Saudi artists capturing the essence of a nation
It could be via its archaeological landmarks, its traditional crafts, its rituals, its customs, its people and its houses. There are too many great artists from across Saudi Arabia who capture a thread from the great quilt that makes up the country’s many faces, traditions and stories.
The vibrant Asiri Wall painting by the renowned Fatima Abou Gahas from Ithra’s art collection. Al-Qatt Al-Asiri is a deeply rooted traditional art form that flourished among Asir province and is listed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
‘Worshippers Leaving the Mosque,’ by pioneer Abdulrahman Al Soliman. Dated 1981, Oil on canvas, 76 x 101 cm. Image courtesy of Barjeel Art Foundation, Sharjah.
‘1440m,’ by Sultan bin Fahad. 2016-2020. This recognizable art piece is based on an archival image found in Aramco’s archive, of King Abdulaziz the founder of the modern nation of Saudi Arabia, in a car inspecting oil fields in 1947. The artist flipped the image; the effect rendered the late King in the driver’s seat and in the reflection of the car, an image of a man inspecting the oil fields looms below. Courtesy Sultan bin Fahad and Athr Gallery, Jeddah. An edition of it hangs at Ithra’s “Mara’ina” exhibition.
‘Jeddah,’ by iconic Taha Sabban. Dated 2015. Oil on Canvas.150x150 cm Courtesy of the Artist & Hafez Gallery.
