At the age of 78, Saudi artist Dr. Sami Almarzoogi is showcasing his solo exhibition at the L’Art Pur Foundation in Riyadh, in collaboration with Hafez Gallery
Entitled "Is This a Gold Bar?", this exhibition shares works demonstrating lifelong devotion to art, including paintings, drawings, and mixed-media creations.
Almarzoogi's work, renowned for its emotional expression and varied inspirations—from nature to personal history—is on view for visitors to experience an artistic journey reflecting his personal growth. The curator, prominent Saudi artist Ayman Yossri Daydban, adds over thirty years of experience to present Almarzoogi's work in a nuanced light.
Born in 1945, Almarzoogi has devoted over thirty years to studying the interplay of color and line, achieving a sensitive and skillful command of art. He articulates drawing as an emotional expression rather than a simple combination of elements, allowing for a free artistic process that eschews traditional symbols.
Having balanced his art with a distinguished career in anesthesiology, Almarzoogi's artistry reached its full potential after returning to Saudi Arabia in the mid-1980s from a formative period in Germany.
Qaswra Hafez, founder of Hafez Gallery, expressed his joy in producing Almarzoogi's first solo show after the artist spent half a century perfecting his craft in relative silence. Kenza Zouari, communication manager at Hafez Projects, remarks on Almarzoogi's bold life choices, transitioning from medicine to fully realizing his artistic vision with the precision he formerly applied in surgery.
The exhibit, resonating with the message that it's never too late to follow one's dreams, is further complemented by the involvement of Almarzoogi's close friend Yossri Daydban as curator, ensuring the spiritual essence of his work is profoundly conveyed.
L’Art Pur Foundation is delighted to host the exhibition, which also serves as a testament to Almarzoogi's quiet, authentic dedication to his dual vocation. The exhibition is welcoming visitors until February 29 at 8 p.m.