RIYADH: Art Week Riyadh’s group exhibition in JAX District brings together a range of artists to celebrate heritage, spark conversations, and showcase the wealth of Saudi creativity, on view through April 13.
The Annual Salon at Shashai Studio is presenting a stunning tapestry of perspectives and artworks to celebrate individual artists and the art community under one roof.
The visual feast encapsulates the spirit of experimentation, encouraging conversations around identity, culture, and the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity.
Visitors can get a look at the narratives woven through each piece of artwork.
Among the standout pieces on display, Princess Al-Johara Saud Al-Saud’s artwork entitled “The Moon” symbolises the enduring strength and presence of women throughout history.
“This piece reflects on how women have nurtured families and communities while holding societal roles that are often overlooked,” she told Arab News.
Utilizing natural sheep wool as a medium, the artwork underscores the ancestral skills of women in weaving and home-building.
“Women have always been the backbone of our society, supporting families, cultures, and traditions,” Princess Al-Johara explained. This tribute to women serves as a reminder of their multifaceted roles — from caretakers to creators, their contributions are invaluable.
Mona Bashatah, whose works explore ancient crafts of the Arabian Peninsula, discussed her recent project that depicts a fisherman — a character symbolizing the deep-rooted traditions of coastal life.
“My art stems from the rich history of our region, focusing on the stories that need to be shared with the new generations,” she explained. Her pieces were not only visually stunning but also served as a medium for storytelling, connecting the past with the present.
“I chose to draw inspiration from mulberry bark paper from East Asia, bridging historical trade routes that linked our ancestors to lands far and wide,” she added.
Her sketches present a narrative intertwined with themes of environmental pollution and cultural identity. The illustrations recount tales of shepherds and sailors who served as vital connections between Eastern and Western worlds.
They represent memories that modern generations may overlook, making her work both a celebration of heritage and a call for awareness.
The artist also incorporated texts from poet Khalil Gibran, merging literature with art to deepen the emotional impact of her pieces. “My intention is to evoke a sense of belonging and pride in our history,” Bashatah noted.
Rashed Al-Shashai is the founder and curator of Shashai Studio. (Supplied)
Studio founder and curator Rashed Al-Shashai spoke to Arab News on the significance of the exhibition and the importance of showcasing both emerging and established artists within the Saudi art community.
“We have cultivated an environment of cultural and artistic dialogue at Shashai Studio. This exhibition featured various artists, each with distinct techniques and narratives,” he said.
“This exhibition marks the culmination of a year’s worth of experimentation and collaboration.”
Visitors encountered pieces from notable artists such as Mazin Andijani an Arabic calligrapher, and Fatima Al-Attas, an innovative contemporary artist.
The inaugural Art Week Riyadh is celebrating Saudi Arabia’s vibrant art scene, bringing together leading local and international galleries, cultural institutions, and arts entities under the overarching theme, “At The Edge.”
The week-long event is fostering exchange, dialogue, and collaboration, inviting art enthusiasts to explore themes of thresholds, liminality, and transitions in art and culture.
The program includes curated gallery exhibitions, rare displays of private collections, as well as talks, workshops, and performances.
Organized by the Visual Arts Commission under the Ministry of Culture, Art Week Riyadh is a non-commercial platform designed to nurture, celebrate, and position Riyadh as a global cultural destination.
Drawing on the past and present as points of departure, it reimagines an interconnected global arts ecosystem that contributes to the Kingdom’s creative economy while inspiring the preservation of art collecting and patronage.
