JEDDAH: The Ehsass Moonlight Exhibition at Jeddah Park’s Wasl Art Space features 120 meticulously curated paintings and artworks.

The event, which began on Sept. 10 and continues until Sept. 14, offers a vibrant platform for both established and emerging local artists to share their creative vision.

The exhibition was officially inaugurated by Abdulkhaleq Al-Zahrani, director general of the Ministry of Information branch in Makkah region, who expressed his appreciation for the variety and scale of the event.

“I’m grateful to be part of such a grand exhibition, filled with a diverse array of beautiful artworks. Meeting so many talented artists and experiencing their brilliant work has been inspiring. The quality of some exhibits is truly remarkable,” he said.

The exhibition also features a variety of events including art workshops, live performances and interactive experiences.

Among the activities are clay and handicraft workshops, face painting, mural drawing, T-shirt illustration, cartoon sketching, and live calligraphy by renowned artist Saud Khan.

Attendees can also enjoy piano performances at the Cocoa Lounge and participate in a podcast with artists. The event is not only an opportunity to appreciate art but also to purchase pieces from the exhibition.

Ali Alqahtani, CEO of Upgrade Ventures and the founder of the exhibition, said: “Ehsass Moonlight was born from a desire to bring the emotive expressions of local artists into a shared space, symbolized by the light of the moon — representing reflection and serenity.”

“Through this exhibition, we aim to highlight the importance of connection, both with ourselves and others, through the medium of art. We want people to rediscover the beauty and emotional depth that often gets overshadowed in our busy lives,” he said.

Alqahtani told Arab News that the artist selection process involved both an open call and curated invitations. “We looked for artists who displayed a deep emotional connection in their work and strong technical abilities. The pieces chosen reflect the exhibition’s central themes of introspection and light, creating a cohesive narrative through a variety of styles and mediums.”

Asked about the exhibition’s contribution to the art community, Alqahtani highlighted the significance of supporting local talent. “This exhibition provides a platform for local artists, many of whom are emerging talents, to reach a broader audience. It fosters a sense of artistic community and collaboration, while also emphasizing the universal language of emotion in art.”

Alqahtani noted the challenges of organizing such an event, particularly finding the right venue and coordinating with a diverse group of artists.

“Creating the serene, intimate ambiance we envisioned was key,” he said. “We worked closely with the artists to ensure the space reflected the moonlight theme, allowing for a collaborative approach in the display of their works.”

First-time participant Naila Hamadani, who has been painting since she was 7, shared her experience. “I’ve been creating art for almost 20 years, but this is my first exhibition. I showcased two paintings, one of which is called ‘After Two Years.’

“It represents my return to art after a creative block. The colors and brightness of the piece reflect the positive changes I’ve experienced during this time.”

Hamadani’s second piece, “Imagination Moon,” is a personal interpretation of the moon, driven by her preference for imagination over realism.

“I enjoy creating from my imagination, and this painting reflects my personal vision of the moon. What I love about art is that people can understand my emotions through my work without needing any explanation.”

Another artist, Rahaf Al Ghamdi, who specializes in abstract and landscape art, drew inspiration from her experiences in AlUla.

“It’s my first time participating in an exhibition. My artwork captures the serenity of stargazing in AlUla — its weather, rocks and mountains. As an emerging artist, I’ve found there are many opportunities in Saudi Arabia, and this exhibition has been a great platform to share my work alongside more established artists.”