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JEDDAH: Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Farhan met Nigerian Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy Hannatu Musa Musawa on the sidelines of the 13th Conference of Culture Ministers in the Islamic World.
The two officials discussed the importance of enhancing cooperation in various artistic fields, including literature, music, films and heritage, in addition to discussing collaboration with organizations concerned with cultural affairs such as UNESCO.
RIYADH: Saudi artist and architect Salman Al-Amir’s exhibition, “Tafawut” (Disparity) which was held at Mahd Alfnon Gallery in Riyadh from Feb. 13-19, showcased a glimpse of his creative process, in which he skillfully blended art and architecture.
Born in 1963 in Al-Ahsa, Al-Amir holds a master’s from Syracuse University and a bachelor’s from King Faisal University.
With a background in interior design and architecture, he creates spaces that blend functionality with artistic expression, transforming each project into an exciting adventure.
“Tafawut” presented a diverse and engaging collection of 37 artworks that serve as a window into the artist’s emotions and experiences.
The exhibition showcased a stunning variety of styles and mediums; some pieces were abstract and displayed a masterful play of geometric shapes and others representational, with artworks focusing on people, animals, or objects. Some featured prints, while others featured dreamy backdrops.
His use of acrylic and oil paint allows for a wide range of textures and tones making his works both thought-provoking and visually striking.
The color palettes were equally varied, ranging from earthy to vibrant tones, further demonstrating the versatility of Al-Amir’s artistic vision and skill.
This flair is a testament to Al-Amir’s architectural background, where precision and creativity come together. Each artwork invites viewers to explore the harmonious relationship between structure and form.
His talent lies in merging his architectural expertise with his artistic passion. The paintings on display incorporate intricate details, touching upon various elements of Al-Amir’s experiences.
When asked about a specific painting that links his personal and professional experiences, Al-Amir said: “A painting titled ‘Ideas on a Flat Carpet’ is devoid of ideas but filled with the principles and foundations of Islamic miniature arts, often overlooked in our Islamic cultural heritage, yet rich with inspiration for the Saudi, Arab, and Islamic artist.”
This painting reflects Al-Amir’s strong connection to his cultural roots and his passion for reinterpreting traditional artistic forms in a contemporary context.
Reflecting on his creative process, Al-Amir explained: “I am still on a journey to discover the creative form that satisfies me and relieves me from the arduous search.”
The exhibition itself displays this ongoing exploration and experimentation.
Discussing the exhibition’s theme, Al-Amir stated: “Disparity here means diversity, not a difference in levels.
“This is precisely the message I wanted to convey to my fellow artists and amateurs to explore the depths of their talents and strive to reveal them,” Al-Amir told Arab News.
The exhibition celebrated the multifaceted nature of art and the importance of embracing diverse styles and approaches.
As Al-Amir looks ahead, he shared his artistic goals. “I’m working to bring more Eastern influences into my art,” he explained.
He aims to give his creations a unique character that reflects the beauty and richness of Eastern traditions.
The artist shared valuable advice for aspiring artists. “Learn the rules like a professional so you can break them like an artist. Additionally, I encourage aspiring artists not to imitate Western styles; instead, they should adapt and reformulate these influences to support their local identity.”
Al-Amir is a dynamic force in the art world, leading workshops that ignite creativity. As a juror for art shows and a lecturer at King Fahd University, he inspires and helps direct many other aspiring artists.
The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance has completed its preparations for this year’s holy month of Ramadan in Madinah.
Mosques, praying areas and their facilities have been prepared to receive worshippers, ensuring they perform their rituals in an atmosphere of tranquility and reverence.
Sheikh Osama bin Zaid Al-Madkhali, director general of the ministry’s branch in Madinah, said that the body’s efforts included intensifying regular maintenance rounds to ensure that mosques were free of any malfunctions or issues.
In addition, specialized field teams have been formed to handle emergency maintenance work around the clock, ensuring uninterrupted services.
Inspection tours of mosques have also been intensified to identify needs and ensure optimal preparation, in addition to following up on imams, preachers and muezzins to ensure their adherence to the ministry’s directives in serving worshippers.
RIYADH: The CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Dr. Hisham bin Saad Al-Jadhey, met with the Director General for Health and Food Safety at the European Commission Sandra Gallina in Brussels.
The meeting aimed to enhance international cooperation and exchange expertise, and was also attended by the Saudi ambassador to the EU, Haifa Al-Jedea.
During the meeting, both sides reviewed the authority’s efforts in developing international food standards per the highest global benchmarks. They also discussed ways to facilitate the entry of Saudi food and pharmaceutical exports into EU markets, thereby fostering mutual growth opportunities and expanding the scope of economic partnership between the two sides.
The discussions also covered prospects for cooperation in biotechnology legislation, pharmaceutical availability, and artificial intelligence applications through joint work with specialized European agencies. This collaboration seeks to align regulatory policies and share best practices.
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Thursday expressed its solidarity with Kuwait after two army personnel died during a military exercise.
The two members of the Kuwaiti Ground Forces died during a night shooting drill with live ammunition on Wednesday as part of a joint military exercise between Kuwait and the US. Two other soldiers were injured during the incident.
Major Sergeant Ahmad Farhan Harat and Sergeant Musaad Dhahi Saleh were buried on Thursday in Sulaibikhat Cemetery, Kuwait News Agency reported.
Special technical teams, involving the US military, have been formed to investigate the incident, KUNA added.
The Kingdom expressed its sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and to the government and people of Kuwait, a foreign ministry statement said. It also wished the injured a speedy recovery.
LONDON: The UK plans to deepen its relationship with Saudi Arabia in the areas of innovation and technology, a UK government minister said during a visit to the Kingdom.
Bringing together expertise from the two countries will help them both benefit from the rapid advances in new technologies, the UK’s Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology Peter Kyle told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper.
The UK wants “to continue to work closely with Saudi Arabia to bring together our science and tech expertise so we can ensure potentially game-changing innovations can benefit both our nations,” Kyle said in the interview published on Thursday.
“The UK and Saudi Arabia are natural partners in these areas, with shared ambitions when it comes to both innovation and our strengths in science and technology. Right across the world, breakthrough technologies like AI, quantum, and engineering biology are starting to transform our economies and societies.”
Kyle said the UK and Saudi Arabia were also working together on clean energy and hydrogen technologies after they launched a joint energy partnership in January 2022.
The agreement was strengthened by a visit in December to Riyadh by the British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
During the trip, the UK and Saudi Arabia signed agreements covering environmentally-sustainable advanced materials and hydrogen.
“We have made becoming a clean energy superpower one of our key government missions, and the growing demand for clean energy is a massive shared opportunity — for growth, for green jobs, and for enhanced energy security,” Kyle said.
“By further building the commercial and investment ties between our two countries, we can drive research and innovation and build the skills we need to continue the net-zero transition — benefitting us all.”
During his visit to the Kingdom, the minister went to the King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center and met the medics who carried out the first robotic heart transplant in January.
He also visited King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology.
