Inaugurated by art patron Loua’e Hakeem, the artworks are a celebration of the venerated relationship between the people of the Arabian Peninsula and camels who have long remained faithful desert companions of the nomadic Arabs.

Idrees who has enjoyed a long career in journalism for over 20 years with Okaz, Al-Bilad and Asharq Al-Awsat also began working in the mid 1970’s as a modern art painter.

He remained an active participant in the local art scene with numerous solo and group exhibitions in Jeddah, Riyadh, Taif and Abha. He also participated in the Sharjah International Biennale in 1999 and was winner of the Saudi Modern Art competition in the same year. Inspired by the ancient Neolithic carvings of desert camels found on caves, the collection is also a dedication to art expressions of the past that have been translated with a contemporary vision.

“There is beauty in the olden forms of art and modern art has simply taken ideas from it”, said Idrees.

The artworks are also a deep local examination of the Hijazi culture, their influence and association with the majestic desert beast that has traversed and served man throughout the millennia as an important  mode of trade, commerce and travel.

“Abdullah Idrees is a brilliant artist whose artistic prowess and ideas are reflected in the present collection”, said artist Fahad Hejailan.

Most of the paintings were sold out by the end of the opening night. The exhibition is currently running at the gallery and is open for public viewing.