Young Saudi artist finds beauty in the ordinary

1 / 5
Almasoud’s painting of a man selling ramsi tomatoes, the seasonal heirloom fruits with green ‘shoulders’ found in Qatif. (Supplied)
Short Url
Updated 16 April 2024
Follow

Young Saudi artist finds beauty in the ordinary

  • Dana Almasoud’s works are inspired by historical Middle Eastern and European art aesthetics

RIYADH: When picking up a pencil or paintbrush to create an artwork, self-taught Saudi artist Dana Almasoud channels her inner child.

“As soon as a child picks up a pencil, they attempt to draw or capture a sense of what they see through their eyes on paper. The majority of them stop at some point in their childhood, for whatever reason,” Almasoud told Arab News.




Almasoud’s painting of a man selling ramsi tomatoes, the seasonal heirloom fruits with green ‘shoulders’ found in Qatif. (Supplied)

“Fortunately, I was one of the few who never did. I had the luxury of a supportive mother who always looked forward to my next scribble.”

While pursuing her undergraduate studies in finance, as a freelance artist Almasoud explores a variety of styles, from fine art to surrealism and fantasy inspired by everyday scenes.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Much of Dana Almasoud’s work is inspired by Islamic historical art, characterized by its symbolism and emphasis on the beauty of spirituality.

• One of her first works inspired by Saudi culture was a commission from a man who wanted a portrait in the orientalist style.

• The artist says her work is an attempt to fill the void that excess simplicity and minimalism has created in recent years.

“The warm morning sun, the singing of the birds, the stoplights and the people. I am surrounded by life and I do my best to pour what I see into my work. What makes us human is how we make things from nothing,” she said.




Almasoud’s painting of a man selling ramsi tomatoes, the seasonal heirloom fruits with green ‘shoulders’ found in Qatif. (Supplied)

Speaking about the “sanctuary” she has created in her room, she said: “It took me years of collecting, arranging and a lot of dedication to get it to how it is now.”

Much of Almasoud’s work is inspired by Islamic historical art, characterized by its symbolism and emphasis on the beauty of spirituality.




As a freelance artist Dana Almasoud explores a variety of styles, from fine art to surrealism and fantasy inspired by everyday scenes. (Instagram/esotericdana)

“In order for me to create things that resemble life, it only makes sense to use colors that already exist in nature,” she said.

“I take a lot of inspiration from historical art, both from Europe and the Middle East, since the pigments they used were extracted from natural sources and were perfectly saturated.”




Almasoud’s painting of a man selling ramsi tomatoes, the seasonal heirloom fruits with green ‘shoulders’ found in Qatif. (Supplied)

She enjoys experimenting with new mediums, but drawing with a pencil is her preferred choice.

“I also do enjoy the occasional challenge of an ink brush, because once it sets its bristles on paper, you cannot go back. When it comes to painting with color (watercolors, acrylics, oils), I still consider myself in the process of learning,” she said.

The warm morning sun, the singing of the birds, the stoplights and the people. I am surrounded by life and I do my best to pour what I see into my work.

Dana Almasoud, Saudi artist

“I also experiment with pyrography, doll making, embroidery, linoleum block printing and, soon, murals.”

Almasoud said one of her first works inspired by Saudi culture was a commission from a man who wanted to look like an orientalist.




Almasoud’s painting of a man selling ramsi tomatoes, the seasonal heirloom fruits with green ‘shoulders’ found in Qatif. (Supplied)

Her most recent painting is of a man selling ramsi tomatoes, the seasonal heirloom fruits with green “shoulders” that are prevalent in Qatif.

“These tomatoes are known for a special flavor and a lot of farmers from various lands tried to grow it themselves, but to no avail. For some reason, these tomatoes only taste special when they grow on that specific piece of land,” Almasoud said.

She said she had been told her work had “a layer of fog, where the edges are never harsh,” which reflects the high levels of humidity in the Eastern Province where she lives.

“I can see the Arabian Gulf from the window of my room. You can imagine the high rates of humidity, which is where I think that layer came from,” she said.

“I will always wonder how this translated into what I draw, but regardless, I do love it.”

Almasoud said her art was an attempt to fill the void that excess simplicity and minimalism has created in recent years.

“My art is an attempt to inspire people back to see the beauty in complexity and the intricacy of the small things in life.”

Speaking about the importance of art in the modern world, she said: “With the increase in the pace of the world, art has become even more important. It gives people and their minds something to hang on to, for them to not lose themselves and their identities in a busy world.”

For more information about the artist visit @esotericdana on Instagram.

 


Hira district offers insightful Islamic journey

Updated 6 sec ago
Follow

Hira district offers insightful Islamic journey

MAKKAH: The Hira Cultural District is a must-visit for the millions of people who come to Makkah each year, offering an experience that engages both heart and mind by bringing history to life, a Saudi Press Agency report said.

At its center is the Holy Qur’an Museum, which features rare manuscripts and historical copies of the Qur’an alongside modern visual displays.

Visitors can explore the Qur’an’s compilation and the meticulous preservation it has undergone through the ages, the SPA reported.

The museum reflects the deep reverence for the Qur’an, using innovative presentation methods to enrich the visitor experience.

A standout feature is the Revelation Exhibition, closely linked to the Cave of Hira — where Prophet Muhammad first received the revelation.

The exhibition includes a dedicated pavilion that tells the story of the Qur’an’s revelation, offering profound insight into this pivotal moment in Islamic history.

Spanning about 67,000 sq. meters, the Hira Cultural District draws visitors from around the world and all walks of life, according to the report.

Beyond its cultural and educational appeal, it offers a vibrant atmosphere with a mix of traditional and modern cafes, restaurants, and diverse shopping options for individuals and families alike.


Art in Madinah through the eyes of a local artist

Updated 24 min 39 sec ago
Follow

Art in Madinah through the eyes of a local artist

  • Spiritual nature of the city inspires Meshal Al-Hujaili to seek simplicity through his work
  • Madinah Art Center a ‘turning point’ for local art scene 

Riyadh: Madinah’s art scene is expanding, featuring a rich blend of traditional and contemporary influences rooted in the Kingdom’s Islamic heritage, cultural identity and historical lineage.

“The art scene in Madinah is constantly evolving, leading artists in the city to keep pace with this development and enter the artistic landscape,” artist and Madinah native Meshal Al-Hujaili told Arab News.

Al-Hujaili described how the art scene in his home town influences his work: “Madinah, with its spiritual nature and simplicity, always leads me to pursue simplicity in my work, despite its artistic depth.”

Born and raised in Madinah, Al-Hujaili contributes to the growth of the local art scene through his solo art exhibitions and collaborations with the Madinah Art Center.

The center “has been a turning point for the art scene in Madinah,” he said.

“Due to its ongoing art sessions, exhibitions and meetings, it has increased my exposure to artists who preceded me in the field,” Al-Hujaili said.

“The center provides a stimulating environment for dialogue and exchange of experiences among artists, which has opened new horizons for me in my expression and in my understanding of the role of art in society,” he said.

Al-Hujaili’s artwork, currently on display in the main gallery of the Madinah Art Center, is a result of the Madinah International Symposium 2023.

“The painting, titled ‘Flow,’ reflects my experience at the symposium, my presence among more than 200 artists from around the world, and the artistic flow that prevailed at the center,” he said.

Al-Hujaili’s latest exhibition, titled “Path,” in collaboration with curator Nouf Al-Balawi explored “reflections, each representing a pivotal stage in the artist’s life as he searches for self.”

The art exhibition shed light on the Madinah native’s life, “documenting the events around him, about the various paths of life, in an individual experience that begins with the embryo and continues through to the impact he creates,” Al-Hujaili said.

When asked where he draws his inspiration from, the artist said his natural curiosity and love for asking questions.

Al-Hujaili’s latest exhibition is inspired by five themes, the first being “From Embryo to Embryo,” a series of four works that explore the circle of life, starting from the moment the fetus is formed in the womb and continuing through parenthood, “where the first fetus never ends, but rather transforms and begins anew as the father of a fetus,” as Al-Hujaili described it.

The second theme is titled “The Child I Was Not.”

“After highlighting the fetal stage, the exhibition moves to the next stage: childhood,” he said.

This is a single work in which the artist tries to reflect on children’s perspectives on art, because “art was not part of their experience as a child,” he said.

One part of the exhibition, titled “Morning Exercises,” shifts from childhood to decision-making and commitment. It features 30 artworks documenting the artist’s dedication to a daily morning art practice, lasting up to five hours of creating new pieces.

Another section titled “What to Do?” looks at the artist questioning the definition of the artwork and discovering where the value in the artwork lies.

In the concluding “Effort and Impact” section, two works represent the artist’s journey in producing art, his commitment to daily work, and his constant questioning and research.

Closing the interview, the artist emphasized how the Madinah Art Center supports his work and the work of other artists across the Kingdom: “The gallery encourages artists to explore new experiences and view the work of other artists,” he said.

“The center also offers numerous training courses and dialogue sessions that help artists become part of the artistic movement taking place in Madinah across various artistic fields,” he said.

When asked what he hopes to accomplish in the Madinah art scene, he said: “I have always dreamed of making a real impact on how people view art and representing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

Al-Hujaili said he hopes his work will be immortalized in history.


Experts discuss innovations in clinical pharmacy

International Clinical Pharmacy Ambulatory Care Conference brought together more than 700 healthcare professionals and experts.
Updated 45 min 1 sec ago
Follow

Experts discuss innovations in clinical pharmacy

  • Two-day event aimed to showcase innovative solutions to improve healthcare quality and align with global advancements

RIYADH: The International Clinical Pharmacy Ambulatory Care Conference, organized by the Hail Health Cluster, brought together more than 700 healthcare professionals and leading international experts in health and pharmaceutical sciences.

The two-day event aimed to showcase innovative solutions to improve healthcare quality and align with global advancements, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday. It provided a key platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration.

Discussions covered the latest in virtual health, strategies to enhance the patient experience along the medication journey, and future models for expanding pharmacy services.

Conference highlights included research poster presentations featuring innovations and evidence-based practices in clinical pharmacy, the SPA added.

An accompanying exhibition featured cutting-edge technologies and solutions from participating organizations, reinforcing the role of pharmacy in driving primary care innovation.


Najdi doors reflect Kingdom’s craft legacy

Updated 40 min 59 sec ago
Follow

Najdi doors reflect Kingdom’s craft legacy

Riyadh: The year 2025 has been designated the “Year of Handicrafts” in the Kingdom to reinforce traditional arts and crafts as authentic cultural heritage.

The initiative aims to promote the practice, preservation, documentation and integration of handicrafts into modern life, celebrating a cultural legacy central to national identity, a Saudi Press Agency report said.

It seeks to support artisans, enhance their skills and prevent traditional crafts from disappearing. It emphasizes manual crafts made using simple tools, without modern technology.

Prominent crafts include Sadu weaving, mud building, wood carving, pottery, hand embroidery, and palm frond products such as baskets and mats.

Engraving on doors with Najdi motifs is another traditional art for which the Najd region is renowned, the SPA reported.

Artisan Ali Al-Jasser, known for Najdi door engraving, shared his journey from basic wooden installations to intricate three-dimensional pieces blending tradition with contemporary art.

He noted regional variations — at Najdi in the center, Al-Qatt Al-Asiri in the south, Rawashin in the west, Bab Al-Bahr in the east, and Sadu in the north.

Another artisan, Nouf Al-Suwailim, highlighted that Najdi door engravings were key elements of traditional Najdi architecture, reflecting its cultural and urban identity.

She described the doors’ elegant designs, featuring geometric and floral patterns enhanced by decorative iron nails.


Contest boosts Qur’an apps with tech innovation

Updated 49 min 14 sec ago
Follow

Contest boosts Qur’an apps with tech innovation

  • Ayathon brings together programmers, designers, researchers and Islamic scholars to develop digital tools supporting memorization, recitation and reflection on the Qur’an

RIYADH: Ayathon, a Qur’an-focused app development hackathon organized by the Programmers Association, recently concluded in Riyadh.

Abdulaziz Al-Oraij, chairman of the association, described Ayathon as an initiative to use modern technology to serve the Holy Qur’an and improve the digital experience for users worldwide.

He added that Ayathon brings together programmers, designers, researchers and Islamic scholars to develop digital tools supporting memorization, recitation and reflection on the Qur’an.

“It aims to empower Qur’anic communities with interactive tools,” Al-Oraij said.

Mohammed Al-Wadee, chairman of the hackathon’s committee, said the event seeks to improve Qur’anic apps and develop technology that aligns with Islamic values.

He added that the event promotes integrating technologies like artificial intelligence, augmented reality and user experience design into sustainable projects.

Maha Al-Atwi, chair of the technical committee, said Ayathon combines technical creativity and intellectual depth to motivate participants, and enhance results through interdisciplinary collaboration.

She added that using technologies like AI and data analytics helps create digital solutions meeting diverse user needs and offering a quality Qur’anic experience for the digital generation.

The judging panel includes international experts in technology and Islamic studies, ensuring projects are evaluated on innovation, quality and meaningful content, Al-Atwi said.