Saudi artist honored in Marrakesh

Najla’a Felemban, founder of Arabian Wings, recently received an award for her efforts in the field of visual arts in a ceremony held at the Conference Palace in Marrakesh, organized under the supervision of the Moroccan Art Society.
Felemban was one of nine Saudi artists who were sponsored Arabian Wings, in partnership with Abdul Latif Jameel Community Initiatives (ALJCI) to participate in the world’s largest painting and cultural exchange program. Her paining entered the Guinness book of world records.
“I am proud that the Moroccan Abda Society of Art and Culture honored my work. It is a proud moment for all Saudi women and artists and I am sure that many will follow in my footsteps and will be encouraged to showcase their talents and work,” said Felemban.
Elaborating on her experience, she described it as an “excellent chance to explore the world of arts and mingle with artists from different backgrounds.”
Felemban visited Marrakesh along with nine other Saudi artists under a 10-day residency program, in which more than 200 artists from around the world participated in the first phase of the challenge to create the world’s largest painting. The artists also partook in cultural and artistic discussions as well as brain storming activities.
Artists from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Korea, the United States of America, Ukraine, Russia, Tunisa and Morocco participated in the program.
“We participated in the first phase of the painting, which was 9,999 square meters in length, of which 1,000 square meters was painted by international artists, who received participation certificates,” she said.
The program included a number of cultural and artistic events as well as visits to historical landmarks in Marrakesh.
The Saudi delegation visited the Marrakesh Gallery Matisse, Gallery-2030, Gallery Venice Cadre of Casablanca, the City of Fatima, Eureka area, Al Badee Palace, Fenaa Mosque courtyard and traditional markets.
In addition they attended the openings of exhibitions and visited Moroccan artists namely Rashid Zageor, Marrakesh, Mahi Binebin and Latif Zein in Casablanca.
“We also attended a number of art workshops in which we were introduced to carpentry patterns, Islamic decoration and the manufacturing of iron,” added Felemban.
The Saudi artists chosen to participate in the exchange program attended the Marrakesh residency program at Dar Zagora and Al Maqam. Arabian Wings has recently signed a contract with Dar Zagora, in which it will send more Saudi artists in the coming months.
Mohammed Bahrawi, owner and founder of Arabian Wings explained that Arabian Wings is an institute, which supports educational entities. He highlighted that during the 10-day residency, educational and cultural exchange program in Morocco, Saudi artists had a great chance to learn, exchange experience and showcase their talents.
“This was a first of its kind experience for Saudi artists and we are proud that our young artist had the opportunity to display their talents and capabilities,” he added.
He noted that they visited the site of the Sabahi sculptures at Casablanca Corniche and were inspired by the idea of displaying artistic sculptures in public spaces.
“We found it to be an interesting idea and plan to do the same in Jeddah. We plan to exhibit the work of Saudi artists and create an annual display in 2014,” he said.
Bahrawi pointed out that efforts were under way to paint the world’s largest painting with a green theme, under the sponsorship of Arabian Wings.