RIYADH: American jazz legend Herbie Hancock hopes to expand his music training program to Saudi Arabia, he revealed in an interview with Arab News.

“We’d love to have a presence here in some way, you know, and some activities here,” Hancock told Arab News.

“Then this would be a place I could visit and have my footprint here in some way. That would be absolutely amazing,” he said.

The 14-time Grammy winner was referring to the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz at UCLA, which is a nonprofit education organization that uses internationally-acclaimed jazz masters to train promising young musicians.

Hancock made the comments during a week-long visit to Riyadh accompanied by Janis Siegel, and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Performance Ensemble.

The group performed at the capital’s King Fahad Cultural Center alongside Saudi jazz vocalist Nourah Alammary on Tuesday, in an event organized in collaboration with the US Embassy in Riyadh and the Saudi Music Commission.

“She was fantastic … she has enormous potential, extremely talented. The way she was improvising and it was really great,” Hancock said.

Speaking about his experience performing in Riyadh, Hancock said: “I was just overwhelmed when I looked at it and saw the incredible design, and the futuristic parts of its display were amazing because there’s a sense of history there, but a sense of the future in its design. It was really, really a great experience.”

During their time in Riyadh, Hancock and the delegation also led a masterclass for Saudi music students at the Music Hub, a roundtable on women in the arts with female Saudi artists, and an event with Saudi traditional musicians at the Ahmed Mater Studio.

“We’ve gone to Ahmed Matar’s studio and met some of the young students that are working there, I saw his library,” he said.

“I saw so much of his equipment. Some of it’s very old … that he bought over the several years that he’s been really mastering his work. And, I mean, he’s a very learned person.

“And, and he’s a lover of jazz too, he had a bunch of jazz records, (a) bunch of my records that were there,” Hancock said.

When asked how his experience in the Kingdom has been, Hancock proudly stated: “It’s been really amazing. I’ve been treated like a king, really it’s been fantastic.”

Siegel highlighted her experience in the Kingdom, stating: “I have to say, the people have been so warm and welcoming.

“It just feels fantastic. And I didn’t know what to expect, so I’m so happy,” she said.

Speaking about her performance alongside Hancock at the King Fahad Cultural Center, Seigel said: “First of all, let me say that it’s a gorgeous hall. It’s stunning. And the sound is very good as well.

“I just saw a sea of smiling faces out there. And I felt in a way, that people were moved by the music and the rhythm, but they didn’t quite know how to express it... they seemed to really know and appreciate Herbie’s contribution to this art form and his place in music history,” Siegel said.

Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Michael Ratney welcomed the visit, saying: “Saudi Arabia’s cultural scene is evolving at an incredible pace, and hosting a legend like Herbie Hancock is a huge milestone.

“His music has inspired generations and having him here is a testament to the Kingdom’s remarkable cultural transformation.”

RIYADH: Egyptian artist Ali Kamel’s solo exhibition in Riyadh, “The Arrival,” was a significant milestone in his career.

Held in the JAX district from Jan. 14–18, the innovative event merged two worlds: the nostalgic charm of anime and the cutting-edge technology of 3D printing.

The exhibition highlighted Kamel’s ability to weave people’s stories, cultural inspirations, and creations into what he describes as “Alien Technology.”

Using 3D printing — a medium of boundless creative potential — Kamel presented a collection of artworks reflecting his life experiences and the diverse cultural influences encountered on his journey.

He told Arab News: “Each piece embodies the fusion of art and technology, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression while celebrating cultural diversity.”

Kamel’s creative process is deeply rooted in the philosophy of complexity and richness, echoing architect Robert Venturi’s famous saying, “Less is a bore.”

He explained: “I embrace complexity in my art, believing that it leads to deeper connections with the audience.”

His approach involves extensive sketching, modeling, and experimenting with various materials and 3D technologies.

Using computer-aided design, Kamel refines his concepts before bringing them to life through 3D printing, exploring a variety of finishing techniques to enhance the visual impact of his works.

While acrylic paints are his primary medium, Kamel also uses oils, sprays and other materials to create diverse textures and effects.

“Each material choice is intentional,” Kamel said. “I aim to convey specific qualities and emotions in my work.”

This journey of exploration and innovation allows him to create dynamic pieces that resonate deeply with his personal experiences.

Looking ahead, Kamel is excited about an upcoming project exploring the contemporary superheroes of today’s world.

“These modern-day icons surround us, and I want to capture the essence of their narratives and significance. It’s a fascinating exploration of cultural impact,” he said.

A particularly poignant piece from “The Arrival” draws inspiration from Kamel’s enduring love for anime, especially from the 1980s and early 1990s.

One standout artwork is inspired by the renowned anime series “Astroganger,” known as “Jongar” in the Arab world. This creation holds deep significance for Kamel, symbolizing a challenging yet transformative period in his life.

He said: “This piece represents a moment of personal growth, embodying the resilience and hope I found during tough times. It serves as a reminder of the strength that creativity can provide.”

In “The Arrival,” Kamel invited viewers on a journey that wove together nostalgia, cultural diversity and the boundless potential of 3D printing, offering a truly captivating experience.

As he aptly said: “Art has the power to connect us all, transcending boundaries and celebrating our shared humanity.”