Dana Almasoud’s works are inspired by historical Middle Eastern and European art aesthetics
Updated 16 April 2024
Sulafa Alkhunaizi
RIYADH: When picking up a pencil or paintbrush to create an artwork, self-taught Saudi artist Dana Almasoud channels her inner child.
“As soon as a child picks up a pencil, they attempt to draw or capture a sense of what they see through their eyes on paper. The majority of them stop at some point in their childhood, for whatever reason,” Almasoud told Arab News.
Almasoud’s painting of a man selling ramsi tomatoes, the seasonal heirloom fruits with green ‘shoulders’ found in Qatif. (Supplied)
“Fortunately, I was one of the few who never did. I had the luxury of a supportive mother who always looked forward to my next scribble.”
While pursuing her undergraduate studies in finance, as a freelance artist Almasoud explores a variety of styles, from fine art to surrealism and fantasy inspired by everyday scenes.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Much of Dana Almasoud’s work is inspired by Islamic historical art, characterized by its symbolism and emphasis on the beauty of spirituality.
• One of her first works inspired by Saudi culture was a commission from a man who wanted a portrait in the orientalist style.
• The artist says her work is an attempt to fill the void that excess simplicity and minimalism has created in recent years.
“The warm morning sun, the singing of the birds, the stoplights and the people. I am surrounded by life and I do my best to pour what I see into my work. What makes us human is how we make things from nothing,” she said.
Almasoud’s painting of a man selling ramsi tomatoes, the seasonal heirloom fruits with green ‘shoulders’ found in Qatif. (Supplied)
Speaking about the “sanctuary” she has created in her room, she said: “It took me years of collecting, arranging and a lot of dedication to get it to how it is now.”
Much of Almasoud’s work is inspired by Islamic historical art, characterized by its symbolism and emphasis on the beauty of spirituality.
As a freelance artist Dana Almasoud explores a variety of styles, from fine art to surrealism and fantasy inspired by everyday scenes. (Instagram/esotericdana)
“In order for me to create things that resemble life, it only makes sense to use colors that already exist in nature,” she said.
“I take a lot of inspiration from historical art, both from Europe and the Middle East, since the pigments they used were extracted from natural sources and were perfectly saturated.”
Almasoud’s painting of a man selling ramsi tomatoes, the seasonal heirloom fruits with green ‘shoulders’ found in Qatif. (Supplied)
She enjoys experimenting with new mediums, but drawing with a pencil is her preferred choice.
“I also do enjoy the occasional challenge of an ink brush, because once it sets its bristles on paper, you cannot go back. When it comes to painting with color (watercolors, acrylics, oils), I still consider myself in the process of learning,” she said.
The warm morning sun, the singing of the birds, the stoplights and the people. I am surrounded by life and I do my best to pour what I see into my work.
Dana Almasoud, Saudi artist
“I also experiment with pyrography, doll making, embroidery, linoleum block printing and, soon, murals.”
Almasoud said one of her first works inspired by Saudi culture was a commission from a man who wanted to look like an orientalist.
Almasoud’s painting of a man selling ramsi tomatoes, the seasonal heirloom fruits with green ‘shoulders’ found in Qatif. (Supplied)
Her most recent painting is of a man selling ramsi tomatoes, the seasonal heirloom fruits with green “shoulders” that are prevalent in Qatif.
“These tomatoes are known for a special flavor and a lot of farmers from various lands tried to grow it themselves, but to no avail. For some reason, these tomatoes only taste special when they grow on that specific piece of land,” Almasoud said.
She said she had been told her work had “a layer of fog, where the edges are never harsh,” which reflects the high levels of humidity in the Eastern Province where she lives.
“I can see the Arabian Gulf from the window of my room. You can imagine the high rates of humidity, which is where I think that layer came from,” she said.
“I will always wonder how this translated into what I draw, but regardless, I do love it.”
Almasoud said her art was an attempt to fill the void that excess simplicity and minimalism has created in recent years.
“My art is an attempt to inspire people back to see the beauty in complexity and the intricacy of the small things in life.”
Speaking about the importance of art in the modern world, she said: “With the increase in the pace of the world, art has become even more important. It gives people and their minds something to hang on to, for them to not lose themselves and their identities in a busy world.”
For more information about the artist visit @esotericdana on Instagram.
Saudi Arabia says Israel’s Golan buffer zone seizure confirms continued Israeli violation of international law
Foreign Ministry statement said the move showed Israel’s determination to sabotage Syria’s chances of restoring its security, stability, and territorial integrity
Updated 10 December 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Israel’s decision to seize Syrian-held areas in a UN-patrolled buffer zone in the Golan Heights and its attacks on Syrian territory confirm continued Israeli violation of international law, Saudi Arabia said on Monday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday he had ordered the army to “seize” the demilitarised zone in the Syrian-controlled part of the Golan Heights after militants swept Syrian president Bashar Assad from power.
A statement issued by the Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry said the move showed Israel’s determination to sabotage Syria’s chances of restoring its security, stability, and territorial integrity.
“Saudi Arabia stresses the need for the international community to condemn these Israeli violations, affirm respect for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and confirm that the Golan Heights are occupied Syrian Arab land,” the statement said.
King Salman receives written message from Equatorial Guinea president
Message was received by the Kingdom’s foreign minister during a meeting with the minister for foreign affairs and cooperation of Equatorial Guinea
Updated 09 December 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: King Salman received a written message from the president of Equatorial Guinea, Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The message from Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo concerned relations between his country and the Kingdom.
It was received by the Kingdom’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan during a meeting with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Equatorial Guinea Simeon Oyono Esono Angue in Riyadh.
The two ministers reviewed relations between their countries and ways to enhance them in various fields.
Saudi Arabia to host 2026 global congress on water desalination
Riyadh has a track record of technical innovations in facing water scarcity
Saudi Arabia was selected during the IDRA congress in Abu Dhabi
Updated 09 December 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: The International Desalination and Reuse Association selected Saudi Arabia on Monday to host a global conference to discuss water challenges and desalination projects.
Saudi Arabia will host the 2026 IDRA World Congress on Desalination and Water Reuse Solutions.
Riyadh was selected during the current IDRA 2026 congress in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi.
It is held under the theme “Addressing water scarcity,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Saudi Arabia is a leading country in the water sector and the volume of desalinated water the Kingdom produces each day is equivalent to daily global oil production, according to the Saudi Water Authority.
The Kingdom has created various desalination water projects and has a track record of technical innovation in facing water scarcity and achieving renewable energy.
IDRA’s 2026 congress is an opportunity for Saudi water officials and experts to share the Kingdom’s experience in tackling water scarcity with international experts from 60 countries, the SPA reported.
The event will also serve as a platform for revealing the latest technical innovations and sustainable solutions in the water sector and for building strategic partnerships between various countries and organizations.
This week, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Jeddah launched the International Water Research Center, a groundbreaking initiative to achieve sustainable solutions amid the global climate crisis.
How Saudi Arabia and the UK are shaping each other
The countries aim to increase bilateral trade to $39.6 billion by 2030
Updated 09 December 2024
Ghadi Joudah
RIYADH: Ahead of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s official visit to the Kingdom, Arab News reviews recent bilateral developments between the two kingdoms.
Forging alliances that transcend borders, Saudi Arabia and the UK have emerged as powerhouses of collaboration, driving innovation and reshaping global landscapes in the fields of energy, technology, and sustainable infrastructure.
In 2018, the two kingdoms established the annual UK-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council as a central platform to discuss and enhance all aspects of their bilateral relationship, including UK support for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 in various sectors.
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan participated in roundtable meetings involving representatives from the Kingdom and British universities. (SPA)
According to Saudi Minister of Commerce Majid Al-Qasabi, bilateral trade between the two countries has surged by more than a third since 2018, exceeding $99.12 billion in value.
“The growth and the inflow of trade are matched by the growth in foreign direct investment. In 2022 alone, the inflow of British investment into (the) Saudi economy reached more than $5.4 billion,” Al-Qasabi said.
With more than 1,100 active licenses for UK investors, developments such as the gigaprojects in Saudi Arabia and policy reforms are strengthening business opportunities in the Kingdom.
FASTFACTS
• With more than 1,100 active licenses for UK investors, developments such as the gigaprojects in Saudi Arabia and policy reforms are strengthening business opportunities in the Kingdom.
• UK cleantech leader Carbon Clean is also collaborating with Saudi Aramco, creating 2,000 jobs in the UK.
• The countries have deepened their collaboration on sustainable infrastructure through the UK-Saudi Sustainable Infrastructure Summit, held on June 24 in London.
The UK is emerging as Saudi Arabia’s second-largest investor, accumulating approximately $16 billion in investment stock, said Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih at the Great Futures Initiative Conference in May.
The conference reflected the efforts of both countries to enhance and expand their economic partnership. It saw the attendance of 2,200 economic stakeholders from both Saudi Arabia and the UK, including about 450 British business owners.
The Lord Mayor of the City of London Alderman said that Saudi Arabia is investing more in infrastructure than any other country in the Middle East region, including in 14 new giga-projects. (X @MISA)
During the conference, more than 20 bilateral ministerial meetings were held, 13 agreements were signed, and ways to develop cooperation in 13 economic fields were discussed, including tourism, culture, education, health, sports, investment, trade, and financial services.
Saudi Arabia’s investment landscape is particularly attractive to British businesses, with 52 UK companies selecting the country as their regional headquarters out of the 400 global multinational companies that have established hubs there.
Defense cooperation between the two countries is a crucial aspect of their bilateral relationship.
Saudi and British defense ministers discuss strengthening military ties and addressing regional security challenges. (X @JReynoldsMP)
Talks in November between Saudi and British defense ministers focused on strengthening military ties and addressing regional security challenges.
Prince Khalid bin Salman and John Healey discussed the Saudi-British strategic partnership and explored ways to strengthen defense cooperation.
“We also discussed our joint efforts to address regional challenges and our shared vision to promote security and stability on both regional and international levels,” Prince Khalid said.
These discussions emphasized the importance of maintaining stability in the Middle East while exploring new avenues for defense technology collaboration.
At the Great Futures Conference in May, CEO of the Health Sector Transformation Program Dr. Khalid Al-Shaibani, said: “In Saudi Arabia, we have embraced digital health as a priority because of its potential to enhance healthcare delivery, improve patient outcomes, and drive economic growth.”
Al-Shaibani added that by integrating health, equity, and sustainability into all decision-making processes, Saudi Arabia fosters an environment that promotes the well-being of its citizens.
The partnership between the countries has expanded into cutting-edge technological domains, with particular emphasis on artificial intelligence and healthcare innovation.
UK-based Proximie, a technology company specializing in surgical collaboration solutions, has been working to establish strategic partnerships in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the growing technological cooperation between the two nations.
With $80 million in funding, Proximie is strengthening its presence in Saudi Arabia through strategic partnerships aimed at supporting the country’s healthcare system.
The company uses virtual surgery technology, AI, and real-time connectivity to enhance healthcare delivery and reduce inequities in medical access.
Education remains a cornerstone of Saudi-UK relations, with approximately 14,000 Saudi students pursuing higher education in the UK during the academic years 2020-2023.
To leverage their expertise, both countries agreed to collaborate in the field of education, particularly to support the development of early-stage education.
A memorandum of understanding was signed to facilitate this partnership, focusing on improving teaching methodologies and capacity building.
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan made a statement late in 2023 that the educational partnership with the UK aims to increase the participation of the British private education sector in Saudi education.
This includes establishing British schools and universities, addressing skills gaps, training healthcare professionals, and supporting the development of education in line with the ambition of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
“Our strategic partnership focuses on six main areas, which include building a stronger and deeper partnership in the field of education; supporting the professional development of Saudi educators and enhancing their knowledge, skills, and abilities,” Al-Benyan said. “… as well as enhancing cooperation and partnerships in the field of university education, including research cooperation, student scholarships, and transnational education.”
Plans are underway to establish 10 British schools in the Kingdom by 2030, further strengthening educational ties between the two countries.
In September, the two countries tackled the stimulation and financing of emerging companies in promising fields based on research and innovation.
This falls in line with the two countries’ target to increase bilateral trade to $39.6 billion by 2030.
Jobs will be boosted in the north of England after the launch on Monday of the world-first new graphene-enriched carbon fibre plant project in Saudi Arabia.
UK company Graphene Innovation Manchester on Dec. 9 announced the launch of the world’s first commercial production of graphene-enriched carbon fibre with Saudi Arabia’s NEOM — a step forward in environmentally sustainable advanced materials.
The project aims to generate $319 million of investment into a research and innovation hub in Greater Manchester and is expected to create more than 1,000 skilled jobs in the region.
Prior to his upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, Starmer said in a statement: “Further boosting the green energy relationship between the UK and Saudi Arabia, Oxford-based private equity fund HYCAP is supporting Saudi Arabia’s plans to reach net zero emissions by 2060 by investing £785 million to develop hydrogen mobility clusters in Northern Ireland and across the UK.”
The project will deliver hydrogen buses, trucks, critical components, and other elements of hydrogen production and distribution while removing more than 25 million tonnes of transport-related CO2 over the lifetime of the project.
Ed Miliband, the UK secretary of state for energy security and net zero, said: “Clean energy can be the source of the jobs of the future ... these new investments and partnerships will deliver new jobs in new industries, boosting our country’s energy independence and economic growth.”
The UK and Saudi Arabia will also establish a Joint International Institute for Clean Hydrogen, featuring Newcastle University and other British and Saudi universities, to develop state-of-the-art expertise and skills in clean energy.
UK cleantech leader Carbon Clean is also collaborating with Saudi Aramco to develop modular carbon capture technology, creating 2,000 jobs in the UK.
Sustainable Cement Company and Saudi City Cement Company will drive $255 million in sustainable concrete production investment.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia and the UK have deepened their collaboration on sustainable infrastructure through the UK-Saudi Sustainable Infrastructure Summit, held on June 24 in London.
The summit provided a platform for adopting and exchanging knowledge gained from Vision 2030, forming a global model for cooperation in sustainable development.
Building on their 2022 green finance agreement, the summit presented Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambitions, including reducing carbon emissions by 278 million tonnes annually by 2030 and increasing renewable energy capacity by 50 percent.
Former Lord Mayor of the City of London Michael Mainelli said that Saudi Arabia is investing more in infrastructure than any other country in the Middle East region, including in 14 new gigaprojects.
He said: “This investment, combined with the City of London’s expertise and leadership in sustainable finance, can set a global template for sustainable development.”
The country’s focus on sectors historically characterized by underinvestment, while addressing global challenges such as energy transition and technological advancement, creates natural synergies for collaboration with UK businesses.
Tourism cooperation between the two countries has seen significant development in recent years, exemplified by the signing of a Joint Statement of Intent between the Saudi Tourism Authority and Visit Britain to enhance cooperation and exchange expertise.
The Kingdom has become a destination for British tourists, hosting more than 165,000 visitors from the UK in the first quarter of 2024 and issuing over 560,000 electronic visas.
The Kingdom and the UK also share strong educational and cultural ties, with approximately 14,000 Saudi students studying in British universities.
The University of Strathclyde plans to become the first British university to establish a branch in the Kingdom in collaboration with Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University.
As both countries work toward their respective strategic goals, the relationship is expected to strengthen further in other sectors, creating new opportunities for collaboration and mutual benefit.
Photographers pay tribute to Saudi Arabia’s capital at Misk exhibition
Event puts the spotlight on Riyadh
Updated 09 December 2024
Nada Alturki
RIYADH: Misk Art Week is underway in the Kingdom’s capital with workshops, markets, and showcases curated around the theme of art and technology.
As the country accelerates to new horizons, 20 local and international participants have revealed their perspectives of Riyadh and its ever-changing nature at the “Seeing Riyadh” exhibition.
Saudi photographer Meshari Al-Dosari’s work preserves the beauty of the city and its architectural heritage. Among the photographs are scenes of old neighborhood houses with distinctive motifs and vintage cars parked at the forefront, hinting to the viewer that life still exists in these worn-out homes.
Faisal Bin Zarah platforms the iconic Al-Faisaliah and Al-Mamlakah towers in his “Moonlight Symphony” and “Aligned.” (AN photo)
Al-Dosari said: “Houses nowadays look like closed-up boxes. They don’t have the same soul. That was an era that wasn’t really documented and it’s disappearing now.
“A lot of houses are being destroyed because they’re dilapidated or need renovation, so their owners build new houses and that era disappears.”
Italian artist Armando Perna was part of Misk Art Institute’s Masaha residency last year, in which he mapped Riyadh’s evolving character and its liminality. In “Seeing Riyadh,” his work focuses on the outskirts of the city. His photographs show simple prayer buildings that are often found on travel routes.
Dalal Almutairi dissects the nostalgic essences of childhood memories left behind in revisited spaces in “The Red Slide." (AN photo)
As an international artist he is fascinated by life in the desert that alludes to the old way of Saudi living that is different from the culture in cities.
He told Arab News: “In this kind of emptiness, you find these markers, which also give an identity to these places. They work in relation to the landscape.”
Part of his work also features caravans he photographed in a town north of Riyadh, which were used at the time for nomads. He added: “On the left side, there’s the modern structures with the modern caravans and on the right, these are the very old (mosques).”
The unique exhibition space, which used to be an auditorium, is lined with works that capture both the historic and contemporary marks and nuances of the changing city. (AN photo)
The exhibition space, which used to be an auditorium, is lined with works that capture both the historic and contemporary marks and nuances of the changing city.
Dalal Al-Mutairi dissects the nostalgic essences of childhood memories left behind in revisited spaces in “The Red Slide,” while Faisal Bin Zarah platforms the iconic Al-Faisaliah and Al-Mamlakah towers in his “Moonlight Symphony” and “Aligned.”
Saudi photographer Sarah Al-Ansary focuses on documenting Riyadh through its people, architecture, and culture.
As an international artist, Armando Perna was fascinated by the life in the desert that alludes to the old way of Saudi living that’s different from the culture in cities. (AN photo)
The emerging artist often visits old neighborhoods in the city, and told Arab News: “It feels amazing to capture buildings and elements that have been there for decades.”
On display are two sets of photos. One features photographs of handwritten shop signs, located in two different neighborhoods. Each sign highlights an amenity in that neighborhood, like the “neighborhood tailor” and “technical plumbing.”
She said: “What really drew me to the signs was how they were written by hand rather than being printed, which is the more common method used today. Both signs left me wondering how long they had been there.”
Saudi photographer Meshari Aldosari’s work preserves the beauty of the city. Old neighborhood houses with unique architectural motifs are framed with vintage cars parked at the forefront, letting us know that life still exists in these worn-out homes. (AN photo)
The second set of photos are of Shola Shopping Center, which opened in the 1980s but has since shut down. The artist was drawn to the bright colors and design of the building.
Al-Ansary said: “Being a part of Misk Art Week 2024 has been a wonderful opportunity to meet like-minded photographers and artists. I also loved seeing people resonate with the photos and having memories of the areas that I photographed.
“I’m very grateful to Misk Art Institute for valuing photography as an art form and giving me the opportunity to exhibit my work.”
Other participants include Hajar Ali, Latifa Al-Bokhari, Mohammed Al-Jubran, Sara Saad, and Tamara Hamad.
“Seeing Riyadh” is on view at Misk Art Week until Dec. 10.
