Jeddah photo exhibit to promote Saudi art

A two-day photography exhibition of Saudi photographers Samir Al-Awfi and Hani Abuliadadyel was inaugurated by Mohammed Abdu, a renowned Saudi artist, and Saud Al-Shaikhi, head of the Ministry of Culture and Information branch in Makkah on Sunday at the Red Sea Mall.
The exhibition, organized by Jeddah Links in collaboration with Red Sea Mall, also saw Abdul Rub Idris, artist Abdul Fathe Al-Girni , Jameel Suliman Jalal Mutwafi of the Holy Mosque, Palestine Consul General Emad Shaat and many other artists, photographers and dignitaries gracing the occasion.
Al-Shaikhi praised the efforts of the artists and said the Ministry of Culture and Information was always in the forefront to help and support Saudi artists.
“I have noticed that a lot of events are being organized to promote Saudi art and culture, and the ministry is always there to support such activities,” he said.
Stating that such exhibitions will encourage and motivate Saudi photographers to reach higher levels of professionalism, he said healthy contests too bring out the best in artists who are passionate about their work.
“Every photograph on display has its own place and is on par with international level,” he said.
Praising the work of the photographers, Mohammed Abdu said: “Samir Al-Awfi and Hani Abuliadadyel are professional photographers, and know how and where to take photographs. Their work speaks for themselves. Art in any form including photography showcase our culture and heritage, and such work should be appreciated and promoted.” Jameel Suliman Jalal Mutwafi also praised the efforts of the photographers and said the exhibition was excellent.
“People can see their quality in their work. We hope their success serves as inspiration to other talented Saudis to reach greater heights,” he said.
Hani Abuliadadyel, an artist and photography director of Jeddah Links, said this was his first exhibition and he was very glad that people appreciated his work.
The exhibition displays photographs of famous people, portraits and landscape photography from Jeddah and other places of the world.
Thanking everyone for gracing the occasion, the two artists said they intend to hold exhibition at international level in future.
Mohammed Alawi, CEO of Red Sea Mall, said the mall will always patronized Saudi artists by organizing several such exhibitions.
Alawi said: “We believe that our support for Saudi art and artists will effectively contribute to strengthening national spirit among young people. We assure them that they will have support from several quarters who would like to be partners in achieving their dreams and success.”