Mariam Nihal

Saudi Gazette



The implementation of modern art facilities, growing support and collective approach have finally broadened the horizon of Saudi arts society. With a greater influx of younger female artists and contemporary digital artists pushing the boundaries of taboos, the country’s art scene has flourished. Many influential supporters of art establishments have come together to elevate the mainstream and commercial art venues.



The road has been paved for artists and society to build their dreams on. Some of these should include contemporary art museums, art education and restoration of heritage that will eventually be passed down to generations. As an important art world trend, many young and even self-taught artists are experimenting with new methodologies and artworks mainly mixed media and street art phenomenon.



Social media has enabled young Saudis to create and explore different art streams, share their work online and earn huge popularity. This in itself has been a stamp of much needed approval and motivation for aspiring artists to pursue and reach for more.



Young Saudi graphic designers launched “Dhad” a graffiti store, in a bid to promote art in Saudi Arabia. They are among the many young Saudi artists who wish to practice street art more frequently without bans.



Abdulrahman Al-Nugamshi, is another Saudi calligraffiti artist who has inspired many young aspiring artists with his raw technique and engrossing art expression. Many arguments include the easy access to the young art scene still in its initial success phase. Supported by influential names and financially strong institutions, many claim some of the unorthodox art pieces created by those seeking quick popularity taint the image of art and expressionism. However, the new art movement has created space for those from all walks of life and will hopefully remain to do so.



A great number of leading artists and dealers in the Middle East are women and they have decided to take it more seriously after the positive support of royal figures and important businessmen.



A 2010 installation (a wood and copper dome) by Saudi artist Abdulnasser Gharem was the top lot at Christie’s Dubai in April 2011, fetching $842,500. Earlier in February this year, two events, Jeddah Art Week and “21,39” (backed by Princess Jawaher Bint Majed Bin Abdulaziz), brought contemporary art to the Gulf and highlighted Saudi Arabia’s prominence in the field. Princess Jawaher founded the Saudi Art Council last year with 15 members including Saudi curators, art enthusiasts and collectors.



Jeddah Art Week also saw such speakers like Chris Dercon, director of Tate Modern in London for the first time in Saudi Arabia.



After decades, the art stage has finally found its savior. Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture and Information and the Abdul Latif Jameel Community Initiatives charity, Jeddah saw a remarkable transformation with art and design during both events. The change brought in different nationalities and genders together to witness a theme of individuality.



“Kakaibang Jeddah!” at the Al Furusiya venue included works by 15 Jeddah-based Filipino photographers, which is home to thousands of Filipino expats. “Single Saudi Women” by Wasma Mansour showcased her photography exhibits about Saudi women living independently in London. Balad got its due. With workshops and art heritage celebrations in Jeddah’s downtown during the event, many attendees learned more about culture and what was left behind. “Past is Prologue” included 24 works by post-war Saudi artists. Jeddah’s corniche got a much-needed facelift. Neglected for years, the space is now a landmark showcasing refurbished pieces and sculptures.



Abdul Latif Jameel Community Initiatives launched a program to restore these sculptures, which have been conserved by the UK’s Plowden & Smith.



Among the list of popular supporting art spaces are Athr, Ayyam, Alaan Artspace, Nuqat, Loud Art, NTI with huge contributions to the scene made by Edge of Arabia, media and Saudi intellectuals.Saudi photographer Princess Reem Al-Faisal founded the Empty Quarter photography gallery in Dubai.

Also launched during 21,39 Jeddah Arts initiative was Contemporary Kingdom: The Saudi Art Scene Now bound in hard cover. The book documents the Saudi art market including the new generation of young collectors and lists educational programs. Edited by Myrna Ayad, Editor of Canvas magazine, the book featured essays by contributors from the art world including Chris Dercon, Venetia Porter, Assistant Keeper, Department of the Middle East, The British Museum, among others.



With the increasing popularity of pop-up exhibits and events throughout Saudi Arabia, the creatives are catching on to bigger ideas and curating an intellectual and philosophical asset of art in a meaningful way.