By Shahzeen Eram

RIYADH — “Art is a powerful medium that connects people of diversity, irrespective of their class, color or nation,” Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dr. Ausaf Sayeed has said. “Art and architecture is regarded as material record of the intellectual evolution of mankind through the ages,” he said.

Supporting Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has been arranging a multitude of across the border cultural exchange programs to promote tourism, art and culture.

Recently, the India Embassy in Saudi Arabia organized an exclusive screening of Discovery Channel’s acclaimed documentary ‘Revealed: Humayun’s Tomb’ at its auditorium in Diplomatic Quarters, Riyadh .

Reflecting upon the architectural treasures of India, the documentary showcased one of the most iconic monuments in Delhi built during the early Mughal period – the Humayun’s Tomb which is considered by historians as a template for the world renowned Taj Mahal.

The documentary also sheds light on the work undertaken by ‘Aga Khan Trust for Culture’ in partnership with Archeological Survey of India (ASI) to meticulously restore the lost grandeur of the monument.

Promoting Indo-Saudi architectural heritage, the screening was followed by a photography and painting exhibition in the embassy premises that was inaugurated by Ambassador Dr. Sayeed.

Photographs of noted photographer K.N. Wasif, a renowned Saudi-based Indian photojournalist who has been working on the Indian architectural heritage project for several years, and paintings by artist Sabiha Majeed, an Indian artist based in Riyadh whose work has found a place in private collections all over were richly appreciated by the audience.

“It is said that the pictures speak to the viewers. My pictures have also been speaking with the viewers for more than four decades. And people are also listening,” said Wasif.

Every tourist appreciates the beauty of the Indian architectural treasure.

“My aim behind this project was not only to drive my passion but also to introduce the rich Indian heritage to the wider world so that it could attract tourists to visit these sites.”

Indo-Islamic architectural styles that dominate the architectural patterns particularly from the most famous Indo-Islamic style – the Mughal architecture, in the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, Hyderabad’s Charminar and other UNESCO World Heritage sites from India’s medieval age represented well in his collection .

The premises laid out inspiring masterpieces from the world of architecture and the ambience oozed with rich appreciation for the efforts of the artists who spread their curated pieces for public appreciation.

Riyadh based Indian artist Sabiha Majeed, said “I’m grateful to the Indian Embassy for this opportunity.”

Sabina Majeed said she always had a deep fascination for architectural heritage that flourished through a series of paintings on Saudi heritage named — ‘Kingdom on Canvas’ that embarked in 2014 and the Indian Heritage in 2019.”

Today, where art connects nations, her paintings outlined immersive designs from the Najd Region that briefly outlined the culture and patterns of the forts and buildings in brilliant hues of sun and sand.

The artist duo have together presented their creative art collection at the Hindi Gallery. Hindi Gallery was a remarkable fine art exhibition held at the Kingdom Tower in December 2018, organized by the Raa’Art in association with the Kingdom Center, under the patronage of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority and the Indian Embassy.

“I have witnessed such a rich presentation of brilliant artwork representing Saudi and Indian heritage for the first time in Riyadh” said IISR Principal Dr. Shouqat Perwez.

“Such unision of presentation will further bolster the bilateral relation between the two important nations. This event has presented a unique and enriching experience” said one embassy official.

The event comes just a few weeks after the embassy organized the celebration of the 71st Republic Day of India.

The embassy frequently opens up its premises to encourage participation of the Indian community representatives to present their work of art and their rich contribution to the various fields of work.

As the Kingdom is keen on promoting art and culture, the event was organized to promote greater understanding between the people of the two countries.

The event was widely attended by diplomats, Saudi nationals and members of the Indian community.