Local, international artists showcase experimental works in Riyadh

Local, international artists showcase experimental works in Riyadh
Suhailah Benadim, a Moroccan American artist, highlighted the similarities between Najdi and Moroccan architecture in her research. (AN photo)
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Updated 10 January 2024
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Local, international artists showcase experimental works in Riyadh

Local, international artists showcase experimental works in Riyadh
  • 15 Intermix Residency artists explored intersections between fashion and art over 10 weeks

RIYADH: Several Saudi and international artists displayed experimental artworks created from various natural materials including palm fiber, wood and rubber in Riyadh recently.

The 15 artists who participated in the second Intermix Residency titled “Art and Fashion Reimagined” showcased their work for two days in the Jax district in Diriyah.

The initiative is a collaboration between the Ministry of Culture’s Fashion Commission and Visual Arts Commission, which allowed the 15 artists to develop their projects over 10 weeks, focusing on the intersection between art and fashion. 

“This residency was life changing. It’s what I was always looking for … the support that we received from the directors and the assistants was very helpful and the people we were surrounded by were very diverse,” artist Suhailah Benadim told Arab News. 

Benadim, a Moroccan-American artist, has been a Riyadh resident for the past 17 years. During the residency, she highlighted the similarities between Najdi and Moroccan architecture in her research. 




Moroccan artist Mohammed Amine El-Makouti placed fluorescent colors and ultraviolet lights at the base of his work. (AN photo)

“I did it from a narrative of a third-culture child’s perspective because there’s always a perpetual search for home — so I kind of created my own home elements,” she told Arab News. 

Benadim used madder root, longwood shavings, and cutch extract to handprint and dye the base of the natural textiles. She designed versions of her metaphorical home in the center of each draping using the Indonesian Batik technique of wax-resist dyeing. 

One of the pieces has a structure that emulates the exteriors of Najdi homes, with Moroccan elements in the center. Some of the interiors are inspired by houses in her father’s neighborhood, including metal artwork on doors and triangles that represent airways in old mud houses. 

Saudi artist Maisa Shaldan takes a psychological and philosophical approach to her practice. At Intermix, she showcased an immersive cocoon-like installation, made with repurposed palm fibers that are usually discarded.

“I came into the residency with this question: Is this a material we can actually use as fashion or furniture designers?” she said. 




Saudi graphic designer Reema Hamad’s lab-like, interactive artwork allows people to view and touch it. (AN photo)

She combined her understanding of the fibers’ nature with a notion of people needing shelter for containment and growth. 

Shaldan said: “When someone has lost all their energy, they need to be reborn, or to hide within the womb of something to be born again. And that’s where the idea of the cocoon came from.

“Within the bustle of the city, we need self-withdrawal so we can strengthen and remerge.”

Moroccan artist Mohammed Amine El-Makouti placed fluorescent colors and ultraviolet lights at the base of his work. His project hopes to make sense of the body’s relationship with time and space. 




Saudi fashion designer Bashayer Al-Hatmi created a piece showcasing the sea life of Farasan Island. (AN photo)

His two wall installations are video projections of a self-performance inspired by folk dances. He uses layers of mesh to bring the video performance alive with multiple dimensions. They are framed with fluorescent poles placed in abstract geometric patterns derived from Islamic architecture and his cultural heritage. 

“The work is analyzing the self through the body, giving it another dimension, and exploring its rebirth … I’m always interested to mix between art, science and technology,” El-Makouti told Arab News.

Saudi graphic designer, Reema Hamad, sought to explore the role of skin as both a barrier to the physical world and a canvas, or living textile, for art.

“I made a fabric close to the human skin and human skin contains collagen fibers … and the materials that I use are from rubber trees and that texture that represents our inner self,” Hamad said. 




Hamad’s artwork featured the artist wearing a piece of her own fiber that was meant to resemble human skin, and photographs were hidden beneath the microscope. (AN photo)

Her lab-like, interactive artwork allows people to view and touch it. She has miniature photographs that can be viewed under a microscope, and others of her wearing pieces of her own skin-like fiber.

“I adore visual art because, as a graphic designer, it’s all about expression. Like, I think it’s crucial to express oneself rather than merely convey a clear point.” 

Saudi fashion designer, Bashayer Al-Hatmi, participated with a piece showcasing the sea life of Farasan Island in Jizan.

“I met Umm Ahmed, an 85-year-old Farasani woman who inherited her mother’s bead craft from her and taught it to her children and their offspring. In my artwork, I aimed to highlight regional crafts and document that culture,” Al-Hatmi said. 

Her artwork features a mannequin with a dress fashioned from beaded textiles that represent the sea’s ecosystem, and is filled with seawater from Farasan Island.

The Intermix Residency also showcased the work of artists Ismail Odetola, Albandari Aljuaid, Oceane Sailly, Ella Strattmiller, Johanna Stella Rogalla, Somaya Alsayed, Tahra Al-Alshaikh, Nada Qari, Nehal Alaqeel and Andrea Alkalay.


A silent culinary symphony: Saudi Arabia’s first deaf-run restaurant opens in Qatif

The restaurant plays a vital role in promoting a broader understanding of deaf culture. (AN photo)
The restaurant plays a vital role in promoting a broader understanding of deaf culture. (AN photo)
Updated 16 sec ago
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A silent culinary symphony: Saudi Arabia’s first deaf-run restaurant opens in Qatif

The restaurant plays a vital role in promoting a broader understanding of deaf culture. (AN photo)
  • Arina Pizzeria blends Italian flavors with proud representation for deaf community

RIYADH: In bustling Qatif, where the vibrant flavors of Italy meet the rich culture of Saudi Arabia, a memorable dining experience awaits that challenges perceptions and redefines communication.

Imagine a place where the rhythm does not come from music but from the graceful motions of hands and the expressive faces of its staff.

Arina Pizzeria, entirely staffed and operated by deaf individuals, offers not only exceptional food but also a powerful narrative of resilience and community.

Husband-and-wife duo Hussain Alshbrka and Arina Gabulyan opened Arina Pizzeria in September, marking a milestone as the first restaurant in Saudi Arabia to be fully staffed and operated by deaf individuals. (AN photos/Instagram/arinapizza.sa)

Husband-and-wife duo Hussain Alshbrka and Arina Gabulyan earned their master’s degrees in business management in the US and returned to their hometown of Qatif to pursue their passions for culinary arts and inclusivity.

In September this year they proudly opened Arina Pizzeria, marking a groundbreaking milestone as the first restaurant in Saudi Arabia to be fully staffed and operated by deaf individuals.

“I was inspired by the idea of creating a place where the deaf community, especially those who came to Qatif for work, could meet,” Alshbrka told Arab News.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Arina Pizzeria, entirely staffed and operated by deaf individuals, offers not only exceptional food but also a powerful narrative of resilience and community.

• By raising awareness about sign language, Arina encourages connection and interaction across all parts of society. 

This vision emerged from his previous role as the general manager of Three Dimension Trading Est., where he regularly interacted with deaf individuals.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the name, Alshbrka said: “I wanted to honor my beautiful wife, so I named the restaurant Arina.”

Hussain Alshbrka, Arina Pizzeria co-founder

This personal touch is complemented by a creative design ethos, he explained: “I wanted the restaurant to be a creative blend of architecture and art. I wanted it to be an attractive gathering place that satisfies the eye and is unique in appearance, with a modern and elegant architectural style.”

Upon entering, guests are greeted by the restaurant’s motto: “A slice of silence, a world of flavor.”

At Arina, effective communication between employees and customers is crucial. “We use multiple communication methods. Technology provides an excellent and effective tool for translating speech into written words,” Alshbrka said.  

This restaurant proves that the deaf are an integral part of society. It helps to integrate the deaf hand in hand with hearing individuals and strengthens their bond.

Hussain Alshbrka, Arina Pizzeria co-founder

“We also use easily accessible QR code technology on tables for customers to scan with their mobile phones, producing a visual representation that is a preferred method of communication for our deaf employees.”

The restaurant is breaking barriers in the community. “Many customers want to learn sign language as a way to communicate with us directly, which is always welcomed and appreciated,” he added.

The staff undergo rigorous training. “If they do not already possess these skills, it is easy to learn a new language when it is used regularly, especially in a work environment with somewhat predictable responses.”

Upon entering, guests are thoughtfully presented with a card showcasing the alphabet in sign language. (AN photo)

Alshbrka’s belief in equality is reflected in Arina’s commitment to hiring deaf individuals: “I am convinced that a deaf person is capable of doing anything a hearing person can do when given the opportunity and training.”

By employing deaf individuals, Arina demonstrates that abilities transcend barriers and that everyone deserves an equal opportunity to thrive.

Customer interactions at Arina have led to memorable moments, highlighting the restaurant’s unique approach. He recalled: “One of my most unique and unforgettable experiences was when one of our customers expressed gratitude to our staff in Bulgarian. This again demonstrated that language should not be a barrier between people.”

The response from the local community has been overwhelmingly positive. Alshbrka emphasized: “The language barrier between our hearing customers and deaf employees has eroded, and we have begun to see the fruits of our labor.”

This collective effort has created a harmonious environment where everyone can come together.

Despite the challenges faced during the launch, Alshbrka said the support from across the Kingdom has been a testament to the community’s embrace of Arina.

The restaurant plays a vital role in promoting a broader understanding of deaf culture. “This restaurant proves that the deaf are an integral part of society,” its founder said. “It helps to integrate the deaf hand in hand with hearing individuals and strengthens their bond.”

By raising awareness about sign language, Arina encourages connection and interaction across all parts of society.

Arina goes beyond simply serving food, it serves as a beacon of empowerment, proving that with passion and partnership, barriers can be broken, allowing diverse voices to harmonize beautifully.

 


Saudi armed forces chief of staff meets Iranian counterpart in Tehran

Saudi armed forces chief of staff meets Iranian counterpart in Tehran
Updated 24 min 6 sec ago
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Saudi armed forces chief of staff meets Iranian counterpart in Tehran

Saudi armed forces chief of staff meets Iranian counterpart in Tehran

RIYADH: The chief of staff of Saudi Arabia’s armed forces visited Tehran on Sunday to meet with his Iranian counterpart and discuss defense ties, the Saudi Ministry of Defense said.

Fayyad Al-Ruwaili and Iran’s Major General Mohammad Bagheri discussed opportunities to develop relations between the two countries in the military and defense fields. 

They also discussed cooperation between the two in a way that might contribute to enhancing security and stability in the region, the MoD added.

 


Program to combat human trafficking concludes in Riyadh

Program to combat human trafficking concludes in Riyadh
Updated 48 min 22 sec ago
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Program to combat human trafficking concludes in Riyadh

Program to combat human trafficking concludes in Riyadh
  • The five-day program was delivered to 20 committee members in the field of combating human trafficking

RIYADH: The National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, chaired by President of the Saudi Human Rights Commission Hala Al-Tuwaijri, recently concluded the second phase of its “Train-the-Trainers” program.

The five-day program was delivered to 20 committee members in the field of combating human trafficking, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Held at the commission’s headquarters in Riyadh, it was organized in collaboration with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.

It featured the participation of several experts and specialists from relevant government agencies and covered key topics including communication strategies with trainees, the role and responsibilities of the trainer, and speech skills.

It also addressed building trust, time management, and effective leadership.

The program is part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and strengthen national capacity in the field.

It aligns with the implementation of the second phase of the memorandum of understanding between the commission and the UN for technical cooperation in combating human trafficking.


Experts discuss importance of geographical names at Jeddah forum

An attendee visits an exhibition at the 10th Forum of the Arab Division of Experts in Geographical Names. (AN photo)
An attendee visits an exhibition at the 10th Forum of the Arab Division of Experts in Geographical Names. (AN photo)
Updated 10 November 2024
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Experts discuss importance of geographical names at Jeddah forum

An attendee visits an exhibition at the 10th Forum of the Arab Division of Experts in Geographical Names. (AN photo)
  • Conference aims to facilitate unification of place names

JEDDAH: An event to strengthen cooperation and facilitate the exchange of ideas about geographical place names in Arab countries began in Jeddah on Sunday.

Experts from 22 Arab nations and international organizations gathered for the start of the 10th Forum of the Arab Division of Experts in Geographical Names, which is scheduled to run for three days.

The event is being held under the theme “Strengthening Relations and Links Between Arab States in the Field of Geographical Names,” and is hosted under the auspices of Prince Khalid bin Salman, the minister of defense and chairman of the board of directors of the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information.

The conference, which was opened by Jeddah Gov. Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, aims to facilitate joint Arab action in various fields, including the documentation of geographical names; unifying geographical names in Arabic, avoiding the use of colloquial dialects; and launching new national committees.

Mohammed bin Yahya Al-Sayel, president of the authority, noted that Saudi Arabia placed great importance on the topic of geographical names.

The authority on the opening day signed 10 memorandums of cooperation with a number of entities in the government sector, the academic sector, and the nonprofit sector.

Tim Trainer, a part-time consultant to the UN and former chief geospatial scientist for the US Census Bureau, told Arab News: “The collaboration, from a regional perspective, is very impressive, and it seems there is a positive path to that collaboration.”

Meanwhile, Tariq Aba Al-Khail, the official spokesperson for the Saudi Geological Survey, spoke of the importance of documenting data on mineral sites through the National Geological Information Database.


Saudi Arabia condemns bombing at rail station in Pakistan

Passengers’ belongings are seen scattered on the platform after an explosion at a railway station in Quetta, in Balochistan.
Passengers’ belongings are seen scattered on the platform after an explosion at a railway station in Quetta, in Balochistan.
Updated 10 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia condemns bombing at rail station in Pakistan

Passengers’ belongings are seen scattered on the platform after an explosion at a railway station in Quetta, in Balochistan.
  • “The Kingdom reiterates its position rejecting all forms of violence and terrorism,” a Foreign Ministry statement said
  • At least 24 people were killed and more than 40 injured in the bomb blast in Quetta, Balochistan province

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Sunday condemned a bomb blast at a railway station in the city of Quetta in southwestern Pakistan that killed 24 people on Saturday.

“The Kingdom reiterates its position rejecting all forms of violence and terrorism,” a Foreign Ministry statement said. 

The ministry extended its condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Pakistan. It also wished the injured a speedy recovery.

At least 24 people were killed and more than 40 injured in the bomb blast in Quetta, Balochistan province. The Baloch Liberation Army, a separatist militant group, claimed responsibility for the attack.