RIYADH – The deliberations of the Second Tuwaiq International Sculpture Symposium, which comes under the Riyadh Art Project and is organized by the Ministry of Culture at the Diplomatic Quarter here, was launched on Friday and will continue until Jan. 30, 2020, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

Twenty artists from various countries of the world, including two Saudi artists, Issam Jameel and Faisal Al-Naaman, along with Ali Jabbar from Iraq, Naji Fareed from Egypt and Tunisian artist Muhammad Bu-Aziz are participating in the Symposium.

Artists from America, the UK, Russia, France, Japan, Greece, Bulgaria, Italy, Brazil, Spain, Germany, Romania, China, Taiwan and Georgia have joined their counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Arab world.

The Symposium began with a tour in which the participating artists visited the site for the new works and the Historic Tuwaiq Palace.

They then paid a visit to the location of the earlier symposium and saw the results of the previous participants, showcased at the site, in order to get inspiration for the sculptures, which they will have to complete during the 20-day period of the Symposium, Jan.10 – 30, 2020.

Artists will create new sculptures in the Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh, inspired by the famous Jabal Tuwaiq (Tuwaiq Mountain), which is one of the most prominent geographical features in the Kingdom with its symbolism and historical significance. They will use white marble to create works that simulate the historical symbolism of this cultural landmark and express its authentic spirit.

By organizing the Second Tuwaiq International Sculpture Symposium, the Ministry aims to create cultural platforms where Saudi artists meet their counterparts from different parts of the world, and establish a comprehensive empowerment system that contributes to the enrichment of the cultural and artistic scene in the Kingdom.

It also aims to support contemporary Saudi artists, talented people and pertinent bodies to achieve sustainable development for this vital sector.

The first Tuwaiq International Sculpture Symposium, also organized by the Ministry of Culture, was held in March 2019, with the participation of 23 artists. – SPA