How Ithra’s Seeing & Perceiving exhibition challenges what you see

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Each artwork mimics the observers’ perception and encourages them to explore the meaning beyond what they can see. (AN photos by Huda Bashatah)
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Updated 13 July 2021
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How Ithra’s Seeing & Perceiving exhibition challenges what you see

  • Each artwork mimics the observers’ perception and encourages them to explore the meaning beyond what they can see
  • Among the international installations was one by the rising Saudi artist Wala Fadul

The King Abdul Aziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) has launched its third art exhibition this year under the title “Seeing & Perceiving” — the first contemporary public show since the outbreak of COVID-19.

The contemporary art exhibition showcases 26 works by 20 leading names in the art scene from around the globe: 60 percent are from the Middle East, including Saudis, while 40 percent are from around the world.

Each artwork mimics the observers’ perception and encourages them to explore the meaning beyond what they can see.

“The exhibit displays art pieces from around the world; each art piece reflects a deep different meaning the more you look at it,” said Ashraf Fakeeh, head of programs at Ithra.

He added: “One of the art missions is to reinterpret life in a different way, perhaps as it speaks to your mind and soul, and the artworks here are challenging as they keep you wondering what are you looking at and how would you read it.”

Among the international installations was one by the rising Saudi artist Wala Fadul, 26, the winner of Ithra’s second Artist Open Call program, held virtually in 2020 with 158 competitive candidates.

The art installation was commissioned by Ithra, titled “Light Upon Light,” and has a sacred geometry pattern inspired by a Qur’anic verse in Surah An-Nur. It is a holographic variable of hologram fans viewed in seven colors.

In an interview with Arab News, Fadul said that her work is based on different perspectives of light and what it symbolizes for humans inspired by the imagery communication between humans and materials, and its meanings.

“In one of John Berger’s (an English critic) art books, there is a fascinating line that says ‘Seeing comes before words and it made me really wonder what comes before seeing, and the answer was the light,’” Fadul said.

She added: “There was a contradiction between me and (my) friends on the fact that light cannot be considered as an existing material. However, to me light is the base of everything. Although we cannot touch it, we realize its impact, and this is the main message that I want to deliver.”

Winning in Ithra’s Artist Open Call program in 2020 gave Fadul the chance to participate in the Seeing & Perceiving exhibition, where her artwork was adopted, financed and facilitated to come into reality.

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“My artwork is installed among other local and international artworks in the exhibit of experienced artists, and this is a huge privilege for me,” she said.

Fadul is encouraging all upcoming Saudi artists to prove their art and creativity. “This is our time, we are living the change, and we are part of the journey, so we need the work and creativity will lead us to that.”

What do you see?

Three of the site-specific installations and commissioned pieces were created specifically for and at Ithra, including an eye-catching visual engagement in the escalator that leads to the center’s library by the American artist Darel Carey.

His art challenges the observer’s perception of space and optical illusion. “As far as my goal and what I want to achieve through my art, first and foremost is for people to enjoy it,” Carey told Arab News. “It is a very interactive, immersive type of experience, and also my goal is to have people think about what they see and wonder about how they perceive the way mind and eyes work.”

The contemporary exhibition prompts questions about the reality and nature of artworks. It is full of tricky, vague yet attractive artworks as every installation depends on deriving meaning through many different angles. It opens up endless horizons for understanding the artistic content.

Candida Pestana, Ithra’s contemporary art curator, told Arab News that the Seeing & Perceiving exhibition stimulated critical thinking, so everything a viewer sees perhaps will changes the second, third and last time they look at it. “We want to create the element of surprise, so they can question what they are seeing overall.”

The exhibition began on June 23 and runs until March 26. Ithra art museum receives about 100,000 visitors a year. The center is a creative and interactive public space with different programs for everyone, and it is Saudi Aramco’s most ambitious initiative and the largest cultural contribution to the Kingdom.

Highlights:

* Seeing & Perceiving showcases 26 art installations by 20 international artists.

* Some installations use realistic imagery to create the optical illusion that the depicted objects exist in three dimensions.

* The exhibition aims to make observers perceive artworks in different ways.

* The contemporary art exhibition empowers local talent.

* Ithra is showcasing 60 percent of its newly acquired art collection through the exhibition.


Saudi leadership approves over SR3bn of Ramadan aid disbursement

Updated 18 March 2025
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Saudi leadership approves over SR3bn of Ramadan aid disbursement

  • Initiative part of government’s efforts to improve quality of life, enhance standard of living

RIYADH: The Saudi leadership has approved the disbursement of over SR3 billion ($800 million) to social security beneficiaries as part of an aid initiative during the holy month of Ramadan.

Under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the scheme will address the needs of beneficiary families and fulfill their requirements during Ramadan, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Over SR3 billion will be given as follows: each breadwinner will receive SR1,000, and each dependent in the household will receive SR500. The funds will be deposited directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries on Tuesday, March 18, the SPA said.

Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmad bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for helping to provide citizens with a decent livelihood.

The initiative is part of the Saudi government’s efforts to improve the quality of life and enhance the standard of living for social security beneficiaries, especially during Ramadan, the SPA added.


Nearly 11m iftar meals served at Two Holy Mosques during first half of Ramadan

Updated 18 March 2025
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Nearly 11m iftar meals served at Two Holy Mosques during first half of Ramadan

  • Number iftar meals provided during Ramadan to has increased this year due to growth in the number of Umrah pilgrims at Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque, officials say

MAKKAH: Saudi authorities provided almost 11 million iftar meals to Umrah pilgrims and other worshippers at the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madina during the first half of Ramadan.

The General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque said on Monday, the 17th day of Ramadan, it has provided 10,822,999 iftar meals and 10,290,000 packets of dates so far during the holy month, which is a time of worship for Muslims during which they fast from sunrise to sunset.

The authority said the number of iftar meals it provides during Ramadan to pilgrims performing Umrah, and other visitors to the mosques, has increased this year due to growth in the number of pilgrims, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The food is served in designated iftar areas at the mosques, in adherence with strict health standards to ensure the safety of worshippers, it added.

In the run-up to the holy month, the authority introduced an online service through which individuals, charitable organizations and endowments could submit requests to donate iftar meals at the Grand Mosque, the SPA added.


Palestinian, Egyptian envoys awarded with King Abdulaziz Sash of the Second Class

Palestinian and Egyptian ambassadors to Saudi Arabia are awarded with the King Abdulaziz Sash of the Second Class on Monday. SPA
Updated 17 March 2025
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Palestinian, Egyptian envoys awarded with King Abdulaziz Sash of the Second Class

  • Basem Al-Agha and Ahmed Farouk Tawfiq were given the awards for their efforts to strengthen relations between their countries and the Kingdom

RIYADH: The Palestinian and Egyptian ambassadors to Saudi Arabia were awarded with the King Abdulaziz Sash of the Second Class on Monday. 

Basem Al-Agha and Ahmed Farouk Tawfiq were given the awards for their efforts to strengthen relations between their countries and the Kingdom, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji awarded the sashes on the directive of King Salman, SPA added. 


Saudi Culinary Arts Academy receives full institutional accreditation

Updated 17 March 2025
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Saudi Culinary Arts Academy receives full institutional accreditation

  • The accreditation follows an agreement signed on March 10 between the academy and the Education and Training Evaluation Commission

RIYADH: The Saudi Culinary Arts Academy (ZADC) was awarded a full institutional accreditation certificate on Sunday, with the support of Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Governor of the Eastern Province.

The recognition was granted during the inauguration ceremony of the academy’s new building on March 16.

The accreditation follows an agreement signed on March 10 between the academy and the Education and Training Evaluation Commission to implement institutional accreditation processes.

The achievement underscored ZADC’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and excellence in culinary education and training.

By equipping national talents with specialized skills, the academy aims to contribute to the growth of Saudi Arabia’s tourism and hospitality sector.

The achievement also aligns with the broader efforts of the Education and Training Evaluation Commission to ensure quality and excellence in education and training institutions across the Kingdom.


Saudi Foreign Ministry hosts Iftar reception for diplomats and international organizations

Updated 17 March 2025
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Saudi Foreign Ministry hosts Iftar reception for diplomats and international organizations

  • Several senior ministry officials attended

RIYADH: Under the patronage of Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and in the presence of Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji, the Foreign Ministry hosted a gathering of the heads of diplomatic missions, regional offices, and international organizations accredited to the Kingdom to mark the holy month of Ramadan.

The ministry hosted an iftar reception at its headquarters in Riyadh, and those attending, which included several senior ministry officials, exchanged Ramadan greetings and engaged in cordial discussions, enhancing communication with diplomatic missions in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported.