Introducing Reema Abood



Mariam Nihal

Saudi Gazette

“Art is the most intense mode of individualism that the world has known,” Oscar Wilde once said. And in a culturally rich country like Saudi Arabia, a connection to its heritage holds a powerful attraction for many artists. With art becoming one of the most lucrative sectors, the vastly developing industry allows every individual craving to be satisfied. Except, the less advantaged breed of upcoming artists who are still required to fit in. Reema Abood, is another explorer in this field. Still a student at King Abdulaziz University, she spoke to Saudi Gazette about her digital art romance. “I strongly believe in the saying that art can be the mirror of a society. A society needs its artists. Art cannot be restricted to a certain field, meaning an artist can reflect different aspects of their society using simple ideas.”



Family support is crucial when it comes to most women entrepreneurs and artists in Saudi Arabia. “I hope to study graphic design and work with my sisters on a private project with the support of our father’s business.”



As a young graphic designer, Reema has been a part of the 4th Behance Exhibition, held in Jeddah and designed three covers for books by well-known Saudi writers. She designed the covers of “A Mirror Searching for a Face” by Rashad Hassan, “Who Are You” by Tariq Al-Yehya and Miqbil Al-Aidan and “A Café in my Chest” by Mishari Abdulrahman. “Perhaps I am an artist today because my family loves art. In fact, the environment at home prepared and helped me to become a designer. Ever since I was a child, I have been drawn to paintings and art works.”



She said one of the difficulties as a starter, is the limited number of exhibitions held in the Kingdom. “I have a hard time finding out about and taking part in new exhibitions. As for support, it is still little; but my family and some artists give me a lot of moral support.” Reema believes media is the best source when it comes to showcasing an artist’s talent and to create awareness in Saudi Arabia. Talking about inspiration, she said: “For me, anything I see will inspire me, be it a drawing, some kind of a design, etc. I could come up with something new from watching things around me.” She said she looks forward to hosting her own exhibition one day.



Follow her on instagram: @i_reemaabood