Dutch artist Vincent Ruijter’s exploration of heritage and ethnicity on show at Noor Riyadh

Dutch artist Vincent Ruijter’s exploration of heritage and ethnicity on show at Noor Riyadh
At Noor Riyadh, Vincent Ruijters digs deeper into hybrid cultures through the interplay of light, shadow and fabric. (Supplied)
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Updated 03 December 2024
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Dutch artist Vincent Ruijter’s exploration of heritage and ethnicity on show at Noor Riyadh

Dutch artist Vincent Ruijter’s exploration of heritage and ethnicity on show at Noor Riyadh

RIYADH: Dutch artist Vincent Ruijters explores themes of identity and self at the ongoing Noor Riyadh, the annual Saudi festival of light and art. The festival runs until Dec. 14.

At this year’s edition, Ruijters digs deeper into hybrid cultures through the interplay of light, shadow and fabric. “This is telling my own story from a very personal way. But by doing that, hopefully connecting to all kinds of people,” Ruijters told Arab News. 




Set in a studio in the Jax District, one of the three main festival hubs, “Selintas Selalu” is a kinetic installation. (Supplied)

Set in a studio in the Jax District, one of the three main festival hubs, “Selintas Selalu” is a kinetic installation: a steel-based structure stands at the center of the space where strips of red fabric hang off vein-like rods. A light is suspended in the center while steel light structures with sharp metal spikes frame the surrounding walls. 

The work came about after three months’ research in Indonesia, where the work was created. While he was born and is based in the Netherlands, Ruijters’ mother is a seventh-generation Indonesian, with family roots going back to China.

These multi-ethnic groups, referred to as Peranakan, demonstrate a fusion between Chinese and Indonesian culture. “They have their own arts, colors, patterns, music, and their own culture,” he said.

The Betawi people, native to Jakarta and its outskirts, blend cultures including native Indonesian, Arab, Chinese and Portuguese. 

“Actually, a lot of Chinese and Asians immigrated after the independence of Indonesia after the Second World War because the colony was over. So, they went to the Netherlands and America, and then they had children like me, but those children often do not know much about their ancestors,” Ruijters said. 

Taking ownership of his own difficult history, he decided to research the topic not just for himself but also “for my other generations of Chinese Indonesians living in the Netherlands, younger people, to show them: this is your heritage,” he said. 




Dutch artist Vincent Ruijters explores themes of identity and self at the ongoing Noor Riyadh. (Supplied)

The mix of cultures is realized in the motifs: the sun-shaped lamps on the periphery which are reminiscent of kembang kelapa decorations, the petal shapes at the structure’s base that are popular in Javanese batik dyeing techniques, and the red fabric, which is made in collaboration by Chinese and Indonesian craftsman with a special red color, associated with the Peranakan culture. This fabric was specially made in a batik house for this project.

“To make big installations, it’s never one person,” Ruijters said. “So, I was always trying to emphasize this as part of a team. I worked with an Indonesian electronic engineer, with a Dutch electronic engineer, with the batik workshop house for the fabric … I’m more like a guide to the creative process,” he said. 

The artwork branches out from the light in the center, a symbol of Ruijters’ ancestors. As time progresses, the lamp moves forward, symbolically straying from those strong roots of the past, toward the twiggier branches at the forefront, leading us to the present. 

Shadowplay is an important element, because it preserves Indonesian culture through shadows as a means of accessing an inner world. “You can feel your ancestry; you can feel the past shivering and whispering to you. And this is similar, I think, to the guiding light that is the constellation of the theme … I think shadow is a beautiful way of expressing that, because you cannot touch it. It's there, but it’s also not,” he said. 


Noon By Noor showcases latest line at London Fashion Week

Noon By Noor showcases latest line at London Fashion Week
Updated 23 February 2025
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Noon By Noor showcases latest line at London Fashion Week

Noon By Noor showcases latest line at London Fashion Week

DUBAI: Designers Shaikha Noor Al-Khalifa and Shaikha Haya Al-Khalifa of Bahraini label Noon By Noor unveiled their Fall Winter 2025 collection during London Fashion Week.

The brand held a salon-style showcase at London’s Somerset House.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Noon By Noor (@noonbynoor)

Noon By Noor’s latest collection was inspired by Bahrain’s architectural landscape —specifically the work of Swiss architect Christian Kerez, whose multi-storey car parks in the city of Muharraq have become a cultural hub.

The four car parks were commissioned by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities as part of a wider preservation and development project in Murharraq, which served as the Bahraini capital until 1932.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Noon By Noor (@noonbynoor)

“We are fortunate to have been nurtured in art and architecture, both in our home and in our surroundings in Bahrain – a place rich in both, from which we can draw constant inspiration,” Shaikha Noor Al Khalifa said in a released statement.

Shaikha Haya Al Khalifa added: “While working on this collection, we focused on finding a sense of balance between structure and curves, elegance and ease, function and frivolity, a balance between generations — a collage of the past, the present and the future.”

The line features sculptural jackets, draped bodices, and sliced silhouettes that subtly reveal the skin. As per the brand’s design ethos, embellishments are minimal and textures and fabrics play a larger role.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Noon By Noor (@noonbynoor)

The designers employed a technique of stripping and fraying wool tweeds and reapplying them onto tulle to create their own lightweight fabric that is used across the collection.

Meanwhile, the color palette stays true to the fashion house’s previous collections, with heavy use of neutral shades. A dark shade of chartreuse acts as a counterweight to the black, beige and dark grey ensembles featured in the latest line, while a slick and shiny trench coat in creamy beige stood out on the runway.

The womenswear brand was established in 2008 and was previously shown at New York Fashion Week before the designers made the switch to London.


Maharat offers MasterClass-style lessons by Arabs for Arabs

Maharat offers MasterClass-style lessons by Arabs for Arabs
Updated 23 February 2025
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Maharat offers MasterClass-style lessons by Arabs for Arabs

Maharat offers MasterClass-style lessons by Arabs for Arabs

DUBAI: Maharat, a new online Arabic edutainment platform, has announced a new business masterclass led by Toufic Kreidieh, Executive Chairman of Brands for Less Group. The course aims to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with practical insights into building and scaling businesses in a competitive market.

Designed to blend education and entertainment, Maharat has positioned itself as a player in the region’s digital learning space, similar to the well-known US subscription platform MasterClass. Maharat features classes from well-known figures in various fields, including music, acting, makeup artistry, home cooking, and professional development. High-profile instructors such as Ragheb Alama, Kosai Khauli, Rahma Riad, Bassam Fattouh, and Salam Dakkak have already contributed courses to the platform.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Maharat | (@maharatarabia)

“Having lived in the US for a while, I experienced firsthand the extremely ambitious mentality people have there and the genuine belief that they can achieve anything they put their minds to. This mentality is primarily fueled by access to elite education and roadmaps for achieving success provided through online education. At Maharat, we want to bridge this gap in our region and inspire everyone in the Arab World to pursue their dreams and become the best version of themselves by democratizing access to the highest caliber of education and success secrets,” said Maharat CEO Arman Khederlarian to Arab News.

Kreidieh’s “Building and Growing Your Business” masterclass is aimed at equipping entrepreneurs with essential skills such as understanding market trends, setting strategic goals, and identifying customer needs.

“Business success is about strategy, adaptability, and informed decision-making,” Kreidieh said. “Through this masterclass, I hope to share the lessons I've learned so others can build businesses that are both sustainable and successful.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Maharat | (@maharatarabia)

Maharat CEO Khederlarian added, “As Maharat continues to expand, we are focused on providing users with insights from some of the region’s most accomplished figures. This masterclass offers practical knowledge for those looking to thrive in the business world.”


Oscar-nominated Palestinian film ‘No Other Land’ wins at Independent Spirit Awards

Oscar-nominated Palestinian film ‘No Other Land’ wins at Independent Spirit Awards
Updated 23 February 2025
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Oscar-nominated Palestinian film ‘No Other Land’ wins at Independent Spirit Awards

Oscar-nominated Palestinian film ‘No Other Land’ wins at Independent Spirit Awards
  • The Spirit Awards, held in a beachside tent in Santa Monica, California, is the more irreverent sister to the Academy Awards, celebrating the best in independent film and television
  • The awards limit eligibility to productions with budgets of $30 million or less, meaning more expensive Oscar nominees like “Wicked” and “Dune: Part Two” were not in the running

Los Angeles: “No Other Land,” the Oscar-nominated film by a Palestinian-Israeli collective about the destruction of a village in the West Bank, has won the documentary prize at the Independent Spirit Awards.

The Spirit Awards, held in a beachside tent in Santa Monica, California, is the shaggier, more irreverent sister to the Academy Awards, celebrating the best in independent film and television.

“No Other Land” was directed by a collective of four Israeli and Palestinian filmmakers — activists Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor — and marks their directorial debut.

The film follows the story of Adra, a young Palestinian activist from Masafer Yatta in the West Bank, as he fights against the mass expulsion of his community by Israeli forces. Since childhood, Adra has documented the demolition of homes and displacement of residents in his region under military occupation.

Meanwhile, Sean Baker’s “Anora” won best film, best director and best actor for Mikey Madison at the Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday in what could be a preview of next Sunday’s Oscars: The film about a Brooklyn sex worker and her whirlwind affair with a Russian oligarch’s son has emerged in recent weeks as an awards season front-runner.

In accepting the directing prize, Baker spoke passionately about the difficulty of making independent films in an industry that is no longer able to fund riskier films. He said indies are in danger of becoming calling card films — movies made only as a means to get hired for bigger projects.

“The system has to change because this is simply unsustainable,” Baker said to enthusiastic applause. “We shouldn’t be barely getting by.”

“Anora’s” best film competition included Jane Schoenbrun’s psychological horror “I Saw the TV Glow,” RaMell Ross’ adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s “Nickel Boys,” Greg Kwedar’s incarceration drama “Sing Sing” and Coralie Fargeat’s body horror “The Substance.”

This year had several other possible Oscar winners celebrating. Kieran Culkin, considered an Oscar favorite, won the supporting performance award for “A Real Pain.” His director, co-star and writer Jesse Eisenberg won best screenplay for the film about two cousins embarking on a Holocaust tour in Poland.

Culkin was not there to accept — he also missed his BAFTA win last weekend to tend to a family member — but other Oscar nominees like Madison and Demi Moore were.
Madison won the top acting prize over Moore at the BAFTAs last weekend, as well, and stopped Saturday to pet Moore’s dog Pilaf on the way to the stage. Acting categories for the Spirit Awards are gender neutral and include 10 spots each, meaning Madison and Moore were up against Oscar nominees like Colman Domingo (“Sing Sing”) and Sebastian Stan (“The Apprentice”).

“Flow,” the wordless animated Latvian cat film, won best international film. At the Oscars, it’s competing in the international film category and animation.

While the Spirit Award winners don’t always sync up with the academy, they can often reflect a growing consensus as in the “Everything Everywhere All At Once” year. The awards limit eligibility to productions with budgets of $30 million or less, meaning more expensive Oscar nominees like “Wicked” and “Dune: Part Two” were not in the running.

Sean Wang, left, accepts the award for best first screenplay for "Didi" from presenter Ruth Negga during the Film Independent Spirit Awards on  Feb. 22, 2025, in Santa Monica, California. (AP)


Sean Wang accepted best first feature and best first screenplay prizes for “Dìdi.” He said it was special to be sharing the stage with one of his stars, Joan Chen, who was also nominated for the same award 25 years ago for “Xiu Xiu: The Sent Down Girl.”

The Netflix phenomenon “Baby Reindeer” also picked up several prizes, for actors Richard Gadd, Jessica Gunning and Nava Mau.

Mau, who is trans, spoke about the importance of actors sticking together “as we move into this next chapter.”

“We don’t know what is going to happen, but we do know our power,” Mau said. “We are the people and our labor is everything.”

Other television winners included “Shōgun,” for best new scripted series, and “How to Die Alone,” for best ensemble.

“How to Die Alone” creator and star Natasha Rothwell was emotional while accepting the ensemble prize. The show was recently canceled after its first season.
Rothwell said it was “a show about the need to feel seen, to be valued just as you are.”

“For Black stories, visibility isn’t a privilege: It is a necessity,” Rothwell said. “We deserve to take up space, to be complex, to be hilarious and to be fully human.”

KeiLyn Durrel Jones, Chris Powell, Michelle McLeod, Natasha Rothwell, Jaylee Hamidi, Elle Lorraine and Arkie Kandola, after receiving the Best Ensemble Cast award for "How to Die Alone" in the 40th Film Independent Spirit Awards. (REUTERS)

The generally lighthearted show took a moment to acknowledge the impact of the wildfires on Los Angeles. Bryant made a plea to anyone watching the show, in the audience or on the YouTube livestream, to help rebuild L.A. She pointed to a QR code that appeared on the livestream to make donations to the Film Independent Emergency Filmmaker Relief Fund, providing grants to alumni impacted by the wildfires.

The show also paid tribute to longtime Film Independent president Josh Welsh, who died earlier this year at age 62. Welsh had colon cancer.

Bryant said in her opening that it had been a “great year for film and a bad year for human life.” The “Saturday Night Live” alum kicked off the event ribbing some of the nominees, like Emma Stone.

“Emma was a producer on four nominated projects tonight,” Bryant said. “But even more importantly, her hair is short now.”

Stone also featured prominently in Eisenberg’s speech, when he picked up the best screenplay prize for “A Real Pain.” Since they met on the set of “Zombieland” in 2009, he said, she’s been supportive of his writing despite being “the most famous person I know” and produced both of his films.

“I think of her not as my producer, but as a fairy godmother, like I’m riding the coattails for her goodwill,” Eisenberg said.

The camera cut to Stone, teary and moved, in the audience. She and her husband Dave McCary’s production company Fruit Tree also produced Julio Torres’ “Problemista” and “Fantasmas” and Schoenbrun’s “I Saw the TV Glow.”

“I Saw the TV Glow” went into the show tied with “Anora” with six nominations. It left with only one, for producer Sarah Winshall.


Saudi artist teams up with Sephora for Founding Day 

Saudi artist teams up with Sephora for Founding Day 
Updated 23 February 2025
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Saudi artist teams up with Sephora for Founding Day 

Saudi artist teams up with Sephora for Founding Day 

DUBAI: Saudi visual artist Aseel Al-Yaagoub this week collaborated with Sephora to celebrate Saudi Founding Day through digital illustrations blending heritage and modern beauty.

 

 

One illustration features a henna-adorned hand reaching for a Sephora shopping bag descending with a parachute, set against traditional Arabian architecture. 

Another depicts two Saudi women in cultural attire applying Sephora makeup, surrounded by palm trees and a patterned bird symbolizing creativity.

“Heritage meets artistry. This Founding Day we’re celebrating Saudi beauty and culture with a special collaboration with Saudi artist,” the artist wrote on Instagram. 


Saudi designers push new boundaries at Saudi Cup

Saudi designers push new boundaries at Saudi Cup
Updated 22 February 2025
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Saudi designers push new boundaries at Saudi Cup

Saudi designers push new boundaries at Saudi Cup

RIYADH: Designers and models from across the Kingdom gathered at the Saudi Cup this weekend to showcase their designs, pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation and paying tribute to the Kingdom’s heritage, landscapes and tradition.

“We love to see brands pushing those boundaries and giving us a surprise every year,” Fashion Commission CEO Burak Cakmak told Arab News.

(AN/ Huda Bashatah)

Pushing boundaries in fashion is exactly what happened at the 2025 Saudi Cup, with designers and models celebrating the Kingdom’s architecture and landmarks, such as a thobe-inspired suit decked in mirrors and a silk wrap-around to replicate AlUla’s Maraya or a 3D headband that replicated the Kingdom’s first UNESCO World Heritage of Hegra.

When asked what themes or tributes the CEO had seen most often at this year’s event, Cakmak said that there was a focus on regional references.

(AN/ Huda Bashatah)

“I think there’s always a regional reference, clearly the Saudi Cup is very much about Saudi culture and the country represents itself, especially designers based on where their origins are from, and heritage is from,” Cakmak said.

“So you will always see things that are very, very Najdi, very Hijazi, very Asisir, but at the same time are also thinking about, for example, sustainability using natural elements.

(AN/ Huda Bashatah)

“And we’ve seen brands that are using dates, palm leaves, organic materials, to create looks for an exhibition.”

The CEO underlined that sustainability and creativity remain common and consistent themes at this year’s Saudi Cup.

(AN/ Huda Bashatah)

“There are a lot of inspirations that are coming from elements of craft and architecture and also the regional references, but at the same time all the way to things that are very much inspired by nature and then the sky and then the positioning of the country, that’s basically giving new ideas around what design can look like,” he said.

For the fourth year, the Saudi 100 Brands has continued its partnership with the Saudi Cup, featuring a gallery of some of the top 100 Brands designers from bridal, couture, ready-to-wear, jewelry and bags.