Saudi artist exhibits two artworks at Rome art fair

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Abrar S. Sultan with her paintings ‘the clown Who Knows It All’ and ‘My Genie’ at the Rome International Art Fair. (Supplied)
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Sultan has participated in exhibitions in Saudi Arabia, Russia and Italy “with the ambition to become a world-known brand in fine art that has dimensions. (Supplied)
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A Saudi artist hearing a viewer from interested visitor her insights and feelings about the work in the Rome International Art Fair 2023. (Supplied)
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The visitors of the Rome International Art Fair 2023 discussing their admiration and expressing their views of the work. (Supplied)
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Visitors from Artist, art collectors and art credits, minutes before opening of Rome International Art Fair 2023. (Supplied)
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Updated 23 July 2023
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Saudi artist exhibits two artworks at Rome art fair

  • Paintings ‘The Clown Who Knows It All’ and ‘My Genie’ by Abrar S. Sultan are on display at an international art fair

RIYADH: Abrar S. Sultan is the only Saudi artist participating at the Rome International Art Fair 2023 with two contemporary artworks.

The fair, which began on July 14 and will end on July 27, provides artists and exhibitors with the opportunity to present their works to an international audience of professionals, such as curators, gallerists, collectors, editors and publishers.

Sultan’s first artwork, “The Clown Who Knows It All,” is “a beautiful artistic experience … where the artist felt the love that the world needs.”




More paintings by the artist can be found on her social media. (Instagram/abrars_art)

Her second artwork, “My Genie,” is about self-empowerment. “What if we were given the opportunity to be our own magical genie and the ability to achieve all our dreams without limits, without restrictions?”

Sultan, who is a clinical pharmacy graduate, has passion for different art forms including painting, playing violin and writing.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The 2023 Rome International Art Fair began on July 14 and will end on July 27.

• Abrar S. Sultan is a clinical pharmacy graduate with a passion for different art forms, including playing violin.

• She has participated in exhibitions in Saudi Arabia, Russia and Italy.

“I always had a radical connection with beauty and art with a strong will to express my thoughts and my views of the world,” she told Arab News.

“I see the world through a distinguished point of view that focuses on looking on the positive side and embraces the beauty of vulnerability,” she said.




Many of interested and specialized in the arts attended Rome International Art Fair 2023, which continues until Thursday. (Supplied)

The artist, who received strong positive feedback on the opening day, was overwhelmed with gratitude for having the opportunity to present her work in Rome — a rich historical city that has housed many well-known artists.

Talking about her participation at the fair, Sultan said: “And for me it raised the challenge of proving that Saudi artists will always thrive and get the right recognition in any place in the world.”

Sultan has participated in exhibitions in Saudi Arabia, Russia and Italy “with the ambition to become a world-known brand in fine art that has dimensions … and many stories to tell in a way that unfold the mysterious part of our deepest feelings and emotions open to be rediscovered with elegance.”

 


Japan looks forward to strengthening relations with ‘major power’ Saudi Arabia as 70th anniversary nears

Updated 9 sec ago
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Japan looks forward to strengthening relations with ‘major power’ Saudi Arabia as 70th anniversary nears

DUBAI: Japan Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya told a press conference on Friday that Saudi Arabia is a “major power” in the Middle East and plays a significant role in peace and stability in the region.

“Saudi Arabia is an important country for Japan, especially when it comes to energy and security. The country is an important partner,” he said.

Responding to a question about next year’s 70th anniversary celebrations between the two countries, Iwaya explained that Japan, on a broader and deeper scope, wants to “promote cooperation and understanding” with Saudi Arabia.

Iwaya said that Japan was soliciting public proposals for commemorative events between the two countries. “Between the governments, we are moving forward with certain plans,” he added.

In October, a commemorative logo was released, which features a combination of a palm tree, a symbol of Saudi Arabia, and cherry blossoms, a flower synonymous with Japan.

The foreign minister also spoke about Japanese boxing champion Naoya Inoue’s sponsorship contract with Riyadh Season.

“(The contract) is something that we should be very happy about, we are proud of this super champion. So, we hope that he will be very active and successful in Saudi Arabia as well. We welcome this,” he told the press conference.

Inoue announced the sponsorship deal in November, which is reported to be worth about $20 million. The boxing champion will have the Riyadh Season logo displayed on the branding for his fights.

During the press conference, Iwaya also announced newly designed Japanese passports in 2025 as well as Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru’s potential meeting with US president-elect Donald Trump.

This article originally appeared on Arab News Japan


Diriyah Season 24/25 launches celebration of history, culture and arts

Updated 20 December 2024
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Diriyah Season 24/25 launches celebration of history, culture and arts

  • Diriyah Season 24/25 will kick off with the Enduring Resilience Exhibition

RIYADH: The Diriyah Company has announced the launch of Diriyah Season 24/25, which begins on Friday, Dec. 20 with a display of Diriyah’s heritage, hospitality, and immersive cultural experiences through various programs.

Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of the Diriyah Company, said: “We anticipate welcoming three million visitors to At-Turaif district, the birthplace of the Kingdom, by Founding Day on Feb. 22, 2025.

“We are breaking records in visitor numbers and forming numerous partnerships for ground and tour operations, with new flights already arriving from countries like China. The international presence in Bujairi is evident every night, making it one of the world’s premier gathering spots.”

Under the theme “Entertain Your Cultural Curiosity,” Diriyah Season 24/25 will kick off with the Enduring Resilience Exhibition, honoring the legacy of Imam Turki bin Abdullah, who founded the Second Saudi State 200 years ago. The much-anticipated Layali Diriyah returns with innovative experiences, while Minzal invites visitors to appreciate the natural beauty and heritage of Diriyah in a winter wonderland.

Guests can engage with the “850” interactive experience, immersing themselves in the narratives of significant historical figures. The Diriyah Storytelling Festival will celebrate literature and promote cultural exchange. Additionally, the Tyn Festival will bring together architects, academics and enthusiasts to celebrate the region’s tradition of mud architecture.

In the historic At-Turaif district and Bujairi Terrace, visitors will embark on a journey filled with cultural and artistic expression. The Souq program combines performing arts with a heritage backdrop enriched by modern elements. Lastly, the Samri Art Activities will offer interactive performances of Samri folk music and dance at various locations in Diriyah throughout the season.


UN Internet Governance Forum concludes in Riyadh

Updated 20 December 2024
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UN Internet Governance Forum concludes in Riyadh

  • Event witnessed launch of Riyadh Declaration to help strengthen international partnerships in AI
  • Forum featured experts from 170 countries

RIYADH: The UN Internet Governance Forum concluded its 19th edition on Thursday at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh.

The forum’s organizers said that the global event had focused on internet governance policies and emerging digital challenges. It had achieved the highest attendance in the history of the forum, surpassing 11,000 participants.

The forum also witnessed the launch of the Riyadh Declaration, a document which aims at strengthening international partnerships in artificial intelligence and digital technologies to serve humanity.

The event featured experts and specialists in internet technology and policy from 170 countries, with more than 1,000 international speakers contributing to over 300 sessions and workshops, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It revolved around four main topics: innovation and risk in the digital space; development and sustainability; promoting human rights and inclusiveness; and improving the digital governance of the internet, the SPA added.


King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival concludes with record-breaking prize pool

Updated 19 December 2024
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King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival concludes with record-breaking prize pool

  • The 17-day event featured 1,032 falconers from nine countries, 3,322 birds and a total prize pool of $9.6 million

The 2024 King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival, which featured a prize pool of more than SR36 million ($9.6 million), the largest in the history of the event, concluded on Thursday.

The festival, which began on Dec. 3 and was organized by the The Saudi Falcons Club at its headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh, featured 1,032 falconers, of whom 160 came from outside the Kingdom. They represented nine countries — Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Syria, Italy and Ireland — and brought with them 3,322 birds. A youth section included 49 young falconers.

The festival culminated in two rounds of the King’s Sword, the toughest and most lucrative section of the Melwah competition, with total prize pools of SR925,000 for each round.

Barghash Al-Mansouri, who won the first round in the Shaheen and Hur categories, said his falcon SH13 had performed exceptionally well to clinch first place. He said the bird has great strength but can be affected by adverse wind conditions. On the day, however, conditions were favorable and it was able to maintain stability and perform at its best.

He added that he had expected Shama, a falcon owned by Fahd Al-Mansouri, to take the top spot but instead it finished second. He thanked the club for its exceptional efforts in organizing the festival and congratulated all the winners, noting that the competition grows stronger each year.

Talal Al-Shumaisi, CEO of the Saudi Falcons Club, thanked the Kingdom’s leaders for their support of falconry and its heritage, in particular Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is the club’s general supervisor. He also thanked Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, the chairman of the board of directors of the club, for his support.


Princess Nourah University launches ‘Itar’ exhibition to highlight student filmmaking projects

Updated 19 December 2024
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Princess Nourah University launches ‘Itar’ exhibition to highlight student filmmaking projects

  • The exhibition features seven short films, each with distinct themes drawn from the cultural identity of the Kingdom

RIYADH: Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, represented by the College of Design and Arts, has launched the “Itar Exhibition 2024” to feature the graduation projects of 26 students from the film production and animation program.

The exhibition, which is part of the Department of Film and Theater Arts’ graduation project course, features seven short films, each with distinct themes drawn from the cultural identity of the Kingdom.

The exhibition highlights the cognitive, technical, and creative skills developed by the graduates through their film projects, demonstrating their proficiency in applying creative and critical thinking methodologies.

The exhibition provides a platform for interaction and collaboration among graduates, university students, employers, industry professionals, researchers, partners, the business sector, and the broader community. It also prepares graduates to compete in the job market and venture into entrepreneurship.

Haya Al-Rashoud, head of the Department of Film and Theater Arts at PNU, said that the exhibition is part of the College of Design and Arts’ commitment to developing national talent. It aims to foster a supportive and inspiring environment for creativity, expertise, and specialized scientific skills, while aligning with the evolving demands of the labor market, particularly in the film industry.

The “Itar Exhibition 2024” at the College of Design and Arts reflects the objectives of PNU’s 2025 strategic plan, aiming to cultivate competitive talent and empower female students. It creates an educational environment that inspires creativity, enriches cultural and artistic expression, and promotes learning, research, and innovation. 

Additionally, it underscores the university’s commitment to advancing women’s leadership in driving development and progress.