Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — The Saudi art world was deeply saddened by the passing of Safeya Binzagr, the celebrated artist often referred to as the "Mona Lisa of Hijaz," on Thursday.

Born in 1940 in the heart of Jeddah’s old city Harat Al-Sham, Safeya Binzagr’s early life was intertwined with the rich heritage and traditions of her hometown. The old city’s ambiance and the warmth of its people profoundly influenced her artistic journey. In 1947, Binzagr and her family moved to Egypt, but the memories of Jeddah’s narrow alleys and traditional customs remained deeply ingrained in her.

Returning to Jeddah in 1963, Safeya witnessed the city’s transformation as modernization began to reshape its traditional character. Despite the changing landscape, she remained steadfast in her desire to preserve and celebrate Old Jeddah through her art. Her brush became a means to recreate and immortalize the past, capturing the essence of the city and its people.

Safeya's artistic education began in Cairo, where she attended school and completed her secondary certificate in 1957. She graduated with an Art Diploma in 1960 and furthered her studies at Finishing School in London. Returning to Egypt in 1965, she took private art lessons and later attended Saint Martins College in London, earning a degree in Drawing and Graphics.

Considered a pioneer in Saudi Arabian fine arts, Safeya Binzagr held her first exhibition in 1968 at Dar al-Tarbiya High School in Jeddah. The event was a success and marked the beginning of a prolific career that saw her hold exhibitions in major Saudi cities and international venues, including Paris, Geneva, and London. Her art is celebrated for its genuine Impressionism, which reflects the social life and cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia with warmth and vibrancy.

In 1995, Safeya opened her private gallery, Darat Safeya Binzagr, which became a center for artistic, cultural, and educational activities. The gallery was officially inaugurated in January 2000 under the patronage of Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz. Her significant contributions to art were recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the King Abdulaziz Medal of Arts.

Tributes to the late artist have been pouring in across social media. Artist Lulwa Alhamoud described her as an "icon and a towering figure in the art world."

Art historian Dr. Eman Aljubrain said that Binzagr's legacy should be remembered by fulfilling the wish she held until her final moments. Dr. Aljubrain noted that in her last days, Binzagr fervently hoped to see her final project realized — a book titled Darza.

Binzagr's legacy is deeply intertwined with the memories of Jeddah’s neighborhoods where she grew up and the traditional women's attire of Saudi Arabia. Her renowned painting Al-Zubun remains iconic, even among those who may not know her name. Among her significant achievements was the establishment of the first private museum in Saudi Arabia dedicated to her works and archive, named the Dar Safeya Binzagr.

Dr. Aljubrain describes Binzagr as the "spiritual mother of Saudi art," noting that "the wings of Saudi art are represented by artists such as Mohamed Al-Salim and Abdul Halim Radwi, and among women, Safeya Binzagr and Muneera Moussalli. We do not need to compare her to foreign figures to recognize her value."

Binzagr was also the first to receive the King Abdulaziz Medal of Arts, an honor that was awarded to both men and women.

Safeya Binzagr’s imposing paintings transport viewers to a bygone era, depicting the old city of Jeddah and its vibrant life with meticulous detail.