RIYADH: Luxury fashion mall Centria was buzzing with art this Ramadan, with works by 33 artists on display in the kingdom’s capital.
The exhibition, which was curated by Saudi designer Amal Alamdar under the theme of “Sensation and Spirituality”, provided a platform to show the true value of the holy month and the culture surrounding it from the perspective of featured artists.
In line with the concept of charity, which is one of the pillars of Islam, proceeds from the exhibition’s silent auction will be donated to the Ekah Charitable Foundation for Orphan Care.
Visual artist Meshal Bin Dilan is driven by a passion for discovering the mysteries of color and composition and expressing them as a means of communication. Brushes, paints, and pens are just tools to immortalize his emotions. His work is based on his abstract surrealist art, which lacks clear elements, with unique combinations of color and composition.
“Spirituality is difficult to target because it comes from other cultures, whether it be religion or ancient rituals…I went back to a definition of spirituality that resonated with me. It’s all about prayer and its components: reverence, stillness, concentration, and cleanliness.” It is very integrated as a spiritual environment,” he told Arab News.
His paintings feature soft yet bright pastel colors, giving an almost whimsical interpretation. Set in a mosque, a center of spiritual practice, the work features elements such as the entrance to the masjid, a heart hanging from an arch, and a rosary reminiscent of the one he himself carries.
Identical beads lead in a circle to the entrance, indicating that any of the beads could be one of us, and by extension, the Imam. This factor also highlights the lack of division in Islam.
Due to his style rooted in movement, the content of his works appears to be floating.
“The pages of this picture book are all blank because spirituality is subjective to each person. It is an idea that we believe in and pass on for generations,” he said.
Salama Hassan, a self-taught artist specializing in fine art, pushes the boundaries of Arabic calligraphy, and her work goes beyond just a font and becomes conceptual.
Hassan uses the characteristics of Chinese typography to shape the various verses of the Quran, inviting his audience to reflect on the language and verses at hand. The artwork becomes like a puzzle, requiring you to look deeper into the meaning and placement of each letter.
Hassan previously told Arab News: I love not only Arabic but also Eastern cultures such as Japan and China and their calligraphy. I wanted to prove that the Arabic script is valid in any time and space. I’m trying to raise more awareness about it. ”
She traced the verses of the Quran vertically, placing one or two letters on each line so the viewer could pronounce each letter and word. The method of language bridging provides an insightful opportunity for cultural exchange.
The exhibit featured immersive pieces that visitors could interact with through the screen of their mobile phones using an app. Digital artist Mohammed Her Wahas’ work depicts a distressed woman with two crows perched on her head. One of them is silent and the other screams, expressing the mental instability caused by her overthinking. When the viewer shifts their lens to the painting, her two birds, which hover between serenity and despair, come to life.
Artist Sarah Al-Alshaikh’s piece “Peace of Mind” animates a faceless woman holding a rosary to tell a larger story. This piece was inspired by Rumi’s famous quote, “You think you are small, but inside you is the whole universe.”
Hams Muri used Asiri’s roots as a point of inspiration. Her work incorporates al-hasir, a traditional hand-weaving technique using date palm leaves, and al-kat al-asiri, a style of Saudi art usually painted by women from the southern region of Saudi Arabia. It records the traditional crafts of the south. Something she inherited from her grandmother.
The two works on display, “Kiswa” and “Intima”, aim to express the authenticity of Saudi Arabia’s traditions and the depth of its culture.
She told Arab News: “I wanted to exhibit these two works using different materials, from the fineness of the paper to the coarseness of the matte. However, the art of al-Kat al-Asiri is a reflection of the people of the Asir region. Expressed in a distinctive contemporary style that reflects both intangible and material influences and how they can celebrate wall renewal and decoration before Eid and festive events The artistry is rooted in them.”
Artist Amal Alem featured eight paintings depicting prayer rugs found in every Muslim home around the world. Prayer rugs are displayed with rosaries to accompany worshipers during services. Prayer mats have become symbols that remind people of the universality of Islam.
Alamdar said, “These rugs belong to our elders and the younger generation is not aware of it, but we can convey our spirituality and these ideas through art.” ”.
The exhibition, which ended on the 24th day of Ramadan, featured a number of works that interpreted the concept of spirituality.
