SAUDI ARABIA

Saudi Art Book Fair amazes art lovers

February 12, 2018

Abdulaziz Hammad

Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH
— The four-day first Saudi Art Book Fair, organized by the the Saudi Art Council and Misk Art Institute, in an architectural pavilion titled “RAWprint” at Athr Gallery rooftop here, showcased the work of many independent artists, publishers, galleries and magazines that are leaders in the field of art in the Kingdom.

The fair was one of the events from the 21,39 Jeddah Arts Initiative by the Saudi Art Council. The initiative aims at promoting art and culture in Jeddah.

Many distinguished dignitaries, diplomats, businessmen and artists visited the public fair. After touring the fair the visitors had a lovely cozy dinner at the rooftop of Athr Gallery.

One such visitor was French Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Francois Gouyette. Expressing his admiration, he said: “I was very happy to attend this exhibition. It is my second visit, I attended last year's events too. I think this exhibition is very representative of what Saudi Arabia aims to become with the focus on art, within the Vision 2030. We really appreciate those initiatives. France is already happy to participate in these events.”

The ambassador added: “Art is something not limited to elites, it is, of course, open for all. There is a strong will from the Saudi government to focus on art and culture. We are preparing for the visit of Prince Muhammad Bin Salman to France next month. There will be of course cultural dimension to this visit.”

Another diplomat who toured and loved Athr Gallery and the Art Book Fair is the Italian Consul General Elisabetta Martini. He noted: “This is a very big shift for Saudi Arabia. Art is very important, it makes the person think.”

Hamza Serafi, co-founder of Athr Gallery, said the initiative is aimed at delivering a message of culture, to get the youth and the people involved with contemporary art. It is about the idea, each artist must come out with a concept or an idea. Art is one of the best tools to heal a society.”


February 12, 2018
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