AlUla showcases artistic vision in Paris with ‘Orbis Tertius’  

AlUla showcases artistic vision in Paris with ‘Orbis Tertius’  
Visitors to the opening night of 'Orbis Tertius' in Paris surround Monira Al-Qadiri's 'The Guardian'. (Supplied)
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Updated 24 October 2024
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AlUla showcases artistic vision in Paris with ‘Orbis Tertius’  

AlUla showcases artistic vision in Paris with ‘Orbis Tertius’  
  • Exhibition of work from the AlUla Artist Residency Program was part of this year’s Art Basel 

PARIS: The AlUla Artist Residency Program made its debut in France during Art Basel Paris this month with “Orbis Tertius,” an exhibition showcasing the work of 20 international artists. The program was launched in 2021 by the Royal Commission for AlUla in collaboration with the French Agency for AlUla Development. 

The exhibition is part of Arts AlUla’s global program to promote the ancient oasis city as an emerging hub for art and creativity. For millennia, AlUla was a key location for trade and culture — it is home to Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, and was a stop on the Incense Road. AlUla’s pre-Islamic heritage and breathtaking landscape continue to inspire groundbreaking artistic expressions, as shown in “Orbis Tertius.” 




Arnaud Morand, AFALULA, Curator, Orbis Tertius (2024). (Supplied)

Artist and photographer Louis-Cyprien Rials told Arab News that at the heart of his residency was “the almost-uncomfortable idea of being nothing in a place that seems eternal and easily reminds us of our insignificance.” 

Located in the palm grove of Mabiti AlUla, and with a newly-opened artists’ residence in AlJadidadh, the program offers an ideal setting for artists to reflect on the role and methods of creative practice in the contemporary world. It encourages a dynamic dialogue between the artists, as well as with the local community in AlUla.  

This residency program, according to curator Arnaud Morand, head of art and creative industries at AFALULA, is “unique.” The artists are enrolled by invitation only after submission of a portfolio and a letter of intent. The breakdown of nationalities is roughly half Arab, half international.  

“The artists had to have an established practice of interest and relevant to us, working between past and future heritage,” Morand explained. “In the unconventional and intense context of this desert oasis, they were working closely with the local communities. Many had previous experience in collaborating with scientists and experts. Spending a minimum of 10 weeks on the ground was mandatory. The artists met and interacted with AlUla’s field specialists; archaeologists, geologists, anthropologists, agronomists, botanists, heritage conservatists and environmental workers. If this time commitment was not possible for them, their candidature could not be considered.” 

It was Morand who chose the theme “Orbis Tertius, A Journey Between Fictions and Myths” for the show, inspired by the Argentine writer, Jorge Luis Borges, whose “Fictions” explores how our world can be better understood through a blend of ancient myths and legends and observed reality.  

“AlUla reinvents itself every day as a fundamental utopia of the 21st century,” Morand said. “The residency program offers a framework for creatives to integrate and meaningfully engage with the bigger project. It also provides an insight into how the community processes change. Ultimately, it steers us in the right direction, drawing on the artists’ perceptions and questions while offering time and an unparalleled context to develop their practice.” 

At Art Basel, “Orbis Tertius” was displayed over four floors of the gallery at 5 rue Saint-Merri, a stone’s throw away from the Pompidou Center. The works were not confined to a single medium. The 20 contemporary artists presented 43 works that included paintings, sculptures, videos, photographs, poetry, calligraphy, brickmaking, installations and live performances.  

In pride of place on the ground floor stood the 4.5 meter “The Guardian,” an aluminum sculpture by Kuwaiti artist Monira Al-Qadiri, whose work examines nature’s hostile retaliation to human presence in the environment. Her totemic sculpture is based on the Calotropis Procera, a plant native to the region, which grows on arid soil, and can survive for up to three years without a single drop of water. The Calotropis Procera secretes a milky substance that Bedouin lore has it can cause blindness. 

The Jeddah-born multidisciplinary artist Anhar Salem works primarily in film. Her “A Day in AlUla” is a series of eight subtly beautiful social portrait vlogs documenting a day in the life of local and foreign AlUla residents.  




.A still from Anhar Salem's 'A Day in AlUla.'(Supplied)

“I had to choose between approaching AlUla through its landscape and history or through its social and public aspects,” Salem said. “I ultimately chose the latter by simply talking to everyone I met from AlUla.” 

Brothers Abdulrahman and Turki Gazzaz live and work in Jeddah, where they founded the architecture, design and experimental research studio Bricklab in 2015. During their residency, the brothers used rammed-earth techniques to develop a resilient material for construction unique to the region. Combining sand collected from different parts of AlUla with concrete, epoxy and other artificial additives, the bricks condense the storied narratives that make up AlUla today. 

Jizan-based Reem Al-Nasser bases her work on anthropological study and concepts such as time, space and astrology. During her residency, she created “Alma of the North,” a structure of brilliant steel gates ornamented with archaeological and astronomical symbols found in AlUla’s history. 

Riyadh-based Ayman Zedani’s immersive video installation “The Desert Keeper” was a result of research he had conducted on a parasitic plant from the Arabian desert over the past few years. It can acquire genes from its host plant, thus assuring the survival of its offspring. His work combined footage of the plants with a computer-generated journey through the cosmos and a voiceover by the writer and poet Wided Rihana Khdraoul. 




Ayman Zedani's 'The Desert Keepers.' (Supplied)

“AlUla has long been a crossroads of cultures and a wellspring of creativity,” Nora Aldabal, executive director of arts and creative industries at the RCU, said in a press release. “With the AlUla Artist Residency Program, we are showcasing the extraordinary artistic vision flourishing in AlUla and demonstrating its power to bridge cultures and inspire dialogue.”  

“Orbis Tertius,” she continued, was “a testament to incredible inspiration that artists and creatives discover in AlUla — a place where the world can connect with ancient history and experience contemporary artistic expressions. AlUla’s ambition for art, design and culture is to create a better future for the region, generating jobs and opportunities for cultural enrichment for those who live, work and visit there.”  


Andrew Garfield, Benedict Cumberbatch take to the RSIFF red carpet ahead of emotional ‘We Live in Time’ screening

Andrew Garfield, Benedict Cumberbatch take to the RSIFF red carpet ahead of emotional ‘We Live in Time’ screening
Updated 09 December 2024
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Andrew Garfield, Benedict Cumberbatch take to the RSIFF red carpet ahead of emotional ‘We Live in Time’ screening

Andrew Garfield, Benedict Cumberbatch take to the RSIFF red carpet ahead of emotional ‘We Live in Time’ screening

JEDDAH: English American actor Andrew Garfield graced the Red Sea International Film Festival red carpet in Jeddah on Monday night as his latest film, “We Live in Time,” held its MENA premiere as part of a gala screening.

Although not joined by his co-star Pugh, Garfield attended the screening alongside producers of the film, Adam Ackland and Benedict Cumberbatch.

At the screening, the producers and star Garfield briefly addressed the audience to introduce the romantic drama.

On Pugh and Garfield’s performances in the film, British star Cumberbatch said, “They’re already at the top of the game. They are our generation’s best,” before adding, “I’m jealoud I’m not in the film.”

Andrew Garfield addressed the audience at the screening in Arabic. (Getty Images)

Garfield opened by greeting the audience in Arabic, saying “Assalamu alaikum (peace be to you).”

He then thanked the festival for bringing the film to Saudi Arabia. “So grateful to be welcomed here like it is my second home,” added Garfield, who also attended the festival last year.

“We Live in Time” is a London-set romantic drama that follows an up-and-coming chef (Pugh) and a recent divorcée (Garfield) across a decade as they find their lives forever changed by a chance encounter.  


Photographers pay tribute to Saudi Arabia’s capital at Misk exhibition

Photographers pay tribute to Saudi Arabia’s capital at Misk exhibition
Updated 09 December 2024
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Photographers pay tribute to Saudi Arabia’s capital at Misk exhibition

Photographers pay tribute to Saudi Arabia’s capital at Misk exhibition
  • Event puts the spotlight on Riyadh

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.

 


‘Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo’ director aims to offer ‘unique and genuine cinema’

‘Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo’ director aims to offer ‘unique and genuine cinema’
Updated 09 December 2024
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‘Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo’ director aims to offer ‘unique and genuine cinema’

‘Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo’ director aims to offer ‘unique and genuine cinema’

JEDDAH: The opportunity to showcase his debut feature film “Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo” at the Venice Film Festival and now at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah is a milestone for Egyptian director Khalid Mansour.

Arab News caught up with Mansour, who previously directed three short films and a mini-series titled “Rawaa Reads” (2023), after the first screening of the film in Jeddah.

“Being part of one of the world’s most significant cinematic events is an incredible opportunity to reach a wider audience and introduce myself as a filmmaker, especially since this film is my debut,” he said.

The first Egyptian film to screen at September’s Venice Film Festival in 12 years, “Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo” tells the story of protagonist Hassan as he searches for a safe haven for his best friend, his beloved dog Rambo, after the canine is threatened by their landlord.

“The story of ‘Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo’ focuses on my generation and, through Hassan’s journey, we went deep into our thoughts, beliefs, fears, and sense of belonging. This project took about eight years to make because I intended to present unique and genuine cinema,” said Mansour.

He continued: “It is my first feature-length narrative film, and this film is not (just) about a dog and his friend, but it is about the complexities of our generation, highlighting (the) struggle … that we go through in our society.”

The film was inspired by a real incident that resulted in an Egyptian court jailing four men in 2015 over the brutal killing of a dog, which was filmed and sparked outrage when the video went viral.

“This is a film about the strong relationship between a man and his dog and it is a real incident which occurred on Al-Ahram Street (in Cairo), where a group of men killed a dog in front of all the neighbors out of revenge,” Mansour explained.

The film stars Essam Omar, Rakeen Saad, Ahmed Bahaa, Samaa Ibrahim, and the canine Rambo Brothers.

Produced by Rasha Hosny and Egyptian producer giant Mohamed Hefzy, the film will hit cinemas in the Arab world in January.


Saad Tahaitah showcases cultural heritage in ‘Aseer Memory’ at Red Sea International Film Festival

Saad Tahaitah showcases cultural heritage in ‘Aseer Memory’ at Red Sea International Film Festival
The film focuses on Mohammed Al-Matali, who lives in Asir. (Supplied)
Updated 09 December 2024
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Saad Tahaitah showcases cultural heritage in ‘Aseer Memory’ at Red Sea International Film Festival

Saad Tahaitah showcases cultural heritage in ‘Aseer Memory’ at Red Sea International Film Festival

JEDDAH: Saudi director Saad Tahaitah is set to present his short documentary “Aseer Memory” at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, which runs until Dec. 14.

In an interview with Arab News, he discussed on the film’s exploration of cultural identity and the significance of preserving local history through the lens of its central character, Mohammed Al-Matali. The 18-minute film narrates the journey of Al-Matali, who dedicates his life to curating his father’s library, filled with invaluable old books and documents that serve as vital links to the history of the Asir region in Saudi Arabia.

Tahaitah reflected on his filmmaking journey, saying: “I started making documentary films about eight years ago. What always inspires me is the story of people and their places; it’s a significant motivation and inspiration for making every film.”

His attraction to Al-Matali’s story stemmed from the “great legacy that this person possesses.” The director believes that Al-Matali's efforts will have an even more pronounced impact on the culture of the region in the coming years, highlighting that “the film serves as an extension and preservation of his efforts over the past decades.”

Born into a family of scholars, Al-Matali works to preserve precious old books and original documents that are often the only local sources of information about the area in which he grew up. Along with his collections, he has photographed and made videos of the prehistoric petroglyphs and ancient forts that stand in the area. In his latest project, he discovers forgotten local street names in the hope of restoring them to local villages.

Set to run among a slate of international titles hailing from countries including South Korea and the US, Tahaitah hopes that “Aseer Memory” will enlighten the international festival goers who flock to Jeddah about rich heritage of the Asir region.

“The external audience may not be aware of the extent of the culture and heritage we have in our country, especially regarding the subject of the film, the Asir region. The film showcases events and documents from hundreds of years ago, as well as the way of life of people decades ago. I aspire to create more works that focus on this aspect because documentaries are the soft power to convey what we want,” Tahaitah said.

“Documenting culture and human life will create an eternal memory for the region, making films immortal,” he added.


Olivia Wilde inspires emerging filmmakers at RSIFF

Olivia Wilde inspires emerging filmmakers at RSIFF
Updated 08 December 2024
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Olivia Wilde inspires emerging filmmakers at RSIFF

Olivia Wilde inspires emerging filmmakers at RSIFF
  • Actor talks about creativity, perseverance, collaborative spirit

JEDDAH: Hollywood star Olivia Wilde took center stage during an In Conversation segment on Sunday at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah’s Al-Balad.

Known as an actor, director, and producer, Wilde’s career includes acclaimed roles in film and television, including “House” and “Tron: Legacy.” Her directorial debut in 2019’s “Booksmart” made waves before she followed it up with the 2022 Venice Film Festival title “Don’t Worry Darling.”

Wilde delved into creativity, perseverance, and the collaborative spirit that fuels the film industry.

Reflecting on the challenges of modern filmmaking, she said: “Out of boredom comes great ideas sometimes, but now no one’s ever bored. Kids are much more interesting and imaginative than adults because they haven’t been indoctrinated by cliches. As filmmakers, it’s so important to challenge ourselves and not force our stories to be something familiar.”

She also pointed out that narratives from diverse cultures can offer refreshing perspectives.

She said: “When you get out of what I consider to be the central hub of entertainment in the Western world, you find a lot more interesting stories because people aren’t raised with the same materials and cycles.

“Films coming from societies that haven’t been indoctrinated with the same cliches have a singularity that is incredibly refreshing.”

Wilde likened the filmmaking process to solving a puzzle, highlighting the integral role of casting, and added: “Casting is the most important part of the process because putting together a film is like solving a puzzle.

“If you aren’t chosen, it’s not because you’re a failure — it’s about whether you fit into the bigger picture of that specific project.”

Olivia Wilde poses in the portrait studio during the Red Sea International Film Festival 2024 on Dec. 8, 2024 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Getty Images)

She also discussed the challenge of making films, describing the completion of any project as a “miracle.” She said: “When you actually get a movie made, no matter how big it is, it feels so satisfying because you did it, you got it made. Anyone who’s made something knows that feeling.”

Taking risks is a factor, and she added: “I naturally gravitate toward roles that have a little bit of risk involved. Part of it is being willing to not be accepted, to not be celebrated by everyone.”

Wilde most recently starred in and directed “Don’t Worry Darling,” which debuted at the 2022 Venice Film Festival and grossed nearly $100 million worldwide.

She said: “A director should be so prepared that they can answer any question.

“Actors enjoy taking risks and being vulnerable when there’s a director who feels like they have their backs.”

Reflecting on her dual experience as an actor and director, she added: “My experience acting made me a better producer and director because I understood the extreme vulnerability actors experience every day on set.”

The multi-hyphenate is set to star in Sarah Adina Smith’s upcoming psychological thriller “Monkey Hill” and she is also set to direct “Avengelyne,” a film adaptation about the ’90s comic book character.

Wilde encouraged aspiring filmmakers hoping to follow in her footsteps to embrace non-traditional paths, highlighting that passion for storytelling transcends formal education in the field.

She said: “I think having done another career entirely is very beneficial to filmmaking or acting. You could have gone to school for economics, but love movies and become an incredible director.”

The fourth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival features a stellar lineup of speakers, including Academy Award-winning actor Brendan Fraser; director Michael Mann; Academy Award-nominated actor Jeremy Renner; celebrated director Spike Lee; and Academy Award-nominated Benedict Cumberbatch.