29 new artists to discover
Winning piece chosen as brand identity for the competition, “The white army: health team” by Eshraq Sami from Jeddah. (Second place).
In the midst of an insomniac evening, a Saudi art collector launched a Twitter “art” competition that led to a massive flood of submissions from across the Kingdom, with over 1,500 submissions, and the discovery of 29 talented creatives in Saudi Arabia.
“I thought I would get about 200 submissions, and that would be it,” said Abdullah Al-Rasheed.
With names removed, the submissions were anonymously judged by the public via likes, as well as a jury of established Saudi cultural personalities. First prize 5,000 riyals. Second 3,000 riyals and third 2,000 riyals. All three top positions were won by Saudi talents.
One of the 29 winners: “We are at peace at home, with our pets”
by Latifah Al Mahmoud from Riyadh.
There was great support from the government, including the Minister of Culture H.H. Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al-Saud. “I couldn’t believe it, there were about 15 million people engaging with it!” said Al-Rasheed.
All 29 artists were gifted with membership to the Saudi Art Association, becoming ‘official’ artists.
“This is a testament to the great interest there is in Saudi art and how it should not be limited to just a few art lovers,” he said.
With plans to turn the winning pieces into a book and an exhibition, the collector with over 500 pieces already is overjoyed at the success of this competition.
“Art makes me happy, and I see it has made many others happy as well.”
To see all the winning pieces, click here.
