NEW YORK: One minute, you are in a fancy gallery on New York’s Park Avenue, the next you are with a Saudi Arabian artist deep in the sands of the Kingdom’s deserts — a 10,000km journey made possible at the press of a button thanks to virtual reality (VR) headsets.
That was the experience of Mariana Souza, a 25-year-old New Yorker, who watched the 15-minute VR documentary at a show in midtown Manhattan on Monday about being an artist in a fast-changing Saudi Arabia.
“It was really interesting to listen to people really from there, rather than watching about them on the news,” Souza told Arab News, after peering into the goggles, tilting her head and spinning around on a rotating chair.
Beside her, everyone from teenagers to pensioners was trying out the VR headsets, swinging their heads around as they listened to Saudi artists describing the relaxing of cultural rules in a conservative society.
“It’s kind of showing people who might not be aware of what’s going on over there that it’s a modern culture as well as an ancient culture — people usually think that’s it’s just one or the other,” Souza said.
“It shows a balance and how people there respect their past and are also moving forward.”
In the documentary, artists describe how reforms are changing life for women, and how a cultural and religious prohibition on depicting people has been loosened, opening doors for painters, sculptors and other artists.
“I’m telling the story of a changing society through the perspective of its artists, using a similar language to what the artists use every day,” Matteo Lonardi, the Italian filmmaker who directed the VR film, told Arab News.
“It’s about a moment where nobody knows what will happen. A moment in the middle, a limbo, where people have lots of expectations, without knowing exactly what to expect. A moment to push their boundaries, but nobody knows how far they can push them.”
The high-tech art show, called “Reframe Saudi,” runs at Phillips auctioneers on Park Avenue from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily until Thursday. It features Lonardi’s documentary and the works of some two dozen Saudi artists.
Ahmed Mater, director of the Misk Art Institute, which organized the display, said it showed Manhattanites “how art and the creative industries are an integral part of the change that is transforming Saudi Arabia.”
“It is essential at this time that Saudi artists engage with audiences around the world, as they are here in New York, to help to tell the continuing story of change in Saudi Arabia,” said Mater, a Saudi doctor-turned-artist from Tabuk who works in film and photos.
The show dovetails with the visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who was in New York on Monday meeting Wall Street money men on his first official visit to the US since becoming King Salman’s heir last year.
Ayesha Malik, 28, a Saudi-born Pakistani-American photographer who documents the similarities between the lives of everyday folk in Saudi Arabia and America, described a burgeoning arts scene in the Kingdom.
"It’s a historic time and just exceptionally exciting to be an artist as society opens up as we create more galleries and art collectives. I came across a feminist art exhibition a few years ago and it’s just impressive that we’re seeing more and more of this kind of creativity nowadays,” Malik told Arab News.
“The opening of movie theatres means that Saudi filmmakers can now think about airing their work in their home country. There are fewer restrictions on concerts for musicians. It’s great to think that the country is opening doors for you rather than trying to close them."
The Misk Art Institute is tasked with turning Saudi Arabia into a home for grassroots cultural creativity, diplomacy and global exchanges via art festivals, workshops and competitions for fledgling Saudi artists.
The VR documentary is accompanied by a display of artworks by some two dozen artists from across the country, including bespoke Al-Qatt Al-Asiri mural paintings by women artists from southern Saudi Arabia.
Ali Moghawi, a New York-based Saudi writer involved in the murals, told Arab News that the Asir region’s tradition “deserves to be documented and spread” and is an “amazing catalyst for all those interested in art and museums.”
“For decades, reviving Al-Qatt Al-Asiri traditional art was no more than a dream,” Moghawi said.
“Now, we witness the realization of this dream as we are provided with an international platform where we can share it and provide art lovers and enthusiasts with the opportunity to behold the beauty of this ancient art and delve into its shapes, colors and geometric angles.”
Last year, the UN’s cultural wing, UNESCO, inscribed the Saudi tradition of group mural painting on its prestigious list of “intangible cultural heritage,” alongside the time-tested skills of falconry and throwing good pizza dough.
New Yorkers strap on virtual reality goggles for Saudi culture
New Yorkers strap on virtual reality goggles for Saudi culture
Saudi GEA chief named most influential personality of last decade at MENA Effie Awards
- Turki Alalshikh’s contribution to Kingdom’s entertainment sector honored
RIYADH: The head of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority was named the most influential personality of the last decade at the MENA Effie Awards ceremony in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The event, which was held on Thursday as part of this year’s Riyadh Season calendar, honored Turki Alalshikh’s contribution to the Kingdom’s entertainment sector and its emergence as a global hub for world-class events, the SPA added.
Alalshikh thanked Saudi Arabia’s leadership for their support in his acceptance speech, attributing the achievement to the “collaborative efforts of the nation’s people.”
He added that the recognition was a nod to the Kingdom’s growing global stature in the entertainment sector.
The 15th year of the MENA Effie Awards, which were hosted in Saudi Arabia for the first time, celebrated innovation and excellence in the marketing and advertising sectors across the Middle East and North Africa.
This latest accolade followed Alalshikh’s recent distinction as one of the 50 most influential figures in the world of boxing and mixed martial arts, awarded by the British online newspaper The Independent earlier this year.
Under Alalshikh’s leadership, the GEA has transformed the Kingdom’s entertainment sector, with Riyadh Season becoming a flagship event attracting millions of visitors each year.
Gaming community in Saudi Arabia catches them all with Pokemon Go
- Maan Al-Qurashi, one of the community leaders at Pokemon Go Saudi, told Arab News that the game holds a special place in his heart because he has played different versions for more than 20 years
RIYADH: The official launch of Pokemon Go in Saudi Arabia has brought together a community of gamers who have embraced their inner child while competing and connecting in a world of nostalgic adventure.
Pokemon Go is an augmented reality game that creates an immersive experience of a world where human beings co-exist with colorful creatures with otherworldly superpowers, known as Pokemon.
The game, launched internationally in 2016, uses GPS to track movement and invites players to travel to real-world locations to catch Pokemon and battle with others.
A local gaming group, “Pokemon Go Saudi,” has created a lively community with members from Riyadh and the Eastern Province who have a shared love of the game.
Maan Al-Qurashi, one of the community leaders at Pokemon Go Saudi, told Arab News that the game holds a special place in his heart because he has played different versions for more than 20 years.
“Pokemon accompanied me in all stages of my life, from childhood to teenager, and still is a part of my daily life after marriage. Hopefully, I will pass down the same passion to my kids.”
HIGHLIGHT
Pokemon Go is an augmented reality game that creates an immersive experience of a world where human beings co-exist with colorful creatures with otherworldly superpowers, known as Pokemon.
Al-Qurashi said Pokemon Go Saudi began with 10 members in 2017, after the international launch of the game.
Today, the community comprises a diverse group of 500 members from all age groups who have made lasting friendships with their Pokemon partners. As a team, they go on adventures, train to improve their skills, and battle in friendly competitions.
Al-Qurashi said that it is more than a game. It is a community that fosters growth and friendship.
“Multiple in-person activities and relationships have been linked to Pokemon Go. For example, the daily routine is not only going to work and staying with family, it includes playing Pokemon Go even if it’s for a few minutes during the day or an hour or so.”
Last week, more than 5,000 Pokemon Go fans gathered at Boulevard City to celebrate the official launch of the Saudi application. Omar Tellez, vice president at Niantic, said that the event was the largest Pokemon Go event of its kind in the region to date.
“Seeing the joy of the thousands of attendees, of all ages, has been such a delight. The success of today’s event is a testament to the popularity of Pokemon Go here in the Kingdom. The community has really responded.”
Fans from more than 20 countries around the globe registered at the event.
“It’s been incredible to see them unite to catch some of their favorite Pokemon and enjoy their time together in person. That’s what our game is all about.
“We have loved seeing their passion and excitement firsthand – whether through cheering on their teams during the PvP battles, or celebrating that iconic button-press moment — or join forces to catch Mewtwo as the legendary Pokemon took over the Boulevard Screens. The atmosphere was truly something special,” Tellez said.
Saudi Arabia is experiencing incredible growth in gaming with more than 67 percent of the population — more than 23.5 million people — being passionate gamers, Tellez said.
“We are excited to welcome many of them into our global trainers community, and we know this event is just the start of our adventure together as we create new experiences and ways for them to connect here in KSA.”
Today, more than 100 million people play Pokemon Go every year in more than 150 countries and regions, making for more than a billion downloads. Trainers have walked more than 8 billion kilometers collectively while playing the game.
Future cool: Understanding the Saudi national air conditioning replacement scheme
- Initiative aims to enhance energy efficiency
RIYADH: The National Center for Waste Management, also known as MWAN, in collaboration with the Saudi Energy Efficiency Center, announced on Thursday the launch of the third phase of the Replace initiative to dispose of old window air conditioners nationwide.
This scheme aims to enhance energy efficiency by replacing 250,000 old window air conditioners that do not meet environmental standards and turning them into recyclable materials during a period that extends until the end of December next year.
The initiative builds on the successes of the first and second phases of the scheme — in which 88,000 window air conditioners were recycled, reducing waste and transforming it into reusable raw materials — and aims to achieve the goals of sustainable development and environmental preservation.
The implementation of the initiative in its third phase will be expanded to include all regions of the Kingdom, in cooperation with the private sector, ensuring the continuity of the initiative and maximizing its positive impact.
MWAN plays a key role in supporting efforts and regulating the sector by supervising the private sector in achieving recycling operations and utilizing the resulting raw materials.
This contributes to building a sustainable economy, enhancing sector regulation and increasing the efficiency of using natural resources.
MWAN works through these endeavors to reduce waste production and promote the adoption of the circular economy, in addition to managing waste in a sustainable way.
It focuses on transforming environmental challenges into economic opportunities that reflect its pioneering role.
This is in addition to building effective partnerships with the private sector to ensure the continuity of these efforts and achieve a positive impact on the environment, economy, and society.
Saudi Orchestra dazzles audiences in Tokyo
- Hosted with support of Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Saudi minister of culture
- Concert culminated in collaboration between Saudi Orchestra and Tokyo University of Music Orchestra Academy
TOKYO: The Saudi National Orchestra and Choir gave a finale performance on Friday at the Tokyo Opera City Theater of its “Masterpieces of the Saudi Orchestra” concert, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The Tokyo show marked the fifth leg of the Saudi Orchestra’s global run, following critically acclaimed performances in Paris, Mexico City, New York City, and London.
Hosted with the support of Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Saudi minister of culture and chairman of the board of directors of the Saudi Music Authority, the event showcased a blend of the Kingdom’s rich musical heritage and Japan’s renowned musical traditions, SPA added.
The concert featured 100 musicians and performers, and attracted an audience of officials, business leaders, media professionals, and music enthusiasts.
Paul Pacifico, CEO of the Saudi Music Authority, praised the global impact of the Masterpieces of the Saudi Orchestra performances in his address at the event.
He said the concerts had introduced Saudi musical heritage to the world and represented a step toward sharing the Kingdom’s diverse traditions on an international stage.
The evening featured a performance by the Japanese Imperial Orchestra, presenting ancient Japanese court music with a history spanning over 1,300 years.
The Saudi National Orchestra and Choir also performed an anime medley infused with Saudi musical motifs, followed by a performance of the theme of AlUla, composed by celebrated artist Omar Khairat.
The concert culminated in a collaboration between the Saudi Orchestra and the Tokyo University of Music Orchestra Academy, alongside Japanese artist Hotai.
The Saudi Music Authority said it has plans to continue the tour in new destinations in the coming years.
Riyadh Design Law Treaty signed at intellectual property conference in Saudi Arabia
- Document aims to enhance designers’ rights, unify design registration procedures
RIYADH: Member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization officially adopted the Riyadh Design Law Treaty on Friday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The treaty, which aims to enhance designers’ rights and unify design registration procedures, was finalized at the Diplomatic Conference to Conclude and Adopt a Design Law Treaty at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, which finished on Friday.
By establishing a robust legal framework, the Riyadh treaty is set to bolster innovation and creativity across multiple industries worldwide, the SPA added.
Abdulaziz Al-Suwailem, the CEO of the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property, spoke of the significance of the treaty’s adoption.
He said: “The name Riyadh treaty reflects Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role as a bridge between cultures and a hub for supporting global initiatives.
“Adopting this treaty is a historic achievement highlighting Saudi Arabia’s cooperation and contribution to the international intellectual property framework. It opens new avenues for collaboration among member states.
“This treaty will lay the foundation for vital legal frameworks that benefit designers and bolster innovation and creativity worldwide.”
The event, which was hosted by the SAIP, gathered high-level representatives and decision-makers from the WIPO’s 193 member states.
