In memory of Safeya Binzagr: ‘She had a remarkable eye for beauty’  

In memory of Safeya Binzagr: ‘She had a remarkable eye for beauty’  
Safeya Binzagr. (Supplied)
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Updated 20 September 2024
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In memory of Safeya Binzagr: ‘She had a remarkable eye for beauty’  

In memory of Safeya Binzagr: ‘She had a remarkable eye for beauty’  
  • The Saudi artist, who died earlier this month, led an inspiring life of a ‘true pioneer’  

DUBAI: Safeya Binzagr, one of Saudi Arabia’s foremost female artists, died on Sept. 12 at the age of 84. Art institutions, artists, cultural experts and enthusiasts and former students were quick to pay tribute.  

Among them was the influential Swiss curator and art critic Hans Ulrich Olbrist, who posted a picture of a handwritten note from Binzagr from 2022. “If you have the will, you will,” it read; a quote that encapsulates Binzagr’s own story as a persevering artist, who has been affectionately called “the mother of Saudi art.”  

Binzagr was born in 1940 in the Harat Al-Sham neighborhood of Jeddah, a place she developed a long-lasting bond with. From a young age, at a time when it was rare for Saudi and Arab women to travel, Binzagr had the opportunity to see the world outside of the Kingdom. When she was seven, her family relocated to Egypt, where she was educated until high school.  




'Zabun' 1969. (Supplied)

Although she was away from her beloved Jeddah, the streets of Cairo reminded her of home. “The scent of the old alleys lingered with her, their images dwelled in her memory, and a strong sense of nostalgia pulled her back to a special place enriched by the warmth of its people, their valuable customs and traditions,” reads a statement published by Darat Safeya Binzagr, the late artist’s cultural center. 

England played an important role in her formative years too. After completing her education in Egypt, Binzagr moved there to attend finishing school, and in 1976, she graduated with a degree in drawing and graphics from London’s prestigious St Martin’s School of Art.  

1968 was a defining year for the artist, then in her late twenties. She showed her paintings publicly for the first time in the Kingdom (along with her Saudi contemporary, the late Egypt-trained artist Mounirah Mosly) at Dar at-Tarbiyah al-Haditha School in Jeddah, making them reportedly the first women to exhibit their art in Saudi Arabia.  




Traditional costumes inside Darat Safeya Binzagr. (Supplied)

During the 1970s and 1980s, the ever-active Binzagr held shows in Jeddah (where she eventually returned), Dharan, Madinah, London, Paris and Geneva. She continues to be honored in public events decades later. For instance, at the Diriyah Biennale in Riyadh earlier this year, a selection of her colorful drawings of women in traditional Saudi attires charmed audiences.  

Binzagr’s oeuvre was mostly devoted to telling a variety of narratives surrounding Saudi culture, everyday scenery and architectural heritage. Whether depicting a wedding ceremony or pilgrims at the Holy Kaaba, children playing games or hardworking fishermen, she was a dedicated chronicler of her surroundings, but also a preserver of native traditions, which some were forgetting as the country rapidly modernized. 

Perhaps Binzagr’s greatest work is “Al Zabun,” her stunning 1969 portrait of a woman dressed in a bright yellow gown, seated against an ornamental background. It has been described as “The Arab Mona Lisa” or “The Mona Lisa of Hijaz.” The title, according to a statement from Darat Safeya Binzagr, refers to the type of dress the woman is wearing.  




'Memories' 1987. (Supplied)

“The bodice underneath, which served as a vest or bra, was fastened by six buttons of silver, gold or diamonds — depending of her wealth — all connected by a chain,” the statement explains. “Her hair is worn in the Mihrama wa Mudawwarah style, in which the hair was braided with a cotton scarf coiled around the head, then covered with a cap.”  

But arguably Binzagr’s greatest achievement in her storied career was the establishment of her namesake cultural center in Jeddah in 2000, where countless students have had the opportunity to study art, thanks to Binzagr’s generosity and commitment to education.  




Safeya's paintings. (Supplied)

One of the center’s former pupils, artist Daniah Alsaleh, told Arab News: “I had the privilege of studying at Safeya Binzagr’s atelier from the early 2000s until around 2008, under the guidance of painter Dorothy Boyer. Safeya created a unique space where students could immerse themselves in the principles of drawing and painting, something that was quite rare at the time. She would often visit our lessons, sharing her personal experiences and stories about her work. Her passion extended beyond art — she was a dedicated collector of traditional Saudi costumes, tea cups, and various artifacts, and had a remarkable eye for beauty. Safeya also opened her extensive art library to the public, fostering a sense of community and education.  

“I am incredibly grateful for the impact she had on my artistic journey,” Alsaleh continued. “Safeya was a true pioneer, dedicated to both art and education, and her contributions will continue to inspire many.” 


Riyadh Fashion Week issues final call for designer applications ahead of 3rd edition

Riyadh Fashion Week issues final call for designer applications ahead of 3rd edition
Updated 08 July 2025
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Riyadh Fashion Week issues final call for designer applications ahead of 3rd edition

Riyadh Fashion Week issues final call for designer applications ahead of 3rd edition

DUBAI: Riyadh Fashion Week (RFW) is gearing up for its third edition, with organizers issuing a final call for designer applications. Fashion houses from across Saudi Arabia and around the world have until July 15 to submit their proposals for inclusion in the official calendar.

One of the Middle East’s most anticipated fashion events, RFW offers a platform for both emerging and established designers to showcase their collections to international buyers and industry leaders. 

The official calendar will feature a broad spectrum of brand activations beyond traditional runway shows. Designers can also take part in curated presentations, showroom exhibitions, trunk shows, retail pop-ups, creative takeovers, private dinners and immersive experiences. 

Saudi Arabia-based and international fashion brands across ready-to-wear, couture, menswear, and streetwear categories are eligible. 

“This is more than a runway,” said Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission. “It is a statement of creative identity, innovation, and ambition. Riyadh Fashion Week provides a high-impact opportunity for designers to tell their story on a global stage.”


Zayed National Museum to explore UAE’s storied history

Zayed National Museum to explore UAE’s storied history
Updated 08 July 2025
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Zayed National Museum to explore UAE’s storied history

Zayed National Museum to explore UAE’s storied history
  • Located on Saadiyat Island, the Zayed National Museum has a bevy of illustrious neighbors including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, the Natural History Museum and teamLab Phenomena

DUBAI: As Zayed National Museum gets ready to open its doors in the UAE capital, Arab News spoke to director Peter Magee about the museum’s aims and what visitors can expect.

An opening date is yet to be announced, but the center will focus on the history of the UAE with special emphasis on Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It will explore early human settlements that go back 300,000 years as well as the area’s language, traditions, and flora and fauna. 

“The narrative within the museum is guided by the enduring values of the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan,” explained Magee. “We look at those values and then we look at the way in which they guided him, but also the way in which they reflect social values which exist within the UAE both in the past and the present — and in the future.

Dr. Peter Magee. (Supplied)

“It's a national museum focused on the UAE, but of course it looks at the regional links which existed to other countries in the Arabian Gulf, the Indian Ocean and even further afield.”

One particular highlight is a full-size reconstruction of a Magan boat from the Bronze Age, constructed with reeds and palm-fiber rope. Magee and his team sailed in it for two days on the waters of the Arabian Gulf.

Located on Saadiyat Island, the Zayed National Museum has a bevy of illustrious neighbors including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, the Natural History Museum and teamLab Phenomena. (Supplied)

Located on Saadiyat Island, the Zayed National Museum has a bevy of illustrious neighbors including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, the Natural History Museum and teamLab Phenomena.

“The way I like to think about it is that each of these museums and institutions … is its own star … and in combination they appear like a constellation or something that can be read coherently together as well as individually,” Magee said.


Georges Hobeika showcases Fall/Winter 2026 collection at Paris Haute Couture Week

Georges Hobeika showcases Fall/Winter 2026 collection at Paris Haute Couture Week
Updated 08 July 2025
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Georges Hobeika showcases Fall/Winter 2026 collection at Paris Haute Couture Week

Georges Hobeika showcases Fall/Winter 2026 collection at Paris Haute Couture Week

DUBAI: Lebanese designer Georges Hobeika presented his Fall/Winter 2025/2026 couture collection as part of Paris Haute Couture Week.

Known for his craftsmanship and red-carpet-ready designs, Hobeika’s latest offering featured a wide array of detailed gowns and structured silhouettes.

The runway collection showcased a soft color palette, with shades of beige, blush pink, maroon, black, blue, and brown making up the core color story.

Fabrics included heavily embroidered textiles, delicate lace, satin and tulle. Many looks incorporated tonal embellishments and shimmering surface details. 

Beaded bodices, crystal fringe, and metallic appliqués were prominent throughout the collection, adding texture and dimension.

Silhouettes ranged from structured floor-length gowns and A-line dresses to voluminous skirts and sleek, form-fitting eveningwear. There were also several mid-length and tea-length designs with sculptural detailing, along with a few two-piece sets featuring cropped tops and high-waisted skirts.

One standout bridal look appeared during the show — a long-sleeved gown with sheer detailing and silver embroidery. The dress was paired with a beaded headpiece and a trailing veil.

Accessories were kept minimal, with statement earrings and clean, slicked-back hair showed off by the models.

Toward the end of the show, Hobeika and his son Jad Hobeika walked the runway together to thank their supporters.

Paris Haute Couture Week kicked off on Monday with Schiaparelli’s Fall 2025 show, marking the start of a series of high-fashion presentations that will run through July 10.

The opening show did not begin with sequins or traditional red carpet glamor, but with the surreal sight of Cardi B and a live crow. 

Wrapped in a custom Schiaparelli gown of graphic fringe, the US rapper stood beneath the gilded columns of the Petit Palais, holding the black bird on her arm. Her avian plus one squawked, glared and nearly lunged — setting the tone for a monochrome show that itself soared straight into the surreal.

On the first day, Iris Van Herpen, Imane Ayissi, Rahul Mishra, Julie de Libran and Giambattista Valli also showcased their collections.

In addition to Georges Hobeika, several other Arab designers are on the calendar, including Ashi Studio, Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad and Rami Al-Ali.


Fontaines DC display words ‘Israel is committing genocide’ on screen at London gig

Fontaines DC display words ‘Israel is committing genocide’ on screen at London gig
Updated 07 July 2025
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Fontaines DC display words ‘Israel is committing genocide’ on screen at London gig

Fontaines DC display words ‘Israel is committing genocide’ on screen at London gig

DUBAI: Irish post-punk band Fontaines DC played a sold-out concert in London’s Finsbury Park on Saturday night during which the words “Free Palestine” and “Israel is committing genocide” were projected onto screens. 

Lead singer Grian Chatten performed in front of the 45,000-strong crowd dressed in a kilt and a Sinead O’Connor t-shirt, the Independent reported. 

A piece of music equipment on the north London stage was wrapped in a Palestinian flag and “Israel is committing genocide. Use your voice” came up on the screens after the last song. 

The show comes after multiple artists voiced support for the people of Palestine at the Glastonbury music festival in June.

Last week, the US revoked entry visas for members of British punk-rap duo Bob Vylan following their Glastonbury Festival set, during which frontman Bobby Vylan led the crowd in a controversial chant against Israel’s military.

Performing on the festival’s West Holts Stage on Saturday, the artist shouted “Free, free Palestine” before encouraging the audience to chant, “Death, death to the IDF (Israel Defense Forces).” Video of the moment quickly spread online, sparking backlash.

Meanwhile, Irish rap group Kneecap drew one of the festival’s largest crowds at the West Holts Stage. Dozens of Palestinian flags flew in the crowd as the show opened with an audio montage of news clips referring to the band’s critics and legal woes.

Between high-energy numbers that had fans forming a large mosh pit, the band members — sporting keffiyehs — led the audience in chants of “Free Palestine” and “Free Mo Chara.” They also aimed an expletive-laden chant at UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has said he didn’t think it was “appropriate” for Kneecap to play Glastonbury.

One member wore a T-shirt emblazoned with “We Are All Palestine Action,” referencing the direct-action network that targets arms factories supplying Israel.


The Open Crate: Meet the women protecting the Arab world’s artistic heritage

The Open Crate: Meet the women protecting the Arab world’s artistic heritage
Updated 07 July 2025
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The Open Crate: Meet the women protecting the Arab world’s artistic heritage

The Open Crate: Meet the women protecting the Arab world’s artistic heritage

BEIRUT: What’s the point of owning a beautiful collection — whether art or collectibles — if there’s no proper way to showcase or preserve it?

This question lies at the heart of The Open Crate, a platform designed to help collectors digitize and preserve their collections. Founded by art specialists Amina Debbiche and Nora Mansour, the company offers an inventory and archiving service that catalogs everything from fine art and furniture to watches, books, and pens.

“People know exactly which crypto they have in their portfolio. But when it comes to art, they don't even remember the name of the artist on the wall,” said Mansour, a Lebanese finance expert turned art curator.

Debbiche and Mansour noted the urgency of digitizing art catalogues — especially in the Arab world.

“The thing with art, especially in our region of the world, is that it’s mostly held in private hands,” said Debbiche, a Tunisian art aficionado.

The privatization of artwork in a region with hotspots of instability makes the act of documentation a deeply political one: a means of preserving the unspoken victims of war — art.

To explain this, Mansour gave Arab News a hypothetical example: think of a Palestinian family in Jerusalem whose house is looted — if their artwork is documented, there’s proof it existed. It’s a map of what you own.

“It’s like our child, you know — it’s like having a baby together,” Mansour joked.

The child they created, The Open Crate, boldly and indirectly addresses an unspoken issue that has long plagued the region. Like any child, it has the potential to grow and carve out a name that its ancestors, and future generations, can be proud of.