Before the ubiquity of cameras and the ease of modern photographic documentation, artists played a pivotal role in capturing the essence of Saudi milestones through their unique visions and perspectives. The development of modernist art in Saudi Arabia reflects a fascinating journey marked by significant events, as chronicled by Dr. Mohammed Alresayes in “The History of Plastic Arts in Saudi Arabia.”
Starting in 1953 with the art exhibition at the Makkah Institute of Sciences, where young talents, including fourteen-year-old Abdulhalim Radwi, showcased their works, the Saudi arts landscape experienced a continuous evolution. The late 1950s witnessed the inauguration of the first nationwide school art exhibition, coinciding with the establishment of the Institute of Art Education in 1965, a pivotal moment impacting the development of artists. The oil boom in the early 1970s played a crucial role in revitalising Saudi society and its economic prosperity, extending support to the arts. The General Presidency of Youth Welfare and the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts, founded in 1973, opened doors for numerous solo and collective exhibitions across the kingdom.
The 1980s marked individual efforts within the art movement, leading to the establishment of museums, art galleries, and the Saudi Center for Fine Art in 1988.
The documentary film, “What Went On in Makkah’s Batha,” directed by Mahmoud Sabbagh, provides a glimpse into the life of the late Saudi thinker Hamza Shehata, whose philosophy of beauty in the 1940s influenced the discourse on art appreciation and emotion. Shehata’s call for sophistication and beauty in art, aligning with Socratic methods, laid a foundation for later generations. The role of the General Presidency of Youth Welfare in sponsoring and legitimising the arts during a time when art faced challenges in societal acceptance is underscored. The film highlights the perseverance of Saudi artists in the face of setbacks, emphasising that the history of art is marked by struggle, experimentation, and occasional success.
The aesthetic expressions of Saudi artists, influenced by heritage, authenticity, and the contemporary, formed a visual language that contributed to the development of a robust national identity. The artists’ engagement with diverse subjects, from desert landscapes and ancient ruins to national and cultural themes, allowed for a nuanced exploration of identity within the constraints of societal expectations. The artists’ adept navigation of aesthetic variations, including abstraction, surrealism, and cubism, reflects their commitment to finding unique voices within the broader context of art movements. The influences of prominent artists like Abdulhalim Radwi and Mohammed Alsaleem, who drew inspiration from masters like Vincent van Gogh, illustrate the interplay of global artistic currents with local sensibilities.
58.7 x 118.8 cm, Courtesy of Hewar Art Gallery
In essence, the story of modernist art in Saudi Arabia is one of resilience, innovation, and a continual quest for identity within the dynamic tapestry of societal, cultural, and economic transformations. The artistic journey, vividly portrayed in exhibitions and documentaries, attests to the enduring spirit of Saudi artists who have left an indelible mark on the nation’s cultural landscape. The exhibition invites visitors to explore the aesthetic variations among artists, reflecting their unique responses to heritage, authenticity, and contemporary influences. The showcased works capture the essence of Saudi life, featuring depictions of village customs, traditions, desert landscapes, ancient ruins, and more.
The curation of the exhibition is grounded in research, including interviews with the artists and their families, along with insights from specialists in the field. Basma Alshathry, Chief Curator of Misk Art Institute, emphasises the diversity and divergence among the environments that influenced these artists, resulting in a vivid and multifaceted exhibition.
Imbued with the innovative spirit of 1960s to 1980s Saudi art, the exhibition design skillfully transports visitors to that bygone era. Meticulously crafted elements evoke a sensory journey, immersing patrons in the rich cultural milieu that gave rise to Saudi art. The design strategically showcases the architectural beauty of the 1980s, emphasising the symmetrical elements of Prince Faisal bin Fahd Arts Hall. Simultaneously, it recreates the atmospheric charm of the 1970s and 1980s by incorporating hall-specific features like open spaces, marble flooring, archiving areas, and designated spots for conversations and reading.
The decision to highlight the building’s symmetrical elements not only accentuates its architectural grandeur but also mirrors the strong and balanced artistic expressions that characterized the eighties. This symmetrical backdrop provides a harmonious setting for the exhibited artworks, allowing them to radiate and be fully appreciated. As the exhibition designer, I carefully selected colours to capture the essence of that era, opting for a combination of dark green and light blue. Symbolising the lush greenery, expansive landscapes, open skies, and tranquil waters of the time, these colours resonate with the natural ambience, exuding a modern vintage charm reflective of the period.
The participating artists include: Ahmed Felemban, Saad Almasari, Safeya Binzager, Taha Alsabban, Abduljabbar Alyahya, Abdulhalim Radwi, Abdulhamid Albaqshi, Abdulrahman Alsoliman, Abdulsattar Almussa, Abdulaziz Alhammad, Abdullah Alshalti, Abdullah Alshaikh, Abdullah Hammas, Ali Alruzaiza, Dr. Fouad Mougharbel, Dr. Mohammed Alresayes, Mohammed Alsaleem, Mohammed Almunif, Mounirah Mosley, Yousef Jaha.
The Curatorial Team includes Aram Alajaji, Basma Alshathry, Cecilia Ruggeri, Nada Alaradi, and Shadin Albulaihed. Other members include Badr Zabarah, Shaden Alshaikh, Abdulrahman Sidi and Nauf Alfahad.
Location: Prince Faisal bin Fahd Arts Hall, KSA
Dates: October 15. 2023 – March 7, 2024
