Artists bring region’s rich history to life at Misk Art Week

The crafts depicted in the exhibition were historically developed by women and are linked to a sense of bonding where techniques and rituals would be passed down through generations. The artists use weaving, knitting, folding, stitching, embroidering and crocheting to examine the rich culture and social identity of the Middle East. (Supplied)
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The crafts depicted in the exhibition were historically developed by women and are linked to a sense of bonding where techniques and rituals would be passed down through generations. The artists use weaving, knitting, folding, stitching, embroidering and crocheting to examine the rich culture and social identity of the Middle East. (Supplied)
Artists bring region’s rich history to life at Misk Art Week
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The crafts depicted in the exhibition were historically developed by women and are linked to a sense of bonding where techniques and rituals would be passed down through generations. The artists use weaving, knitting, folding, stitching, embroidering and crocheting to examine the rich culture and social identity of the Middle East. (Supplied)
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Updated 13 December 2022

Artists bring region’s rich history to life at Misk Art Week

Artists bring region’s rich history to life at Misk Art Week
  • The ‘Performing Bodies’ exhibition looks into the themes of memory and ritual to explore tactile art techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation

RIYADH: As one of 22 collaborating galleries of the Misk Art Week, Lakum Art Space’s “Performing Bodies” exhibition brings six female regional artists together to experiment with various folkcraft techniques, bringing the region’s rich history to life.

“Not only does Misk Art Week give artists exposure but it gives them a chance to tell their story and that’s what is important. It also allows artists to connect and have this one week of a year to converse and tell their own story whether that’s through a group exhibition or a residency,” 26-year-old exhibiting artist Hana Almilli told Arab News.

“It fosters an environment for us all to be in one platform — collaborating galleries and collaborating artists,” Almilli added.

Held from Dec. 5-10, Misk Art Week aims to create opportunities for artists to gather and work together in workshops, exhibitions and forums to cultivate creativity and further engage with the community.

The “Performing Bodies” exhibition looks into the themes of memory and ritual to explore tactile art techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation, highlighting the ancestral relationship and practice of rituals.

HIGHLIGHT

The artists featured in the exhibition are from different parts of the region and include Afshan Daneshvar (Iran), Dina Haddadin (Jordan), Ghizlane Sahli (Morocco), Hadeyeh Badri (UAE), Hana Almilli (Saudi Arabia) and Nojoud Al-Sudairi (Saudi Arabia). The art techniques featured in the exhibition bring the creative minds of artists together in a vital role of unity that highlights the cultural and social identity of the region.

“We’re very proud to be an all-female-led team and to work with these six female artists on producing an exhibition that is so rich in history and tradition, but also reflects the contemporary aesthetic and techniques in textile arts,” Neama A. Al-Sudairi, founding director of Lakum Artspace, said.

The crafts depicted in the exhibition were historically developed by women and are linked to a sense of bonding where techniques and rituals would be passed down through generations.

The artists use weaving, knitting, folding, stitching, embroidering and crocheting to examine the rich culture and social identity of the Middle East.

“Within the flourishing contemporary art and design disciplines in the Middle East, we see an attempt to reconcile ruptures between past and present in the form of an intergenerational investigation into practices that link the human body with craft,” Rana Beiruti, the exhibition curator, said.

Almilli was a part of a group art show in Lakum Art Space collaborating gallery of Misk Art Week. She has two artworks, titled “If the voice has a memory” and “The echoes of my alienation.”

She told Arab News: “I felt proud to be a part of such an esteemed event two years in a row in a different way this time, surrounded by artists that I love in this group show.”

The artists featured in the exhibition are from different parts of the region and include Afshan Daneshvar (Iran), Dina Haddadin (Jordan), Ghizlane Sahli (Morocco), Hadeyeh Badri (UAE), Hana Almilli (Saudi Arabia) and Nojoud Al-Sudairi (Saudi Arabia).

The art techniques featured in the exhibition bring the creative minds of artists together in a vital role of unity that highlights the cultural and social identity of the region.

Almilli said that all of her artwork is inspired by themes of nostalgia and heritage.

“Being quarter Kurdish, Turkish, Saudi and Syrian I have always wanted to express and learn about my own background. Textiles and incremental making was my way of exploring my identity,” she said.

Her work “If the voice has a memory” explores avenues such as touch, sound and more to engulf visitors in her memories.

“The woven piece is woven with natural dyes from all the different countries I come from. The sounds are also from those different countries,” she said.

Her second piece, “The echoes of my alienation,” is a series of embroidered self-portrait photographs printed on silk that explore the use of embroidery to tackle alienation — something relevant to Almilli’s own life.

“Through embroidering I was able to find myself pondering, expressing and escaping two different sides of alienation. The collection was an acceptance of that feeling with the positives and negatives,” she said.

Almilli added that this year’s Misk Art Week creates an opportunity for collaboration between diverse artists, whether they are veterans or just beginning their careers.

“Misk Art Week this year accumulates all different avenues to showcase works of younger artists to even more established artists. Putting them in one platform causes an exposure for younger artists and now that they are even collaborating with galleries, it’s so beautiful to see galleries collaborating,” she said.

Almilli took part in Misk Art Week in 2021 in the Masaha Residency and has also collaborated with Misk Art Institute and Berlin Art Institute in a Berlin show titled “Next Wave.”

She left a message to aspiring artists, saying: “Never give up, although it sounds cliche. Always keep experimenting and making it through ups and downs; this is what makes great art.”

 

 


Drug dealers, smugglers arrested in multiple raids across Kingdom

Drug dealers, smugglers arrested in multiple raids across Kingdom
Updated 11 sec ago

Drug dealers, smugglers arrested in multiple raids across Kingdom

Drug dealers, smugglers arrested in multiple raids across Kingdom
  • In one case, 93,750 narcotic tablets were found hidden in a truck coming in through Duba Port
  • In another, 356,559 narcotic tablets were found hidden in a consignment of various goods arriving in through Jeddah Islamic Port Customs

RIYADH: Saudi authorities tackling drug traders and smugglers reported a number of arrests across the Kingdom in recent days.
On Tuesday, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority has thwarted three attempts to smuggle 651,909 Captagon and other narcotic pills hidden in consignments that entered Saudi Arabia through different ports.
In one case, 93,750 narcotic tablets were found hidden in a truck coming in through Duba Port. In another, 356,559 narcotic tablets were found hidden in a consignment of various goods arriving in through Jeddah Islamic Port Customs. In a third attempt, 201,600 Captagon pills were found hidden in the floor of a truck coming in through Al-Haditha port.
The authority coordinated with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control to have seven individuals who were supposed to receive the consignments arrested.
In a separate attempt, the General Directorate of Narcotics Control has arrested three residents, two Palestinians and a Sudanese, in Riyadh for attempting to sell 133,008 amphetamine pills and an amount of hashish. Some money and jewelry were also found in their possession.
The General Directorate of Narcotics Control has arrested two residents, a Pakistani and a Filipino, in Jeddah for attempting to sell 2.6 kg of methamphetamine.
They all were referred to the Public Prosecution.
Meanwhile, the Border Guard in Asir region foiled two attempts to smuggle a total of 500 kg of khat.
Police officers in Hafr Al-Batin province have arrested a Pakistani resident attempting to sell methamphetamine.
Preliminary legal procedures were completed, and the seized items were handed to the competent authorities.
In Taif, police officers have arrested three Ethiopian nationals and three Saudi citizens for attempting to sell amphetamine, hashish and narcotic pills and for being in possession of firearms, live ammunition and a sum of money. The six were referred to the Public Prosecution.
Police officers in Balqarn governorate in the Asir region have arrested a citizen for selling 10,805 amphetamine pills. He was also found to be in possession of an amount of money and referred to the pertinent authority.
Security patrols in Aldair governorate of Jazan region have arrested three Ethiopian nationals attempting to smuggle khat.
The General Directorate of Narcotics Control reaffirmed its commitment to prevent drug smuggling and tighten customs procedures on imports and exports.
The Saudi government has urged anyone with information related to suspected smuggling operations or customs violations to call the confidential hotline 1910, the international number 00 966 114208417, or email [email protected]
Tips received by the authority related to smuggling crimes and breaches of common customs law are treated with strict confidentiality. Financial rewards are offered for valid tips.


Riyadh summit discusses the future of AI in medical field

SyncVR Medical provides an all-in-one application platform that can be useful for patients. (AN photo)
SyncVR Medical provides an all-in-one application platform that can be useful for patients. (AN photo)
Updated 38 min 1 sec ago

Riyadh summit discusses the future of AI in medical field

SyncVR Medical provides an all-in-one application platform that can be useful for patients. (AN photo)
  • During the event, people were given an opportunity to delve into the future of the medical field by spotlighting AI, smart devices, precision medicine, and diagnostics

RIYADH: The HealthTech Innovation Summit and Expo in Riyadh, held June 5-6, brought together providers, experts and students, showcasing innovative technology that promises to improve the quality of healthcare.

During the event, healthcare professionals, innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors were given an opportunity to delve into the future of the medical field by spotlighting artificial intelligence, smart devices, precision medicine, diagnostics, bioinformatics, biotechnology, virtual reality, medical imaging, innovation, and medical entrepreneurship.

SyncVR Medical, one of the many companies to showcase at the expo, provides an all-in-one application platform that can be useful for patients.

From hardware to software, its products propose treatments for pain anxiety, stress reduction, rehabilitation, and medical education through immersive simulations.

“VR can do more in society, in the world, than just entertain gamers,” Floris Van Der Breggen, CEO of SyncVR Medical, told Arab News.

Originally based in one hospital in the Netherlands, SyncVR Medical now supplies 200 hospitals across Europe with its health technology and aims to be the largest platform for extended reality healthcare on the continent.

The company’s presence at HealthTech came with the intent to expand into the Arab region.

“There’s so much more hunger for technological improvement (in Saudi) than you find in Europe, actually, a lot of curiosity and an intrinsic motivation to improve,” the CEO said.

Before the Kingdom adapts new tools to healthcare practices, however, the system itself needs some work, Dr. Bahjat Fakieh of the King Abdulaziz University suggested.

“Taking technology before we establish the proper system could lead to failure … If we’re looking to get to the top, it’s not that difficult. The difficulty is remaining at the top,” he said.

The will to excel is already in the works under Vision 2030.

A report recently published by the Digital Government Authority indicated that the field of healthcare demonstrates readiness for integration with emerging technology.

The Kingdom has already seen the incorporation of these technologies with apps like Sehhaty, the Seha Virtual Hospital, and the adoption of AR and VR in the Saudi Food and Drug Authority’s control procedures.

“AI is not here to replace humans, it’s here to assist humans,” Prince Sultan University’s Dr. Anis Koubaa said during the summit.

With tools that enhance training, provide distraction techniques to reduce pain during procedures, and offer treatment for issues like anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder through VR, technology promises to not only create a more immersive experience for patients and practitioners but also diagnose and examine more accurately.

However, there are few laws in place currently that regulate the usage of AI. Many challenges still lie in its cost and accessibility, system integration methods, ethical considerations, issues in security breaches, and research around the technology itself.

In the Kingdom, the Society for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare is making strides in publishing viable studies and creating a community of data scientists and AI experts to reach the full potential of these emerging platforms.

Ali Al-Anazi, co-founder of SAIH, told Arab News: “There’s a shortage in many specializations (in the medical field), and AI is here to serve that.

“I personally believe that Saudi could be the leading country in publishing top-tier AI research in healthcare across the globe for many reasons. We have huge databases that are much more accessible than in foreign countries.”

The summit hopes to accelerate the adoption of technology-driven solutions across the field.

Prof. Ibrahim Al-Saraa, chairperson of the HealthTech Scientific Committee, said: “The pandemic has highlighted the importance of digital health solutions in providing virtual healthcare for patients. Digital transformation has proven essential today, as leading experts expect that health technology plays a significant role in shaping the future of healthcare.”


Iran’s embassy reopens in Saudi Arabia

People stand outside the Iranian embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (File/Reuters)
People stand outside the Iranian embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (File/Reuters)
Updated 34 min 47 sec ago

Iran’s embassy reopens in Saudi Arabia

People stand outside the Iranian embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (File/Reuters)
  • “The cooperation between the countries is entering a new era,” Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Alireza Bigdeli said

RIYADH: Iran’s embassy in Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh has reopened, Al Arabiya reported on Tuesday.

Both countries agreed to end a diplomatic rift under a China-mediated deal in March.

“We consider today an important day in the relations of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Alireza Bigdeli told a flag-raising ceremony.

“The cooperation between the countries is entering a new era,” he added.

“Iran’s embassy in Riyadh, our Consulate General in Jeddah and our office to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation will be officially reopened on Tuesday and Wednesday,” Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said on Monday.


Saudi health ministry trains volunteers to serve elderly pilgrims in Madinah

Pilgrims from Indonesia can be seen at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. (@wmngovsa)
Pilgrims from Indonesia can be seen at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. (@wmngovsa)
Updated 06 June 2023

Saudi health ministry trains volunteers to serve elderly pilgrims in Madinah

Pilgrims from Indonesia can be seen at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. (@wmngovsa)
  • Volunteers have been trained on how to deal with pilgrims from other cultures who speak different languages
  • They are also providing pilgrims with health awareness so they can safely and efficiently complete their rituals

RIYADH: The Ministry of Health’s Madinah branch has launched a program run by volunteers to provide health, education, and ambulance services to elderly pilgrims and residents of the holy city.

The ministry said that 121 volunteers had signed up to the program and are offering their services at centers near Islamic sites in Madinah frequented by pilgrims including the Prophet’s Mosque, Quba Mosque, Masjid Al-Qiblatain, the Miqat Mosque, and Sayed Al-Shuhada Mosque.

Volunteers have been trained on how to deal with pilgrims from other cultures who speak different languages.

They are also providing pilgrims with health awareness so they can safely and efficiently complete their rituals.

The program will run until the end of this year’s Hajj season.


Harf Arabic Language competition concludes with 12 winners in 4 fields 

Passionate and dedicated attendees gather at the closing ceremony of the Arabic Competition
Passionate and dedicated attendees gather at the closing ceremony of the Arabic Competition "Harf."
Updated 06 June 2023

Harf Arabic Language competition concludes with 12 winners in 4 fields 

Passionate and dedicated attendees gather at the closing ceremony of the Arabic Competition "Harf."
  • The competition is aimed at non-Arabic learners to give them the opportunity to highlight their skills in various fields

RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language concluded the Harf Arabic Language competition on Monday ‎with 12 winners in four categories from various non-Arabic speaking states.

The competition, launched May 4, is aimed at non-Arabic learners to give them the opportunity to highlight their skills in various fields, to honor the distinguished among them, and to encourage learners to practice the language and promote its use.

The winners were honored after being selected according to the approved criteria during the closing ceremony, held in Riyadh, which saw the participation of more than 750 contestants, representing a number of Saudi universities and institutes, with 56 people reaching the final stage.

Dr. Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Washmi, acting secretary-general of the academy, said: ‎“Saudi Arabia’s wise leadership always encourage(s) the non-native Arabic learners‎ to practice and use it.‎‏

‎“The competition contributed to achieving the academy’s goals and implementing its strategy by creating the appropriate environment for the development and consolidation of the Arabic language,‎” he added.

‎“The competition aims to encourage the Arabic language scholars, researchers and specialists by developing the professional, linguistic and cultural competencies of Arabic language teachers for non-Arabic speakers, motivating them and creating solutions that support the empowerment of non-Arabic speakers in various challenges they face‎.”

The academy awarded prizes to the first three winners in each category, with a total value of SR100,000 ($26,666) and honored other finalists with financial prizes totaling SR22,000.

Musa Yaqoub from Cameroon, Umm Al-Qura University, ranked first in the Lexical Ability category; Abdul Rahman Ali Cham from Gambia, Majmaah University, ranked second, and third place was taken by Ibrahim Othman Kalo from the Ivory Coast, Umm Al-Qura University. ‏

The three winners in the Language and Technology category were Zakaria Sirin, from Indonesia, King Saud University, Reem Reforce, from the Philippines, Umm Al-Qura University, and Zehniaa Saleh from the Philippines, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University. 

The winners in the Narrator and Stories category were Khaled Safi from Afghanistan, Umm Al-Qura University, Qanitah Sheikh from India, Umm Al-Qura University, Mariam Mahdi Mirato from the Philippines, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University.

The winners in the Research Paper category were Mohammed Sako from Guinea, Qassim University, Medina Jalis Khannova from Russia, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, and Effaa Abdullah from India, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University. 

The participants represented more than 60 nationalities. India ranked first in terms of the number of participants with 73 contestants, then Indonesia and Afghanistan with 42 contestants each, then Ivory Coast with 38 contestants, Burkina Faso with 37 contestants, Nigeria with 34 contestants, Guinea, Gambia and Chad, with 32 contestants apiece, while Mali had 30 contestants.