Highlights from Ithra’s ‘Mara’ina’ exhibition

Born in 1980 in Gaza, Harb utilizes old photographs and archival material that he has collected over the years. (Supplied)
Short Url
Updated 20 December 2019
Follow

Highlights from Ithra’s ‘Mara’ina’ exhibition

  • The show focuses on daily life in the Arab world

DHAHRAN: A new photography exhibition at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran captures reflections of daily life and society in the Arab World. “Mara’ina” (Our Mirrors) explores the lives, culture and identity of Arabs living throughout the Middle East.

“Classical civilizations believed the mirror showed images of the soul,” the curator of the exhibition, Candida Pestana, says. “It was considered a medium of self-perception, an instrument for self-doubling, and a cult object with natural properties, helping us communicate with our inner selves.”

The exhibition space expands on the theme with mirrored walls. “It is purposefully devised so that you can see yourself constantly,” says Pestana. “We wanted the viewer to have the opportunity to interact with the works in a very private space.”

 “Mara’ina” features works by 22 artists from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, Somalia, Tunisia, Morocco, Lebanon, Palestine, Italy, Canada and the USA, including Akram Zaatari, Camille Zakharia, Hazem Harb, Hela Ammar, Hicham Benohoud, Hrair Sarkissian, Mustafa Saeed, Osama Esid, Rania Matar, Robert Polidori, Sultan bin Fahad, Taysir Batniji, and Karim El-Hayawan

The exhibition is supported by the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris, which has lent nine photographs to the exhibition. In addition, three newly commissioned works by Saudi artists Faisal Samra and Tasneem Alsultan and Italian photographer Michelangelo Pistoletto anchor the show.

Some of the artists draw from their own experiences and upbringing, others reflect on the effects of the socio-political events. But all of them capture the story of a changing region.

“We chose artists that talk about the Arab world in terms of home, society and family,” Pestana tells Arab News. “We hope that the exhibition will trigger, like its name, some sort of reflection on the Arab World and the realities of the people portrayed.”

Tasneem Alsultan

‘Saudi Love Stories’

The acclaimed Saudi photographer’s “Saudi Love Stories” series began as a personal venture when Alsultan was married for the first time at the age of 17. By the age of 21, she was a mother of two. She is now divorced. In this ongoing project, Alsultan says she wanted “to answer the question that many shared: Do we need marriage to signify that we have love?” Do you need a husband to have a significant life?” In the process, the artist encountered women who shared marriage theories and experiences more complex than she expected. The series has its own dedicated room in “Mara’ina.” One work at least, commissioned by Ithra for the show, reveals the story of an arranged marriage that ended happily. The woman is a doctor and her husband is a poet. Alsultan’s photographs reveal the couple happily going about their life and work together.

Faisal Samra

‘People in Context’

The Bahrain-born Saudi artist’s commissioned work for Mara’ina, consisting of photographs and videos, reveals the daily lives of people in Al-Hasa, in the Kingdom’s Eastern Province. “Al-Hasa is the origin of my family,” the artist tells Arab News. “I have sweet memories of the place. Doing this project allowed me to go back in time and experience nostalgia for this region and its history. Al-Hasa played an important role in regional history as a gateway between the Arabian Peninsula and the outside world.

“Documenting and immortalizing the … people living there will help us understand and relate to this community in a humanistic fashion,” he says.

Robert Polidori

‘Saudi Family’

The acclaimed Canadian photographer took this shot of Saudi tourists visiting Jerash, Jordan in the 1990s (along with images of tourists from other countries). His photographs show a culture on the verge of social change. While Polidori was shooting one of the men approached him, fascinated by his Pentax camera. Polidori asked to take their portraits. At first only the men agreed, but after three shots, they allowed the woman to join. Polidori then captured the smiling group of three Saudi men and one woman next to an ancient Roman monument.

Hazem Harb

‘She Is Memory’

Born in 1980 in Gaza, Harb utilizes old photographs and archival material that he has collected over the years, transforming them into poignant conceptual compositions. Collage enables him to create a discourse using a mix of references to a Palestinian past — one that relies on history as much as it does myth. Through his art Harb asks the question: How do you evoke the past of a people denied its right to existence?”

The 2017 series on view in “Mara’ina” is part of Harb’s ongong series “Power Does Not Defeat Memory.” The artist tells Arab News: “It refers to the concept regarding how the power of colonialism and occupation couldn’t affect the collective and personal memories of the Palestinian people pre-1948.”

Karim El-Hayawan

‘Cairo Cacophony’

In the Egyptian artist’s video installation, the viewer experiences the sights, sounds and general chaos of Egypt’s capital. “In Cairo you cannot separate the visual from the cacophony of Cairo’s streets,” says El-Hayawan. “The cacophony is intricately part of the visual itself. You cannot separate one from the other.” What is especially striking about this particular work is the soundtrack, assembled from three types of Egyptian music ranging from classical to contemporary to pop, and revealing the multi-faceted world one encounters in the city.

Rania Matar

‘Invisible Children’

Matar’s 2014 series of empathetic portraits of Syrian and Palestinian children living as refugees in Lebanon — some begging for money, some selling flowers to get by — is named because Matar felt that the children seemed invisible to passers-by. So commonplace were these children on the Lebanese streets that they seemed to blend into the graffitied walls in front of which they stood.

Hicham Benohoud

’30 Houses’

The Moroccan artist is known for his poignant black-and-white images that merge realistic scenes from everyday life with abstract sensitivity. In “30 Houses,” he photographed families throughout Paris over the course of a prolonged stay in the French capital. In each home he visited, he asked the residents to place themselves in an unusual situation: lying on a kitchen table, attaching themselves to a wardrobe, or even cramming themselves underneath a stack of chairs. “For me, it was important to know nothing about the people I went to,” he writes in his artist’s statement. “Each statement was improvised, depending on what happened —or not — with the families.”


Bella Hadid guest stars on ‘Holland’s Next Top Model’ alongside her mother

Updated 23 November 2024
Follow

Bella Hadid guest stars on ‘Holland’s Next Top Model’ alongside her mother

DUBAI: US Dutch Palestinian model Bella Hadid shared a series of images from her experience as a guest judge on “Holland’s Next Top Model,” the reality series where her mother, Yolanda Hadid, serves as one of the judges.

The post features a carousel of photos and videos, including moments with her mother, the show’s judges and contestants, as well as behind-the-scenes shots from various photoshoots.

In the caption, the runway star expressed her excitement about her fragrance brand, Orebella, being featured on the episode, describing it as “a dream.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Bella (@bellahadid)

She said: “Thank you @hollandsnexttopmodelnl for having me on as a guest judge! To have @orebella be shot, on a show so dear to my heart, in my most beautiful Holland, was a dream.”

Hadid also reflected on her admiration for her mother. “To watch my mama work and be a second mama to a new generation of young creative human beings is such a blessing to me! Things that my mom can teach, she wasn’t taught. It’s part of who she is,” she said. “Her talent, nurturing ability, maternal instincts, confidence in hard work and success, faith in people and love for fashion is what makes her so special, especially on a show like this. I am so proud of you, mama.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Bella (@bellahadid)

The model described the transformative journey of the contestants on the show. “This was just an incredible experience to watch these young women and men push themselves but also grow to know themselves better than when they arrived,” she added. “I saw so much of myself in every one of them, and I am proud of each one for getting through a competition that I know for sure is mentally and physically exhausting.”

Hadid launched her brand in May with three fragrances: Salted Muse, Blooming Fire and Window2Soul.

In August, she expanded her collection with the launch of a new scent called Nightcap, described as a “warm and spicy” fragrance featuring notes of ginger, cardamom and vanilla.

For the launch, she hosted a party in West Hollywood, where she wore a dusty-pink gown with delicate embroidery and bow detail from Lebanese couturier Zuhair Murad.


Part-Saudi model Amira Al-Zuhair fronts Balmain’s Resort 2025 campaign

Updated 23 November 2024
Follow

Part-Saudi model Amira Al-Zuhair fronts Balmain’s Resort 2025 campaign

DUBAI: French Saudi model Amira Al-Zuhair this week shared pictures from her latest campaign with Balmain, showcasing the brand’s Resort 2025 collection.

In one of the images, Al-Zuhair donned a strapless denim mini dress paired with two matching denim handbags and calf-high black boots.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Balmain (@balmain)

In the second image, she wore a black sequined two-piece outfit, featuring a crop top and a high-waisted skirt. The design incorporates gold and silver embellishments, with the top featuring the word “L’aime,” meaning “loves” in French. The setting, with the Eiffel Tower in the background, tied the look to the brand’s Parisian roots.

This is not Al-Zuhair’s first collaboration with Balmain. She previously walked for the brand during Paris Fashion Week in September.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Balmain (@balmain)

She showcased a structured gray blazer over a classic black T-shirt, complemented by vibrant red suede over-the-knee boots that added a bold pop of color. Her ensemble was completed with a neutral-toned shoulder bag and a striking gold pendant necklace.

The model has been spending the week in Dubai and shared a moment on Instagram featuring an advertisement she spotted for Maison Alaia in Dubai Mall. “Casually shopping in Dubai Mall … and look who I found,” she said in the caption.

Al-Zuhair also shared a photo of herself having lunch with a friend at Al Mandaloun, a Lebanese restaurant in Dubai.


Kosas brings clean beauty to the Saudi market

Updated 23 November 2024
Follow

Kosas brings clean beauty to the Saudi market

DUBAI: Clean beauty brand Kosas has officially entered the Saudi market, offering a range of skincare-focused makeup products.

Founded by Sheena Zadeh, Kosas, now available at Sephora Middle East, prioritizes skin-nourishing ingredients, a mission the founder feels deeply resonates with the Saudi market.

“Saudi Arabia is such a vibrant, emerging market with a rich beauty culture,” Zadeh told Arab News, adding that over the years, she has seen a growing demand from the Middle East for clean, high-performance beauty products. “Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of this trend,” she said.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Kosas (@kosas)

“For us, it’s about more than just expansion; it’s about connecting with a culture that values authenticity, quality and a holistic approach to beauty,” Zadeh said.

In preparation for its Saudi debut, Kosas chose a range of products aligned with local beauty needs. “We curated our lineup with universal favorites and regional needs in mind,” Zadeh said.

This lineup includes bestsellers such as the Revealer Concealer, the Cloud Set Baked setting powder, and the BB Burst Tinted gel cream moisturizer.

This lineup includes bestsellers such as the Revealer Concealer. (Supplied)

“(The setting powder) helps achieve that lasting, natural matte finish ideal for the warm climate,” Zadeh said, adding that the tinted moisturizer is “perfect for those looking for lightweight hydration with coverage.”

Kosas also plans to connect with the Saudi community by staging workshops and events focused on clean beauty and skin health.

In preparation for its Saudi debut, Kosas chose a range of products aligned with local beauty needs. (Supplied)

“We’re very committed to education and empowerment in the beauty space … we believe that beauty should feel effortless and enjoyable, so our educational initiatives will focus on simple, effective ways to incorporate Kosas into daily routines. We’re really excited about this,” Zadeh said.

Zadeh said her own roots influenced Kosas’s mission: “I’m Middle Eastern myself and I’ve always felt deeply connected to the region’s beauty philosophy.

“At its core, Kosas has a holistic and layered approach that aligns with the depth and tradition of Middle Eastern beauty philosophies,” she added. “Kosas was born from a deep passion for clean beauty that’s effective, fun, and makes people feel good in their own skin. Our journey started with a desire to create makeup that doesn’t just sit on the skin but works with it.”


Lavish and Johara Global collaborate to celebrate Saudi Culture

Updated 23 November 2024
Follow

Lavish and Johara Global collaborate to celebrate Saudi Culture

  • Lavish founders Nada Altobaishi and Hala Alsharekh said in a statement: “Lavish Concept Store is more than just a destination for luxury and style; it is a platform where innovation, culture, and creativity thrive

LONDON: Lavish Concept Store and Johara Global on Thursday joined forces to host an event at the Lavish pop-up in The Music Room, Mayfair, London, celebrating the timeless beauty and rich traditions of Saudi culture.

Lavish Concept Store aims to foster creativity and innovation, while Johara Global is a platform to support female leaders and enable them to fulfil their potential.

In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the event offered an immersive cultural experience, spotlighting the heritage and artistry of Saudi Arabia through a blend of fashion, art and cuisine.

A fashion show featuring traditional Saudi costumes showed off the intricate craftsmanship and rich heritage of the region.

Lavish founders Nada Altobaishi and Hala Alsharekh said in a statement: “Lavish Concept Store is more than just a destination for luxury and style; it is a platform where innovation, culture, and creativity thrive.

“We are committed to curating exclusive, high-quality products while showcasing the work of emerging artists and artisans.

“Our vision is to redefine the retail experience by blending timeless elegance with cutting-edge trends, all while championing artistic expression and cultural diversity. At Lavish, we strive to inspire confidence and elevate everyday living through the fusion of luxury, culture, and innovation.”

Katie Partridge, founder and chairwoman of Johara Global, and Intisar Alyamani, CEO of Johara Global said in a statement: “Johara Global was set up with a mission to bridge the east-west gap and foster the leadership of women through our four main pillars. Collaborations like these create a lasting and powerful impact on the community. We are delighted to join forces to achieve this.”

 


Pakistan’s first hand-drawn animated film ‘The Glassworker’ makes Oscars eligibility list

Updated 22 November 2024
Follow

Pakistan’s first hand-drawn animated film ‘The Glassworker’ makes Oscars eligibility list

  • The film was released in July, with its director calling it the result of ‘passion and perseverance’
  • Selection committee in the country says it has broken ‘new ground for animation’ in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s first hand-drawn animated film, “The Glassworker,” has been named on the list of eligible films for the 97th Academy Awards in both the Animated Feature Film and International Feature Film categories, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced this week.
Directed by young Pakistani animator Usman Riaz, the film was released in July and features 1,477 cuts and 2,500 individual drawings. The coming-of-age tale follows Vincent, a young apprentice at his father’s glass workshop, and Alliz, a talented violinist and the daughter of a military colonel.
Against the backdrop of a looming war, their relationships with their parents and each other are tested.
“Thirty-one features are eligible for consideration in the Animated Feature Film category for the 97th Academy Awards,” the Academy said on its website, with “The Glassworker” among them.
“Films submitted in the Animated Feature Film category may also qualify for Academy Awards in other categories, including Best Picture,” it added. “Animated features that have been submitted in the International Feature Film category as their country’s official selection are also eligible in the category.”
Five films from the list will be shortlisted for nominations in the Animated Feature Film category, with the ultimate winner announced at the Oscars ceremony scheduled for March 3, 2025.
A team of 250 national and international cast and crew members worked on the film, which was produced by Riaz’s Karachi-based Mano Animation Studios.
The film became Pakistan’s first-ever animated feature to be nominated for Oscars consideration in September.
“Usman and Mano’s work has demonstrated exceptional storytelling and artistry while breaking new ground for animation in Pakistan,” the Academy Selection Committee of Pakistan said earlier while lauding the project. “This achievement will be remembered in our cinematic history.”
Riaz described his effort as a result of “a decade of passion and perseverance” when the film was nominated for Oscars from Pakistan.
“I am deeply humbled by the selection and hope this story resonates with audiences everywhere, showcasing the talent and creativity Pakistan has to offer,” he added.