Saudi Arabia-raised artist explores identity through live artwork

Saudi Arabia-raised artist explores identity through live artwork
Moe Al-Ghunaymi creates astonishing live artwork using spray paint, varnish, and glitter on canvases, with his face covered. (Supplied)
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Updated 10 October 2022

Saudi Arabia-raised artist explores identity through live artwork

Saudi Arabia-raised artist explores identity through live artwork
  • Artist Moe Al-Ghunaymi uses transparent paint, coffee, chocolate and glowing colors

JEDDAH: Moe Al-Ghunaymi creates astonishing live artwork using spray paint, varnish, and glitter on canvases, with his face covered and using transparent paint that serves as an exploration of identity.

“I paint with my mind, heart and body … in front of many people. This is a special and interesting challenge as I paint with a transparent material that is not visible to the eye. When I throw the glitter and the final painting appears (this) makes everyone surprised and impressed with the results,” said Al-Ghunaymi, who is more popularly known as Medo. 

The urban street artist and senior graphic designer added: “I hide my face so that I am not limited by the opinion of the public, and therefore, I can be the most authentic version of myself. I believe they should not look at me, but instead look at my art, for my art is out of my true soul.”

Originally from the land of the pyramids, Medo was raised in Makkah. 




Moe Al-Ghunaymi creates astonishing live artwork using spray paint, varnish, and glitter on canvases, with his face covered. (Supplied)

He discovered his talent as the art scene in the Kingdom gained traction, quickly gaining popularity for his impressive artworks created with unique mediums such as coffee, chocolate, and glow-in-the-dark paints.

Inspiration is important for all artists and the Jeddah-based creative derives his from the environment, and people’s features and actions.

His artwork include portraits of royals and Western legends. However, his painting of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a lot of praise. 




Moe Al-Ghunaymi creates astonishing live artwork using spray paint, varnish, and glitter on canvases, with his face covered. (Supplied)

“I always feel proud while painting a picture of Prince Mohammed bin Salman in front of people at events. I usually use the style of transparent painting with glue and then casting sparkles on it to become a luxurious and different piece of art.”

He praised the crown prince as a “great leadership figure” committed to supporting talent in the Kingdom, and who makes him feel “excited and inspired.”

Medo said he seeks to surprise constantly.

“(With) my work as an art director, I work hard to translate my clients’ ideas to their audience in the most creative way. It is like a fun game of chess where every time you have possibilities of making a move that can surprise your audience,” he said.

Medo is also known for creating the coolest NFTs in the country. 




Moe Al-Ghunaymi creates astonishing live artwork using spray paint, varnish, and glitter on canvases, with his face covered. (Supplied)

His take on digital and hand-painted artwork is that both have the same artistic results but differ from one artist to another depending on the tools used and the purpose of the creation.

“In this age of technology, digital artwork has become bigger and bigger. Digital development and NFTs are the future of artists as they can turn their handmade artwork into digital work through photography and modern technology, thus creating as many immortal digital copies of a single work.”

Medo has participated in over 20 events including those organized by Benchmark KSA, Aramco, the Red Sea Film Festival, Luxury KSA, 360 live, and the Saudi Fine Arts Exhibition.

He has also worked with the Saudi General Entertainment Authority for many of their events including Saudi Seasons.

He is a brand ambassador for the Chinese Xtep Fashion Sport firm in Saudi Arabia and the founder of the fashion brand Art Section. 

He sells his authentic art prints and paintings at Shop MEDO, and Apes Pop Art Club for NFTs on Instagram.

Emirati singer Shamma Hamdan, Palestinian singer Mohammed Assaf and other prominent celebrities have bought Medo’s artwork.

“This is just the beginning for me and I look forward to depicting the culture and heritage of the Kingdom through my art. For all emerging and future artists, it is important to take care of your talent and practice art in any form. Art has no rules, art is for everyone,” Medo said.


US First Lady Jill Biden steps out in Reem Acra gown in Marrakesh

US First Lady Jill Biden steps out in Reem Acra gown in Marrakesh
Jill Biden and Princess Lalla Hasna. (Instagram)
Updated 06 June 2023

US First Lady Jill Biden steps out in Reem Acra gown in Marrakesh

US First Lady Jill Biden steps out in Reem Acra gown in Marrakesh

DUBAI: US First Lady Jill Biden continued her longstanding relationship with Lebanese fashion designer Reem Acra by wearing a purple ensemble from the designer’s eponymous brand at a meeting with Princess Lalla Hasna of Morocco this week.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by REEM ACRA (@reemacra)

“First Lady Dr. Jill Biden radiated elegance and poise as she met with Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasna of Morocco in Marrakesh wearing a regal Reem Acra purple dress,” the label posted on Instagram. 

The fashion move comes mere days after Biden showed off another gown by Reem Acra at the wedding of Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II and Rajwa Al-Hussein, nee Al-Saif, in Amman on Thursday.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by REEM ACRA (@reemacra)

It was the same gown she previously stepped out in for a state dinner at the White House in honor of the South Korean president. 


Saudi label Ashi Studio to show at Paris Haute Couture Week   

Saudi label Ashi Studio to show at Paris Haute Couture Week   
Updated 06 June 2023

Saudi label Ashi Studio to show at Paris Haute Couture Week   

Saudi label Ashi Studio to show at Paris Haute Couture Week   

DUBAI: Saudi designer Mohammed Ashi, founder of Paris-based label Ashi Studio, is set to join the Fédération de la Haute Couture as a guest member and will showcase his latest line on the official Haute Couture calendar in Paris on July 6. 

Ashi, who launched his label his eponymous house 17 years ago, is the first couturier from the Gulf region to be invited to show a collection on the federation’s official fashion week calendar.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ashi Studio (@ashistudio)

Ashi and his atelier have been established in Paris since 2018. His designs have been worn by A-list celebrities such as Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Hudson, Kylie Minogue, Penélope Cruz, Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor, Queen Rania of Jordan and more.  

“This appointment is the highlight of my career,” Ashi said in a released statement posted on Instagram. “I will honor it in the memory of the great couturiers who came before me and whom I now join in the pursuit of this grand tradition of excellence in creativity and savoir-faire. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ashi Studio (@ashistudio)

“Today, I am reminded of days escaping to the garden to dream, and, of that first day, when I hired one seamstress to bring to life the images in my head. Challenging and joyous, couture has and continues to lay bare my inner energy, so that I may give the best of myself to serve its high art,” he added.  

“This recognition brings me the greatest emotion; it offers me the opportunity to share with you who I am. As this new chapter unfolds, I recognize that today would not be possible without the exceptional talent and dedication of my atelier. I wish to thank everyone who has worked to bring my dreams to life,” Ashi wrote on Instagram.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ashi Studio (@ashistudio)

Ashi previously told Arab News: “I incredibly proud of my Saudi roots … my designs are often influenced by Saudi heritage.”  

In February, the designer opened his first-ever flagship store in Riyadh. “I look forward to bring the opulence and fantasy of couture to my home country,” he told Arab News ahead of the opening.  

“Saudi has a thriving fashion scene, and the Fashion Commission is doing a great job at supporting emerging Saudi talent,” Ashi added.  


British Moroccan model Nora Attal poses for Chanel Beauty

British Moroccan model Nora Attal poses for Chanel Beauty
Updated 05 June 2023

British Moroccan model Nora Attal poses for Chanel Beauty

British Moroccan model Nora Attal poses for Chanel Beauty

DUBAI: British Moroccan model Nora Attal took to Instagram this week to share photographs of herself posing for Chanel Beauty.

The photographs, shot by Belgian photographer Quentin De Briey, show Attal posing with a pair of Chanel sunglasses. The model is also seen holding a pocket-sized capsule of Chanel hand cream and lying in long green grass with her oversized branded shades.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Nora Attal (@noraattal)

Attal has starred in a number of campaign shoots for the French fashion and beauty house in the past, including its most recent festive season campaign in December.

The luxury label released an outer space-themed festive campaign, in which a bevy of models were depicted jetting off to the moon in style.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Nora Attal (@noraattal)

In the short clip, a group of models fly to the moon on the glittering Eiffel Tower. Once they land, Attal can be seen exploring the lunar landscape while a robot etches the maison’s famous logo onto the surface of the moon.

“Went to the Moon with @chanel,” Attal captioned a carousel of campaign images.

Attal is a Chanel fixture and has walked the runway for the storied brand a number of times over the years.

She hit the runway for Chanel in October at Paris Fashion Week, where she showed off a number of looks as part of the label’s Spring-Summer 2023 showcase. The ensembles were part of a 71-piece collection designed by the fashion house’s creative director Virginie Viard.

The model had a 2022 to remember. Last June, she treated her Instagram fans to a snapshot of her 23rd birthday celebrations, including attending a concert by US rapper Megan Thee Stallion at the Primavera Sound Festival in Barcelona, Spain.

Her birthday celebrations came hot on the heels of a sentimental moment for Attal, as the catwalk star tied the knot with her partner, UK-based photographer Victor Bastidas. The wedding took place against the backdrop of orange and palm trees in the presence of their loved ones in Ibiza, Spain.

Attal was first discovered by Jonathan Anderson, the founder of fashion label JW Anderson label, and shot a campaign for the British fashion house in 2014 before she had even taken her first steps down a catwalk.

She would go on to become a runway fixture. Based in London and signed to Viva Model Management, Attal has worked with a number of renowned designers and stylists. She has walked the runway for major fashion houses, including Tom Ford, Tory Burch, Tiffany & Co., Fendi, Burberry and Valentino, to name a few.


Sofia Carson dazzles in Zuhair Murad at event honoring late co-star

Sofia Carson dazzles in Zuhair Murad at event honoring late co-star
Updated 04 June 2023

Sofia Carson dazzles in Zuhair Murad at event honoring late co-star

Sofia Carson dazzles in Zuhair Murad at event honoring late co-star

DUBAI: Actress Sofia Carson cut an elegant figure in a Zuhair Murad gown as she reunited with her “Descendants” co-stars Dove Cameron and Booboo Stewart to remember one of their own.

The “Descendants” stars gathered at the second annual Cam for a Cause event in memory of their co-star Cameron Boyce, who died at the age of 20 due to an epileptic seizure.

The actress-singer showed up in a beautiful black Zuhair Murad fall 2023 draped pleated cape gown with gold button detailing.

This is not the first time Carson has worn the Lebanese couturier. Late last year, Carson attended the Global Citizen Festival in a coordinating look from Murad’s resort 2023 collection. The outfit featured an embellished crop-top and mini-skirt set with matching thigh-high leather boots.

Meanwhile, the Cam for a Cause  event, which was created by Boyce’s parents under the Cameron Boyce Foundation, was made to raise awareness and find a cure for epilepsy and SUDEP, Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy, which caused the young actor’s death in July 2019.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Sofia Carson (@sofiacarson)

“Black-ish” star Yara Shahidi received the Cameron Boyce Foundation’s Youth Empowerment Award for her “activism surrounding STEM awareness, women’s rights, civil rights, and her countless acts of kindness toward others.”

“I met Cameron when we were 5 years old, and even then, his talent, his fearlessness and his belief in the power of his peers was evident,” Shahidi said in a statement. “It means so much to be recognized for my advocacy, and the work I continue to do to effect change. I’m grateful to my friends and family at the Cameron Boyce Foundation for thinking of me, as I will always be inspired and activated by their incredible work in the fight to end epilepsy.”

Shahidi attended the event in a black top under a stylish black coat with a jewel-encrusted leopard brooch from Cartier.

Last year, Carson paid tribute to the actor by posting a sweet pic of them together on Instagram to mark three years since he died.

In the photo, Carson could be seen hugging Boyce.

“Three years without you. I love you, forever. I miss you, forever,” Carson wrote in the caption.


Music star Dua Lipa brands UK govt ‘small-minded’ over immigration

Music star Dua Lipa brands UK govt ‘small-minded’ over immigration
Updated 04 June 2023

Music star Dua Lipa brands UK govt ‘small-minded’ over immigration

Music star Dua Lipa brands UK govt ‘small-minded’ over immigration
  • London-born singer, of Kosovo Albanian parentage, says migrants work ‘incredibly hard’
  • Home Secretary Suella Braverman previously referred to Albanian migrants as ‘criminals’

LONDON: British pop music star Dua Lipa has branded the UK government “short-sighted and small-minded” over its rhetoric toward migrants.

The singer, of Kosovo Albanian parentage, called for “more empathy” toward Albanians in an interview with the Sunday Times.

In October last year, Home Secretary Suella Braverman labeled Albanian migrants crossing into the UK illegally via small boats in the English Channel “criminals.” 

Around 16,000 Albanians made the journey in 2022, which Braverman referred to as an “invasion” of England’s south coast.

Lipa, 27, who was born in London, said: “Of course it hurt. All those words thrown around about immigrants? I always felt London was an amalgamation of cultures. It is integral to the city.

“So, when you hear the government talk about Albanians, for example, it hurts. It’s short-sighted and small-minded, but it’s the way a lot of people think.”

The singer’s parents fled their homeland in 1992 to escape the growing tensions that eventually led to war in 1998.

“No matter how we try to change the rhetoric, there will always be those who think, ‘Immigrants are coming into the country and taking jobs’,” Lipa said.

“However, immigrants who have come here have earned their keep by working incredibly hard.

“There needs to be more empathy, because people don’t leave their country unless they have to out of necessity, out of fear for their family.”

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama praised the singer during a visit to London in March, saying: “Dua Lipa is not just simply a British singer, but she’s an Albanian immigrant that has come here, as many have come, to construct, to nurse, to cook and to sing for you, and we want to make sure that this community feels not only safe but feels honored here.”

Rama, who held talks with his British counterpart Rishi Sunak on illegal migration and repatriation, added that he found Braverman’s rhetoric “very, very disgraceful.”