Saudi Art's Global Influence Highlighted At Riyadh International Book Fair Session

At the 2024 Riyadh International Book Fair, a session titled "History of Saudi Art" highlighted the global influence of Saudi art. The Saudi orchestra today embodies the collective voices of artists who have shaped the nation's music into a significant cultural achievement. This session was organized by the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission and featured insights from Dr. Nauman Kadowa and Dr. Manal Al-Harbi, moderated by Dr. Hanan Al-Hazza.

Dr. Nauman Kadowa discussed how Saudi art has evolved over time, particularly with the creation of the Theater and Performing Arts Commission and the Music Commission. These bodies have played a crucial role in enhancing national identity and connecting Saudi arts with the world, showcasing both the Kingdom's rich history and its promising future. He suggested incorporating art into institutional projects that gather reliable information to create contemporary art rooted in Saudi Arabia's past, present, and future.

Dr. Manal Al-Harbi emphasized the deep connection between art and society, noting that art mirrors community values. She stated, "If we look back at the history of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we find that the arts present on our land date back to prehistoric times." This highlights how deeply ingrained art is within Saudi culture.

Al-Harbi also praised late artist Safeya Binzagr for her work illustrating Saudi customs and traditions through her art. She remarked that many Saudi artists have similarly reflected their homeland’s customs during their studies abroad, underscoring their historical commitment to preserving cultural heritage.

The scarcity of references poses challenges for researchers studying Saudi art history, according to Dr. Al-Harbi. This lack of resources makes it difficult to form a comprehensive understanding of the field. She suggested that municipal authorities could assist by providing access to preserved documents that might fill these gaps.

Kadowa proposed establishing an informational center dedicated to collecting sources and references on Saudi art through collaboration among cultural bodies and relevant entities. Such an initiative would support efforts to document and promote Saudi art effectively.

The session underscored how essential it is for institutions to support artistic endeavors that reflect both historical roots and contemporary expressions. By fostering such initiatives, Saudi Arabia can continue to celebrate its rich artistic heritage while engaging with global audiences.

With inputs from SPA