‘Art of the Kingdom’ takes contemporary Saudi creations to a global audience

‘Art of the Kingdom’ takes contemporary Saudi creations to a global audience
Nasser Al-Salem’s 'Arabi/Gharbi' is part of the exhibition. (Supplied)
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‘Art of the Kingdom’ takes contemporary Saudi creations to a global audience

‘Art of the Kingdom’ takes contemporary Saudi creations to a global audience
  • Work of 17 artists showcased to coincide with G20 Summit in Brazil
  • Honors our past, says Mona Khazindar, advisor at Culture Ministry

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Museums Commission will inaugurate “Art of the Kingdom,’ the country’s first traveling contemporary exhibition, at the historic Paco Imperial building in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this week.

The exhibition from Nov. 13 to Jan. 12 runs under the theme “Poetic Illuminations” and seeks to offer international audiences a look at Saudi Arabia’s evolving contemporary art scene.




The exhibition from Nov. 13 to Jan. 12 runs under the theme “Poetic Illuminations.” (Supplied)

Launching to coincide with the upcoming G20 Summit in Brazil, “Art of the Kingdom” features the work of 17 artists, each representing a range of generations and styles, with mediums spanning paintings, installations, and video art.

The artists featured are Sara Abuabdallah, Ghada Al-Hassan, Ayman Yossri Daydban, Ahmed Mater, Emy Kat, Ayman Zedani, Shadia Alem, Nasser Al-Salem, Manal Al-Dowayan, Lina Gazzaz, Muhannad Shono, Sarah Brahim, Daniah Alsaleh, Faisal Samra, Filwa Nazer, Moath Alofi, and Ahad Al-Amoudi.

The “Art of the Kingdom” show will travel to Riyadh in early 2025, where it will be showcased at the Saudi Museum of Contemporary Art in the JAX district. At the end of the year, it will be presented at the National Museum of China in Beijing.




Launching to coincide with the upcoming G20 Summit in Brazil, “Art of the Kingdom” features the work of 17 artists. (Supplied)

Mona Khazindar, advisor at the Ministry of Culture, in a written response to questions from Arab News, stated that the exhibition “is a testament to the profound impact that art has on our understanding of history, culture and community.

“It not only honors our country’s past and collective memory, but also demonstrates the dynamic role art plays in connecting us to our shared identity, inspiring creativity and dialogue for generations to come.”

Curator Diana Wechsler, in her response to questions, said “every exhibition must open new horizons for its audience, offering an experience of discovery and challenging habitual thinking.




The exhibition from Nov. 13 to Jan. 12 runs under the theme “Poetic Illuminations.” (Supplied)

“Exhibitions, to me, are also experiences of knowledge. This is especially important here, as this exhibition is the first to showcase a group of contemporary Saudi artists abroad.

She added: “The exhibition is the result of extensive research from which its central themes emerged. I visited many artists, most of them based in Saudi Arabia, and engaged in deep conversations about each artist’s creative experience.

“It was an immensely stimulating journey for me, and I hope this exhibition provides viewers with a similar path of understanding through its selected works.”




Through “Art of the Kingdom,” the museums authority aims to empower Saudi artists by highlighting their work globally. (Supplied)

Wechsler chose Nasser Al-Salem’s “Arabi/Gharbi” (“Arab/Foreigner”), with its large neon Arabic script, to both open and close the exhibition.

Wechsler explained: “This piece offers viewers both a question and a clue: what does this neon signify? It creates a symbolic boundary between the contemporary Saudi experience and the cultural framework of the audience.

“Through each piece, the exhibition unfolds like a revelation — a poetic illumination — exploring various facets of a captivating culture where past and present, tradition and transformation, are interwoven.

“Arriving at the end of this journey and encountering Al-Salem’s neon again, I imagine the audience will see it differently, their horizons broadened by the journey they have taken.”

Through “Art of the Kingdom,” the museums authority aims to empower Saudi artists by highlighting their work globally. It also seeks to establish the nation’s presence in the global art landscape, and foster cross-cultural appreciation and dialogue.




Launching to coincide with the upcoming G20 Summit in Brazil, “Art of the Kingdom” features the work of 17 artists. (Supplied)

The exhibition centers on two primary themes: the desert as a symbol of vastness, infinity, and life’s depth, and the singularity of Saudi cultural traditions as seen through the evolution of visual culture.

Artist Muhannad Shono said: “As Saudi Arabia now invests in its arts and cultural expression, and strives to invite the world in, it’s important that this cultural dialogue does not flow in one direction, but to also reach outwards in an honest and equal exchange of ideas with the world.

“My role is to continue to express and imagine, not only in my country but beyond its borders … bypassing the perceived lines that separate us and divide.”

Artists Sara Abu Abdallah and Ghada Al-Hassan, a mother and daughter team, are presenting a collaborative piece.

In a joint written response, they said their work, “Horizontal Dimensions,” explores “intergenerational complicity, the notion of home, urban transformation, and shared dreams and visions, bridging personal history with contemporary dialogue.

“As mother and daughter, we have always shared a creative bond, and this project allowed us to combine our voices and artistic visions to express something greater than the sum of its parts.

“By presenting this work at such a significant exhibition in Rio de Janeiro, we hope to contribute to the global conversation on cultural exchange and the evolving narratives of our region.”

 


‘Saudi Pro League: Kickoff’ gets new trailer from Netflix

‘Saudi Pro League: Kickoff’ gets new trailer from Netflix
Updated 11 November 2024
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‘Saudi Pro League: Kickoff’ gets new trailer from Netflix

‘Saudi Pro League: Kickoff’ gets new trailer from Netflix

DUBAI: Netflix dropped its thrilling first full trailer for its latest sports doc series, “Saudi Pro League: Kickoff,” coming to the streamer on Nov. 21. The docuseries will take football fans behind the scenes of a league with the ambition to become one of the top leagues in the world.

The six-episode series, produced by Whisper, delves into the journey of five Saudi football clubs, Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, Al Ahli and Al Etiffaq, as they compete to be crowned Saudi Pro League champions.

Fans will witness Ronaldo’s impact on Al-Nassr, as he drives the team with his relentless pursuit of victory, Karim Benzema’s journey as he responds to the challenge of a new reality at Al-Ittihad and the twists and tension at Al-Hilal surrounding Neymar’s injury, revealing how the club and fans rally through the setbacks.

The series also follows Steven Gerrard’s ambitious leadership at Al-Ettifaq, as he strives to restore the club’s former glory while Al-Ahli, under the guidance of Matthias Jaissle, sets its sights on Asian Champions League qualification, fueled by a comeback spirit after their 2022 relegation.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Netflix MENA (@netflixmena)

Meanwhile, the established and rising local talent like Salem Al-Dawsari (Al-Hilal), Feras Al-Buraikan (Al-Ahli), Talal Haji (Al-Ittihad), and Abdulrahman Ghareeb (Al-Nassr) are determined to make their mark amid the influx of global stars, showcasing the depth and passion of Saudi football’s next generation.

 Featuring exclusive interviews from some of the world’s best players, managers and commentators, along with in-depth stories and highlights from the campaign, the series will offer fans backstage access to the developments shaping the future of the Saudi Pro League.


Rita Ora flaunts Saudi label at MTV Europe Music Awards

Rita Ora flaunts Saudi label at MTV Europe Music Awards
Updated 11 November 2024
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Rita Ora flaunts Saudi label at MTV Europe Music Awards

Rita Ora flaunts Saudi label at MTV Europe Music Awards

DUBAI: British singer Rita Ora hosted the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards in Manchester on Sunday, and she hit the red carpet before the show in a suitably loud look by Saudi couturier Mohammed Ashi.

Hailing from his label Ashi Studio’s Fall/ Winter 2024 Couture line, the peach gown featured strands of hair-like tassels that enveloped Ora on the red carpet.

Rita Ora hit the red carpet before the show in a suitably loud look by Saudi couturier Mohammed Ashi. (AFP)

Ashi’s Fall/ Winter 2024 Couture line is called “Sculpted Clouds” — it was showcased at Paris Haute Couture Week in June.

Ashi became the first couturier from the Gulf to join the Federation de la Haute Couture in Paris as a guest member in 2023.

Meanwhile, Taylor Swift led the way at the awards show in Manchester on Sunday, picking up four awards on a night dominated by female artists, including Tyla and Sabrina Carpenter, AFP reported.

Video screens display US singer-songwriter Taylor Swift accepting the award for best video during the MTV Europe Music Awards. (AFP)

The ceremony's 30th edition, which brought the biggest names in world music to northwest England, saw Swift take home trophies for best artist, best live, best US act and best video for her collaboration with Post Malone in "Fortnight."

In a pre-recorded message, Swift expressed sadness for not being able to attend in person but said the honor was "just unbelievable".
Tyla won three awards, including for best R&B, while Carpenter won for best song.

Swift, whose ongoing "Eras" tour is the most lucrative in history, was nominated in seven categories following the release this year of her 11th album "The Tortured Poets Department," according to AFP.

In the best artist category she went up against compatriots Beyonce, Billie Eilish and Post Malone, and British star Raye, who won a record six gongs at this year's Brit Awards. Carpenter, one of the stars of the summer with her hit "Please Please Please," completed the list of nominees.

While Swift won that category, Carpenter's "Espresso" took best song, outshining Eilish's "Birds of a Feather", Beyonce's "Texas Hold 'Em," "Beautiful Things" by Benson Boone, Chappell Roan's "Good Luck, Babe!" and "We Can't Be Friends" by Ariana Grande.

As with the US music industry's Grammy awards, Latino artists, including stars such as Puerto Rican Bad Bunny and Colombian Karol G were left out of the top categories this year despite their global hits.
Both were contenders in the best Latin field, alongside Shakira, who has revived her career with the hit "Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53", about her separation from ex-footballer Gerard Pique.

 


Susan Sarandon reveals Hollywood ‘blacklisting’ over Palestine comments

US actress Susan Sarandon has continued to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. (File/Reuters)
US actress Susan Sarandon has continued to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. (File/Reuters)
Updated 10 November 2024
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Susan Sarandon reveals Hollywood ‘blacklisting’ over Palestine comments

US actress Susan Sarandon has continued to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. (File/Reuters)
  • Veteran actress, 78, was criticized over remarks at New York City rally last November
  • She was dropped by her agency and had projects canceled

LONDON: US actress Susan Sarandon has spoken out about being “blacklisted” by Hollywood following her comments at a pro-Palestine demonstration last year.

In an interview with The Times, the longtime activist, 78, said that she was dropped by her agency and had projects canceled following the New York City rally in November.

At the event, she told the crowd that a lot of people were “afraid of being Jewish at this time, and are getting a taste of what it feels like to be a Muslim in this country, so often subjected to violence,” The Independent reported.

Though she issued an apology following criticism over her words, Sarandon said that she had “been used as an example of what not to do if you want to continue to work.”

She added: “There are so many people out of work right now (since) November of last year … who have lost their jobs as custodians, as writers, as painters, as people working in the cafeteria, substitute teachers who have been fired because they tweeted something, or liked a tweet, or asked for a ceasefire.”

Sarandon’s agent also departed following the furore, she told The Times.

On whether she would ever be offered roles on big-budget films again, Sarandon said: “I don’t know. (Not) anything in Hollywood.”

Since the rally, the veteran actress has continued to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

In her apology over the rally remarks, Sarandon said: “I deeply regret diminishing this reality and hurting people with this comment.

“It was my intent to show solidarity to the struggle against bigotry of all kinds, and I am sorry I failed to do so.”

The UN’s Human Rights Office this week said that almost 70 percent of confirmed Palestinian deaths in Gaza were women and children.

It accused Israel of failing to “comply with the fundamental principles of humanitarian law.”


Zuhair Murad dresses Jennifer Lopez, Sara Sampaio at Hollywood events

Zuhair Murad dresses Jennifer Lopez, Sara Sampaio at Hollywood events
Updated 10 November 2024
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Zuhair Murad dresses Jennifer Lopez, Sara Sampaio at Hollywood events

Zuhair Murad dresses Jennifer Lopez, Sara Sampaio at Hollywood events

DUBAI: Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad has had a busy week in Hollywood, dressing three stars for their red carpet turns.

Portuguese model and actress Sara Sampaio, US actress Jessica Alba and pop icon Jennifer Lopez all opted for looks by Zuhair Murad at various events.

Both Alba and Sampaio showed off Resort 2025 looks at the Baby2Baby Gala in Los Angeles.

While model Sampaio’s look was an all-black, floor-grazing number with a thigh-high slit, “Trigger Warning” actress Alba hit the red carpet in a diaphanous gown with sequins embroidered across the length of the dress.

Oscar winning actress, producer and philanthropist Charlize Theron received the Giving Tree Award at the organization’s annual glitzy fundraiser. According to Baby2Baby, the honor is given to a public figure “who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving the lives of children in need.”

Theron joined previous recipients including Salma Hayek Pinault, Kim Kardashian, Kerry Washington, Jennifer Garner, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jessica Alba, Kate Hudson, Amy Adams, Drew Barrymore, Chrissy Teigen and Vanessa Bryant.

Over to the premiere of “Wicked” in Los Angeles on Saturday night and Lopez walked the red carpet in a gown from Zuhair Murad’s Spring/Summer 2024 Couture line. She accessorized with jewelry by luxury Indian label Sabyasachi.

The Ras Baalbek-born couturier and the singer-actress have a long-standing relationship, with Lopez wearing the designer’s creations to countless events and award ceremonies.

She previously opened up about her affinity for Murad’s designs, describing the couturier as “probably her favorite designer” in a past interview with Venture Lifestyle.

Lopez attended the Hollywood premiere of Jon M. Chu’s much anticipated, star-studded musical epic “Wicked.”

Also in attendance were Part 1‘s main cast, including powerhouse duo Ariana Grande (who portrays Glinda the Good Witch) and Cynthia Erivo (playing Elphaba), as well as Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum and Ethan Slater.


Model Mona Tougaard stars in cruise collection campaign

Model Mona Tougaard stars in cruise collection campaign
Updated 09 November 2024
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Model Mona Tougaard stars in cruise collection campaign

Model Mona Tougaard stars in cruise collection campaign

DUBAI: Danish model Mona Tougaard this week shared her latest collaboration with Louis Vuitton on Instagram, showcasing the French luxury brand’s Women’s Cruise 2025 collection.

Set in Barcelona, the collection draws from Spanish architectural styles, with the brand’s post referring to the new releases as “an ode to the art of travel.”

In one of the photos, Tougaard wore a fitted black sleeveless bodysuit paired with voluminous black shorts, accentuated by a wide white belt with a bold buckle. Her accessories include a structured black handbag with metallic accents, a wide-brimmed white hat and knee-high brown boots.

In another shot, she wore a loose, long-sleeved white blouse with wide cuffs, paired with sleek black trousers. She completed the look with a pastel-blue Louis Vuitton handbag in a structured, boxy shape featuring the brand’s signature “LV” logo in metallic detail, along with a wide-brimmed black hat.

The campaign was shot by British photographer Jamie Hawkesworth and showcases notable Barcelona landmarks, including Antoni Gaudi’s La Pedrera and Park Guell, as well as the Fundacio Joan Miro.

Each location reflects Louis Vuitton artistic director Nicolas Ghesquiere’s choice to highlight bold, structured silhouettes.

This is not Tougaard’s first collaboration with Louis Vuitton. In 2023, she appeared in a high-profile campaign for the brand’s LV Archlight 2.0 collection, alongside US rapper Jaden Smith, actress Chloe Grace Moretz and Chinese footballer Sam Li Sirong. She has also walked the runway for Louis Vuitton many times.

Tougaard began her modeling career in 2017 after winning the Elite Model Look Denmark competition at just 15. Since then, she has established herself as a prominent figure in fashion, working with renowned designers and luxury brands such as Prada, Fendi, Chanel, Loewe and Valentino.

In June, Tougaard was appointed artistic talent director for Berlin-based magazine-turned-fashion label 032c’s menswear spring/summer 2025 collection.

“Tougaard is an inherent member of the 032c universe, who has starred on our magazine covers, our editorials and our previous FW-24 show. It is an organic progression to involve Tougaard more closely in 032c’s creative processes together with creative director Maria Koch and fashion director Ras Bartram,” the brand announced in a post at the time.