Riyadh Art Exhibition Celebrates Saudi Heritage

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_{Naila Gallery, located in Riyadh, offers its guests a mesmerizing visual and sensory expedition to celebrate the 94th Saudi National Day, which fuses the past, present, and future of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This art exhibition, which runs until October 5, showcases several artists from both Saudi Arabia and international countries, a fact that not only highlights the artistic development in Saudi Arabia but also its ability to reach out and influence the global art world.}

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_{Upon entering the gallery, visitors feel that history and art are inseparable, with historical interpretations confined to brushstrokes depicting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The gallery decor includes canvases and statuary representing aspects of Saudi culture. The works explore concepts ranging from hope, love, history, and identity — all resonating with the nation’s core values.}

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_{Ameera Al-Zaben, the gallery manager, told Arab News, “This is much more than just observing pieces of art. The heart of the nation has been portrayed in every work. The exhibition showcases the images, rituals, and visions that contributed to the current existence of Saudi Arabia. Art becomes a connection between people regardless of place and history, bringing them together.”}

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_{Whether one is drawn to the palm tree symbol of Saudi resilience or the Saudi Arabian heritage reflected in the artworks, each piece tells a profound story. Visitors experience the gallery as a theater, where they are not mere spectators but co-respondents, seeking their native Saudi identity. Among the compelling works is Jackie Leger’s screen print, “King with Philby — Gold Sandstorm,” which bridges heritage and contemporary art. Leger has combined Old World artistic styles with modern techniques, emblematic of her signature approach.}

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_{Leger, who has been photographing and documenting Saudi Arabia since 1999, explained how historical photographers influenced her work in an interview with Arab News. “I started by capturing scenes at souqs, documenting the joyful moments, then I began exploring historical sites and battlefields that might be significant to Saudi Arabian history,” she said.}

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_{In her works, Leger draws from the aesthetics of early explorers and anthropologists, such as Captain William Henry Irvine Shakespear, a British officer who documented the formation of Saudi Arabia. A photograph of King Abdulaziz, captured by Shakespear, remains a significant symbol of the Kingdom’s history. Leger said: “The world’s first two most iconic images of Saudi Arabia continue to be important symbols today.”}

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_{The exhibition highlights a range of Saudi Arabian artists who contribute to the ongoing cultural dialogue through their artistic expressions. Standout highlights include Abdullah Al Almaai’s vibrant landscapes and Alia Al Harbi’s intricate designs that merge modernity and tradition.}

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_{Artists from around the world, such as Belgian painter Eva Claessens and Indian artist Vinny Venugopal, also contribute to the exhibition, emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s growing presence in the global art community. Their pieces, ranging from vivid paintings to detailed sculptures, explore themes of cultural diversity and unity, underscoring the significant impact of art on cultural preservation.}

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_{A unique addition to the event is the introduction of jareesh chocolate, a culinary masterpiece created by renowned Middle Eastern culinary artist Omar Sartawi. Sartawi, known for his innovative approach, collaborated with Diplomat Sweets to fuse jareesh, a traditional Saudi dish, with locally-made chocolate. This fusion of traditional and modern culinary practices mirrors the overarching theme of the exhibition.}

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_{“Jareesh is a 2,000-year-old ingredient, and the challenge was to take something so ancient and make it modern,” Sartawi explained. His creation offers people a taste of Saudi nostalgia wherever they are in the world, connecting Saudi identity through food.}

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_{During the event, the cookbook “Cooking Heritage: Saudi Arabia” was launched, showcasing the rich culinary traditions of Saudi Arabia. Co-authored by Jacquline Jackman and four other experts, the cookbook is a testament to the power of food in uniting people. It features authentic recipes from different regions of the Kingdom, offering a culinary journey through Saudi culture with dishes like kabsa and jareesh.}

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_{In an era of unprecedented development, this exhibition serves as a powerful reminder of Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage as the Kingdom continues on its path of modernization and maturity.}

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