By Yassmin Jabri

JEDDAH — Saudi artists and designers gathered at Jeddah's ‘Fawanees Nights’ event to showcase their latest works. The exhibition featured various booths with local artists, fashion designers, perfumers, and even cooks.

Fantaka Boutique, a home for fashion, art, creativity, and community, had much to offer at the exhibition. “I don’t see Fantaka as just a fashion brand—it’s a house, a lifestyle. I sell home decor, jewelry, and other carefully curated pieces,” said Reem Derini, 30, founder of Fantaka Boutique, to Saudi Gazette.

The name “Fantaka” is a combination of the words "fun" and "funky," which reflect the brand’s values. The boutique’s name is also based on a fictional character created by its founder—she has a diary, friends, and her own personality. “Fantaka isn’t just a concept; she’s a real character. On our website, she has a ‘diary’ where she shares her realizations, adventures, and memories, making her feel like a living personality,” Derini said. “I refer to my clients as friends because Fantaka is about connection. Every piece she designs and creates by hand, she shares,” she added.

Derini has had a passion for art and creativity since childhood. She wanted to share her designs with people but didn’t want to limit herself to just art or fashion. Instead, she launched Fantaka—not just as a brand, but as a creative space and a home. “I won’t stick to just abayas, bags, or yoga mats,” she said.

“It’s my project, my passion. I love Fantaka, I believe in her, and I adore her personality. I hope to take her to great places,” she added.

Fantaka officially launched three months ago, though it had been in the works for years. As a new business, Derini aims to support other small brands and build a community.

“Through Fantaka friends, I offer a platform for small brands, providing them with marketing, videography, and a space on our website to showcase their products under their own names,” Derini said.

So far, Fantaka has collaborated with three brands, offering samples and discounts with purchases from each other’s stores to help them grow.

Beyond being a brand, Derini hopes to grow the boutique’s community through ‘Fantaka Nights’—a series of events featuring workshops, collaborations, board games, and bazaars. “I want to build long-lasting connections with people. That’s why I focus on creating a brand experience that aligns with Fantaka’s spirit,” Derini said.

Before sharing any product with her customers, Derini personally tests them at home. “Even our packaging reflects this—each product comes with a note that says, ‘From Fantaka’s home to yours.’”

The Fawanees Nights event also featured various artists specializing in different forms of art. Saudi seascape artist Kholoud Babkair shared her journey of balancing both art and her career as a medical professional.

“I love the sea; I lose myself in it. I love the sky and the sea just as they are. I feel a deep urge to paint them. That’s what moves me—the things I love,” Babkair told Saudi Gazette.

Babkair specializes in painting the sea and nothing else. “As Saudis, we have a deep appreciation for beauty. It’s something we naturally cherish,” Babkair said. “People often ask me, ‘Why don’t you paint something else?’” she added.

For Babkair, focusing on seascapes isn’t a limitation; it’s an achievement. Many international artists she follows specialize in seascapes, and she aims to perfect her craft. “I could finish them quickly, but I’m a perfectionist. I work on a piece whenever I feel drawn to it — when it calls to me. My eyes always find the flaws, and I’ll never be fully satisfied with my work,” Babkair said.

Babkair has participated in two art exhibitions, but never sold any of her paintings. The joy she feels from visitors appreciating her art is enough. “I never sell my paintings. They’re like my daughters — pieces of my emotions and feelings. I once listed a painting for SR1,500 because I had to set a price, but I never sold it. I missed it too much,” Babkair said.

Despite her busy schedule, videos on Instagram help keep Babkair motivated to continue painting. “I am an emergency medicine consultant. I also teach at a university. My schedule is fully booked. The amount of self connection and comfort that I feel like painting makes me feel like I have to make time for it,” she said.

At every exhibition, Babkair notices a growing appreciation for art. The 2023 Ehasas exhibition, for instance, welcomed many visitors who were drawn to art. “With Vision 2030, art is receiving special attention, and I believe artists are being empowered, no matter their specialty,” Babkair said.

The Fawanees Nights event also featured another Saudi painter who enjoys creating sea-themed art, Anmar Al-Harbi.

The 30-year-old blends abstract art with 3D effects, adding sculptural elements that mirror reality while harmonizing with imagination. She wants her work to be an experience and a journey of self-discovery for every viewer.

Al-Harbi’s paintings are inspired by her love for the sea and diving. “As a painter, I enjoy working outdoors, so I took my canvas and painted in front of the ocean, capturing the colors I saw around me,” she told Saudi Gazette.

The elements incorporated into her most recent paintings are completely handmade, inspired by the bubbles she sees when diving.

Al-Harbi never took formal art lessons but developed her passion independently. With the Fawanees Nights event, she had the chance to connect with people about her work. “Many were curious about the meaning behind my paintings, which made me really happy,” she said.

The artist creates one to two paintings per month, depending on their complexity and client orders. Al-Harbi’s Instagram page is reserved exclusively for her own paintings, not commissioned works. “I only share my own paintings, not commissioned ones. I want my page to reflect my personal taste,” she said.

The Fawanees Nights event was the first exhibition Al-Harbi participated in. “My mother encouraged me to participate in the exhibition because she saw the beauty in what my hands create,” she said. “Without her, I wouldn’t have accomplished anything. My thanks go first to God and then to my dear mother,” she added.

The event also welcomed Islamic-themed art. Saudi artist Taghreed Al-Basri showcased a painting featuring a Quranic verse alongside an image of the Holy Quran.

“I believe true peace begins with the Holy Book — if its morals are applied, we would have fairness and harmony. That was the message behind my artwork,” Al-Basri said to Saudi Gazette.

The event gave Al-Basri the chance to see how people would respond to her work. As an ongoing event, she enjoyed showcasing her personal effort.

The Fawanees Nights exhibition, which began March 1, runs through March 29 at Jeddah’s Galleria Hotel. The event features various small business owners and serves as a place for local communities to gather.