RIYADH, 20 August 2004 — Honoring artistic creativity is one of society’s many responsibilities. Artists strive to inspire people with their talent, education and intellect. They can enrich the cultural tapestry by adding to it from their own style and creating a colorful new mix. For these reasons, Colors Art Group has honored the well-known Saudi artist, Sharifa bint Turki Al-Sudairy, for the extraordinary work she has done.
Al-Sudairy has proved her ability on both national and international levels. She has participated in more than 72 exhibitions around the world and was placed third in Bahrain in 1988 at the first exhibition of Gulf women artists. In 1997 she won a bronze medal at the International Biennale in Florence.
Her artistic journey began at the age of six. “I have loved to draw since I was a child and both my parents and my teachers were a perennial source of encouragement,” said Al-Sudairy.
“I did not get a lot of tutoring but I experimented with different mediums and techniques and read a number of different art books and looking at works by other artists. My favorite medium is oils but I also enjoy others as well,” she added.
Al-Sudairy’s works have inspired appreciation from connoisseurs of art. Dr. Yousef Al-Amood, professor of arts at King Saud University, puts her work at the top in Saudi Arabia.
“She was born into an environment that values art and culture and that is reflected in her work. She began in 1986, and since then she has become a well-known figure in the plastic arts,” said Al-Amood.
He commented further, “Her works show a great deal of interest in the social aspects of Saudi society, especially issues affecting Saudi women. She is the top female artist when it comes to presenting national issues in Saudi Arabia. She is not an artist who looks for fame or the spotlight. Rather she is a real artist with a soul that touches every person through her work which reflects both honesty and originality.”
She opened her own showroom in Al-Akaria 3, “The Fine Arts Gallery” in 1998. A year later she mounted her first personal exhibition, “The Vision of a Saudi Artist”.
Of the gallery, Al-Amood noted, “It is one of her greatest achievements. It created an opportunity for artists to meet each other, present their work and put it on the market at the same time,” Al-Amood said.
Al-Sudairy is determined to continue on the path of art and self-discovery she has chosen for herself. She wants to place her knowledge and experience at the disposal of young Saudi artists who do not have the chance to go to a fine arts school.
“I encourage every one who has a dream to work hard with determination and faith in order to achieve his or her dream. It is all possible if we believe in ourselves,” she said.
