Makkah artist offers a glimpse into the past

Memories have a significant impact on us and impart strong associations from our past experiences and heritage into our daily lives.
Najat Mutahar, an artist from Makkah, chose to delve into the realm of memories in her solo exhibition entitled “So We Were,” providing people a window into the past.
Arabian Wings organized the exhibition in partnership with Abdul Lateef Community Initiatives and Design magazine.
The exhibition, which was inaugurated on Wednesday by Khuloud Attar, founder and director of Design magazine, will run for 15 days at the Gallery of Arabian Wings. It features 16 paintings with various themes, unified in their nostalgic yearning for the past and engrained in a semblance of the holy city of Makkah. The paintings touch upon daily life activities with titles such as, “Love of Siblings,” “Coffee and Ma’moul Part of Daily Life,” “My Grandmother” and “The Old Tailor and the Radio,”
Describing her art, Mutahar said it is inspired by classical realism and endearing everyday incidents.
“My paintings and artwork showcase traditional lifestyle, everyday activities and snapshots of our heritage. The new generation has almost forgotten about our heritage and the important things that should be cherished in our lives. Through this art exhibition I have attempted to resuscitate these memories and educate the youth who do not have a recollection about these precious aspects of our culture,” said Mutahar.
Mutahar is a self-taught artist, who descends from the classic and realistic school of art.
“I loved the close-knit houses as they resembled the emotional bonds between the inhabitants. I also loved walking along the narrow alleys and feeling overwhelmed by a sense of security, as I played there during the day and night. It felt like I was walking between the rooms of our big house that tied my family members and dear ones together,” she said.
The artist recalls a window in her grandmother’s room that overlooked the minaret of Al-Omar gate in the holy mosque in Makkah. Mutahar has a special recollection of that window, as that is where she spent most of her happiest times, watching people ebb and flow from the holy mosque.
“From that window I witnessed weddings, funerals, Haj rituals, and many other occasions that are close to the hearts of many people in Makkah. Those days are still alive in my memory, so I feel it is my duty to document and record these beautiful moments as I recall experiencing them,” she added.
Mutahar has participated in many competitions and won prizes in appreciation of her talent.
Commenting on the exhibition, Mohammed Bahrawi, co-founder of Arabian Wings, said, Arabian Wings aims to support young Saudi artists by bringing their talents to the forefront of the public’s attention. He also added that Arabian Wings organize training workshops, lectures and seminars to help the artists excel.