Ministry of Culture calligraphy exhibition gathers artists in Riyadh

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Lara Assouad is participating in the exhibition with a collection of calligraphic letters that she designed digitally first. (AN photos by Huda Bashatah)
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Azza Fahmy, Egyptian jewelry designer. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
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(AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
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An artwork by Bayan Barboud, a Saudi calligrapher and a visual designer, symbolizing the Kabaa and the aura surrounding it. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
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Updated 13 June 2023
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Ministry of Culture calligraphy exhibition gathers artists in Riyadh

  • Lara Assouad, a Lebanese type and graphic designer, is participating in the exhibition with a collection of calligraphic letters

RIYADH: The second “Scripts and Calligraphy: Paths of the Soul” exhibition is being held at Irqah Hospital in Riyadh until Sept. 2, highlighting the spiritual dimensions of the art form through historical and contemporary works.

Organized by the Ministry of Culture, the exhibition includes art by Saudi calligrapher and visual artist Bayan Barboud and Egyptian jewelry designer Azza Fahmy.

Acclaimed architects and scenographers Jean-Paul Boulanger, Margo Renisio, and Tang Tu designed the exhibition, while 34 calligraphers from 11 countries, as well as 19 artists from 12 countries, are participating under four themes: light, letters, space, and poetry.

The exhibition will give visitors the opportunity to explore the history of Arabic calligraphy through the ages, highlighting its aesthetic and functional dimensions as an art form and a symbol of identity and heritage.




The ‘Scripts and Calligraphy: Paths of the Soul’ exhibition is being held at Irqah Hospital in Riyadh until Sept. 2. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

Speaking on the inspiration behind her designs, Fahmy said: “We always do culture-specific collections inspired by either important books, civilizations, persons or writers. We take quotes from them, and we design them in our jewelry.”

FASTFACTS

• Saudi Arabia led a successful collaboration with 15 Arab countries to include Arabic calligraphy on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, consolidating its status as a global symbol of Arab culture.

• Organized by the Ministry of Culture, acclaimed architects and scenographers Jean-Paul Boulanger, Margo Renisio, and Tang Tu designed the ‘Scripts and Calligraphy: Paths of the Soul’ exhibition.

• 34 calligraphers from 11 countries, as well as 19 artists from 12 countries, are participating under four themes: light, letters, space, and poetry.

Lara Assouad, a Lebanese type and graphic designer, is participating in the exhibition with a collection of calligraphic letters.

On the spiritual dimension of her work, Assouad commented that the letters "represent values or the name of somebody we love, or some word that we want to keep being reminded of."




The ‘Scripts and Calligraphy: Paths of the Soul’ exhibition is being held at Irqah Hospital in Riyadh until Sept. 2. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

Explaining the creative process behind her pieces, she added: “When it comes to the actual size of the letters in the scale, they are supposed to be small intimate letters. But you have to design, and when you design, you design big — you design on a screen. It doesn’t matter if you print the letters to be small or large.”

She digitally designs the type, which is then printed, fashioned into a decorative item or used in a variety of other ways.

“One is made to be embroidered. This one is made to be cast like an object. And the other one is made to be engraved, as on a copperplate.”

(The letters) represent values or the name of somebody we love, or some word that we want to keep being reminded of.

Lara Assouad, Lebanese graphic designer

Mei Ling, a teacher from Shanghai visiting the exhibition, said that the calligraphy displays had given her new insight into the attention to detail that goes into designing Arabic letters with the correct proportions.

The event opens its doors daily, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., except on Sundays, and from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays.

In 2021, the Ministry of Culture organized the first edition of the exhibition titled: “Scripts and Calligraphy: A Timeless Journey” at the National Museum in Riyadh.




Some of Azza Fahmy’s designs at the exhibition. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

In recognition of the distinctive tradition, the ministry has launched several programs and initiatives to celebrate its significance, such as the designation of 2020 as the Year of Arabic Calligraphy.

Saudi Arabia also led a successful collaboration with 15 Arab countries to include Arabic calligraphy on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, consolidating its status as a global symbol of Arab culture.

 


Mawhiba to host ‘Beyond Creative Minds’ conference this month

Updated 14 November 2024
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Mawhiba to host ‘Beyond Creative Minds’ conference this month

  • The organization, which nurtures the talents of gifted students, says event is a ‘global platform for talented and creative youth to collaborate in building a prosperous future’
  • It is expected to attract experts and researchers in the fields of science, technology and innovation from more than 50 countries

RIYADH: Mawhiba, an organization that works to nurture the talents of gifted students in scientific fields, will hold its third international conference this month with the theme “Beyond Creative Minds.”

Its Global Conference for Giftedness and Creativity will take place from Nov. 24 to 26 at King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center in Riyadh. Khalid Al-Sharif, the organization’s acting secretary-general, described the event as a “global platform for talented and creative youth to collaborate in building a prosperous future through the exchange of ideas and expertise.”

He told the Saudi Press Agency: “The event reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting and empowering talent and promoting a culture of innovation to address future global challenges.”

The conference is expected to attract experts and researchers in the fields of science, technology and innovation from more than 50 countries, many of whom will give keynote speeches, take part in panel discussions and lead workshops.

Al-Sharif said the event will include a “‘creathon’ aimed at finding creative solutions to contemporary challenges. Attendees will also have access to exhibitions and various cultural visits scheduled alongside the conference.”

He added that Mawhiba, more formally known as the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, will continue to develop talent, support creativity and provide resources to nurture the potential of gifted individuals. He thanked Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan for the substantial support he provides for the biennial conference.


Saudi and French ministers discuss cultural cooperation

Updated 14 November 2024
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Saudi and French ministers discuss cultural cooperation

  • Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan and Rachida Dati discussed cultural exchanges and cooperation relating to museums, libraries, theater, the arts, cuisine, heritage and film production

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s minister of culture, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, and his French counterpart, Rachida Dati, held talks in Paris on Wednesday on cultural cooperation.

They discussed cultural exchanges between their countries and cooperation relating to museums, libraries, theater, the arts, cuisine, heritage and film production.

Riyadh and Paris are looking to strengthen partnerships, nurture talent through training programs for workers in cultural sectors, and exchange expertise, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The Kingdom’s assistant culture minister, Rakan Al-Touq, also took part in the meeting.


Riyadh governor receives Albania’s envoy

Updated 13 November 2024
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Riyadh governor receives Albania’s envoy

Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Ambassador of Albania to the Kingdom Saimir Bala in Riyadh on Wednesday.

They discussed various topics of common interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Meanwhile, Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz met with Ukrainian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Anatolii Petrenko in Dammam on Wednesday.

Prince Saud welcomed the ambassador to the Eastern Province. During the meeting, the two exchanged friendly talks and discussed a number of topics.
 


Biofach offers look into Saudi Arabia’s agricultural growth, future

Updated 13 November 2024
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Biofach offers look into Saudi Arabia’s agricultural growth, future

  • The Kingdom and MENA region represent an emerging market for organic food, says organizing official

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is among the Gulf Cooperation Council nations taking significant steps to invest in developing its organic food and beverage sector, which has experienced a growth surge in recent years.

The three-day Biofach Saudi Arabia, which was held alongside Saudi Organic Food Day and concluded on Wednesday, is a key platform showcasing the Kingdom’s commitment to developing its agricultural future.

Biofach was organized by 1st Arabia Tradeshows and Conferences in collaboration with NurnbergMesse, with support from the Saudi Ministry for Energy, Water and Agriculture and the Saudi Organic Farming Association.

Christian Beyer, manager of international events at NurnbergMesse, highlighted the potential of the Middle East and North Africa region: “The MENA region, especially Saudi Arabia, represents an emerging market for organic food that was estimated at USD 7 billion in 2022 and can expect ongoing growth.”

Recognizing the importance of organic farming for food security and environmental sustainability, Saudi authorities are focusing on enhancing rural production and improving supply chains to ensure organic products reach consumers efficiently.

The exhibition’s knowledge-exchange platform addressed local challenges, including effective water and fertilizer management, which are crucial for the region’s arid climate.

Among the exhibitors was the Saudi company Aamal Al-Andalus, which provides organic fertilizers to address soil degradation and declining fertility. Their products are said to help treat and reduce environmental stress, increase agricultural production, and improve the quality of crops to enhance export opportunities.

Youssif Abdulqader, sales manager and engineer at Aamal Al-Andalus, told Arab News: “Food around the world is increasingly going organic, particularly when all inputs in the plants come from organic and safe sources.”

He noted that this shift is largely driven by the health issues linked to consuming fruits and vegetables produced through conventional farming methods, which are often less beneficial or even harmful to human well-being.

Abdulqader explained: “Conventional farming practices are generally well-structured and effective; however, they face challenges such as the excessive use of pesticides and their persistence in the soil.”

Farmers often encounter bacterial issues within their crops that need to be addressed cost-effectively to maximize profitability.

“This is where organic alternatives can be prohibitively expensive, prompting conventional farmers to seek cheaper, often internationally banned options,” he added.

He added that the use of pesticides results in chemical residues that can remain in the plant’s environment.

These residues pose significant health risks when consumers ingest vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes.

“There is a concern that these chemicals may contain heavy metals that the human body cannot process, leading to serious health issues such as cancer, kidney failure, and liver diseases, which are frequently associated with traditional farming practices,” he explained.


Prophet’s Mosque imam attends India peace forum

Updated 13 November 2024
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Prophet’s Mosque imam attends India peace forum

  • More than 50,000 Muslims attended the event, which was broadcast on several media platforms and garnered more than 4 million views

RIYADH: The imam and khatib of the Prophet’s Mosque, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Baijan, took part in a peace conference themed “Islam is the Religion of Humanity and Peace” during his recent visit to India

More than 50,000 Muslims attended the event, which was broadcast on several media platforms and garnered more than 4 million views, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

As guest of honor, Al-Baijan delivered a speech in which he said that Islam was a religion of security and peace. He warned against divisions among Muslims and said that such discord threatened national unity, led to chaos and could incite wars.

Minister for Wakf and Haj in the government of Kerala Shri. V. Abdurahiman also spoke at the event, praising Saudi Arabia for its efforts in promoting Islam, peace and moderation.

Al-Baijan also joined the 35th All India Ahle Hadith Conference in New Delhi, where he commended Saudi Arabia’s efforts, led by its leadership, to promote security, peace, stability and the safeguarding of human dignity globally.