JEDDAH, 19 July 2006 — The upcoming First Arabic Miniatures Festival, a showcase of the art of figurines and mini-sculptures that was scheduled to take place on Monday at the House of Merchants, has been postponed. The decision to put it off was taken with a view to expressing solidarity with the people of Lebanon and Palestine, organizers of the festival announced yesterday.
Nail Al-Molla, the festival’s organizer, said artists from Lebanon and Palestine were scheduled to exhibit at the event. “Obviously that is not possible in the current situation,” said Al-Molla, referring to the ongoing Arab-Israeli conflict.
The gallery is now sending letters to the almost 200 artists invited from all over the Arab world to inform them of the postponement.
Al-Molla said in the letter that he hoped the festival would “stand as a symbol of Arab solidarity and harmony.”
The art of miniature sculptures has a long tradition in Islamic culture. The art of figurines has since moved West.
“In many Western countries, many miniature shows take place and receive much attention. We thought as Arabs and Muslims we ought to honor and support such unique art,” said Al-Molla.
The organizers did not say when the festival would take place since there is no indication when the current conflagration between Israel and its neighbors will end.
Until then, Jeddah artists can do little more than postpone, condemn, wait and hope that things get better.
