Sculptural Landscapes: Arab Artists Transform Saudi's Al-Namas Region
A diverse group of artists brought contemporary art installations to the Asir region during the Al-Namas International Sculpture Symposium.
MAKKAH — The Al-Namas International Sculpture Symposium concluded in Saudi Arabia's Asir region recently, showcasing a convergence of artistic talents from across the Arab world.
Held under the theme 'Linear Rhythms,' this event was organized by Al-Namas municipality with artistic direction provided by renowned Saudi sculptor Mohammed Al-Thaqafi.
Running until August 26th, it aimed to bolster the governorate's visual identity and enhance its public spaces with contemporary art.The symposium centered around the striking natural landscape of Al-Namas, where mountain formations and cloud lines converge into expansive horizons.
This geographical feature significantly influenced the sculptors' creative processes and interpretations.A total of 10 sculptors from various Arab countries took part in this cultural initiative: Al-Thaqafi and fellow Saudis Ali Al-Tokhais and Ebtesam Saleh were joined by Moroccan artist Ikram Kabbaj, along with UAE's Azza Al-Qubaisi, Qatar's Mohammed Al-Ateeq, Oman's Yousuf Al-Rawahi, Sudan's Khalid Abdullah, Tunisia's Mohammed BouAziz, and Egypt's Omar Toussoun.
Together, they employed locally sourced stone to produce large-scale art installations now adorning gardens and public areas.
This blend of modern creativity with Saudi heritage reflects the event's dual focus on artistic expression and cultural preservation.Mohammed Al-Thaqafi, the symposium's curator, emphasized its role in advancing visual literacy and urban beautification within the community.
He also noted that sculpture serves as a powerful medium for expressing identity while transforming public spaces into showcases of local aesthetics and heritage.
The event marked significant growth both in scope and ambition compared to previous years, with aspirations for Al-Namas to become a regional hub for public art.
This vision extends beyond the symposium's conclusion, encouraging other Saudi cities to embrace similar initiatives.Participants expressed profound appreciation for both the artistic exchange facilitated by the symposium and the enchanting natural setting of Al-Namas.
Egyptian sculptor Omar Toussoun described receiving an invitation to the event as a pinnacle moment in his career, drawing inspiration from the region's 'mountainous terrain, valleys, and captivating landscapes.' Qatari artist Mohammed Al-Ateeq highlighted the strong Gulf and Arab participation, praising the symposium for providing ideal conditions to realize large-scale artistic visions.Al-Namas continues to solidify its position as both a cultural destination and a tourism draw, where art, nature, and heritage converge.
With its cool climate, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, it promises ongoing contributions to the global dialogue on public art.
Held under the theme 'Linear Rhythms,' this event was organized by Al-Namas municipality with artistic direction provided by renowned Saudi sculptor Mohammed Al-Thaqafi.
Running until August 26th, it aimed to bolster the governorate's visual identity and enhance its public spaces with contemporary art.The symposium centered around the striking natural landscape of Al-Namas, where mountain formations and cloud lines converge into expansive horizons.
This geographical feature significantly influenced the sculptors' creative processes and interpretations.A total of 10 sculptors from various Arab countries took part in this cultural initiative: Al-Thaqafi and fellow Saudis Ali Al-Tokhais and Ebtesam Saleh were joined by Moroccan artist Ikram Kabbaj, along with UAE's Azza Al-Qubaisi, Qatar's Mohammed Al-Ateeq, Oman's Yousuf Al-Rawahi, Sudan's Khalid Abdullah, Tunisia's Mohammed BouAziz, and Egypt's Omar Toussoun.
Together, they employed locally sourced stone to produce large-scale art installations now adorning gardens and public areas.
This blend of modern creativity with Saudi heritage reflects the event's dual focus on artistic expression and cultural preservation.Mohammed Al-Thaqafi, the symposium's curator, emphasized its role in advancing visual literacy and urban beautification within the community.
He also noted that sculpture serves as a powerful medium for expressing identity while transforming public spaces into showcases of local aesthetics and heritage.
The event marked significant growth both in scope and ambition compared to previous years, with aspirations for Al-Namas to become a regional hub for public art.
This vision extends beyond the symposium's conclusion, encouraging other Saudi cities to embrace similar initiatives.Participants expressed profound appreciation for both the artistic exchange facilitated by the symposium and the enchanting natural setting of Al-Namas.
Egyptian sculptor Omar Toussoun described receiving an invitation to the event as a pinnacle moment in his career, drawing inspiration from the region's 'mountainous terrain, valleys, and captivating landscapes.' Qatari artist Mohammed Al-Ateeq highlighted the strong Gulf and Arab participation, praising the symposium for providing ideal conditions to realize large-scale artistic visions.Al-Namas continues to solidify its position as both a cultural destination and a tourism draw, where art, nature, and heritage converge.
With its cool climate, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, it promises ongoing contributions to the global dialogue on public art.
