother and I were obsessed with “The Fall Guy” when I was little, when I was like ten years old so it's so lovely,” she said.
Heba Ismail brings Saudi representation to NFT ecosystem
- Heba Ismail is highlighting ways for artists to flourish in the digital world
JEDDAH: Saudi artist Heba Ismail showcased her work at the Outer Edge Innovation Summit in Riyadh this week.
Commenting on her experience at the summit as one of the first Saudi artists to venture into the Web3 art scene, she said: “Having my paintings displayed on the event screens is a tremendous honor, offering global visibility and inspiring more Saudi and Arab artists to explore the diverse options available for sharing their art with the world.
“Through my participation with Nuqtah, the first Saudi NFT platform, I am eager to present my art on a global stage and connect with audiences in innovative ways,” she continued.
Non-fungible tokens — or NFTs — are, in this scenario, digital tokens that can be redeemed for a digital art work. Ismail is exploring their potential in the Saudi art scene.
HIGHLIGHTS
• With a professional background in dentistry, Heba Ismail found parallels between that meticulous work and her own creative process.
• Partnering with ChainVisory, a blockchain consultancy company, Ismail launched the Hebaism brand.
• It combines NFTs and original paintings, providing collectors with both digital and physical assets.
For Ismail, art has always been more than just a hobby — it’s been a lifelong calling. With a professional background in dentistry, Ismail found parallels between that meticulous work and her own creative process.
Inspired by movements including cubism, fauvism, and surrealism, Ismail’s art is a fusion of diverse influences and personal narratives “Each face represents a feeling and a vision documented on a painting. I paint poetry, and often times each piece is accompanied by a poem,” she said. “As a Saudi female, most of my paintings represent myself and my Saudi culture, which I am proud of. The characters are coded feelings, faces that tell a story — either joy, sadness, or acrimony.”
Her introduction to NFTs came in 2021, sparking a fascination with the technology and its potential. Partnering with ChainVisory, a blockchain consultancy company, Ismail launched her Hebaism brand, which combines NFTs and original paintings, providing collectors with both digital and physical assets.
As a female Saudi artist, I want to leave a mark and impact on every art platform, putting Saudi art on the map worldwide.
Heba Ismail, Saudi artist
“I wanted to keep the authentic classical painting process, yet the NFT world gave me a chance to meet and discover different ways to share my art and build a name and a brand,” she said. “It’s been an enlightening journey, uncovering the futuristic art process and connecting with a vibrant community through Web3.”
Ismail hopes to inspire other artists in the region to explore new avenues for artistic expression.
“As a female Saudi artist, I want to leave a mark and impact on every art platform, putting Saudi art on the map worldwide,” she said.
‘Bridgerton’ actress says she was warned not to campaign for Palestinians
- Nicola Coughlan: Hollywood insiders told her advocacy could harm her career
- Irish star feels ‘moral responsibility’ to campaign for ceasefire, continue to fundraise
LONDON: Irish actress Nicola Coughlan has revealed that she was told her Palestinian advocacy could harm her career.
The “Bridgerton” and “Derry Girls” star told Teen Vogue she had been warned by people in Hollywood not to be openly supportive of Palestinian rights, but has continued to campaign for a ceasefire in Gaza and still publicly wears an Artists4Ceasefire pin.
“You do get told, ‘you won’t get work, you won’t do this,’ but I also think, deep down, if you know that you’re coming from a place of ‘I don’t want any innocent people to suffer,’ then I’m not worried about people’s reactions,” she said.
“My family lived in Jerusalem back in the late ‘70s, early ’80s, before I was born, so I heard first hand stories about them living there.”
She said her father, who served in the Irish military, went to a “lot of war-torn regions after the conflict and try and help rebuild,” and this had left a profound impression on her.
“I’m so lucky I’ve gotten to this point in my career, and I’m privileged as a white woman, first off.
“Then the fact that I get to do the job I love and travel the world and meet amazing people, I feel a moral responsibility to give back.”
She has made a point of continuing to campaign and raise money around the issue, adding: “To me, it always becomes about supporting all innocent people, which sounds oversimplified, but I think you’ve got to look at situations and just think, ‘Are we supporting innocent people no matter where they’re from, who they are?’ That’s my drive.”
Coughlan said social media plays a role in driving advocacy but it requires nuance. “More of us should be trying to understand how upsetting and traumatising this is for Jewish people, and how horrific it is that all these innocent people in Palestine are being murdered,” she added.
A number of Hollywood figures have faced repercussions for their open support of the Palestinians or criticism of Israel.
Mexican actress Melissa Barrera was fired from the latest “Scream” film over social media posts in support of Palestine, while director Jonathan Glazer caused controversy for using his acceptance speech at the Oscars for his film “The Zone of Interest” to criticize the Gaza war.
