Misk Art Week returns for artists, enthusiasts in Riyadh

Art enthusiasts in Riyadh rushed to Prince Faisal bin Fahd Arts Hall and its neighboring venue to explore new exhibitions, art fairs, markets, and educational programs for Misk Art Week. (AN photos)
Art enthusiasts in Riyadh rushed to Prince Faisal bin Fahd Arts Hall and its neighboring venue to explore new exhibitions, art fairs, markets, and educational programs for Misk Art Week. (AN photos)
Short Url
Updated 06 December 2024
Follow

Misk Art Week returns for artists, enthusiasts in Riyadh

Misk Art Week returns for artists, enthusiasts in Riyadh
  • ‘Seeing Riyadh’ exhibition features photographs of Saudi Arabia’s capital down the years

RIYADH: The eighth annual Misk Art Week began on Thursday and runs until Dec. 10, featuring a spectacular display of what is all the latest on the local art scene.

Enthusiasts rushed to Prince Faisal bin Fahd Arts Hall and its neighboring venue to explore new exhibitions, art fairs, markets, and educational programs, while the soothing sounds of oud music added charm to the evening




The interactive experience invites visitors to explore and create parallel worlds in real-time through generative artificial intelligence. (AN photo)

Ibrahem Al-Suhaibani, executive director for marketing, communication, and user experience at Misk Art Institute, told Arab News: “We do have artists who are now establishing their career in the art and design market.

“So, we see ourselves supporting and bridging between the establishment and the mature galleries, and in between we support the artists through all the value chain.”

HIGHLIGHTS

• At Misk Art Week, Canadian art studio Iregular is presenting ‘As Water Falls,’ a free-flowing digital waterfall that continuously evolves.

• ‘Alternative Realities’ invites visitors to explore and create parallel worlds in real-time through generative artificial intelligence.

• The ‘Obsolete Technologies’ showcase features works from local and international artists.

This year’s event is curated around the theme of art and technology, pushing artists to contemplate the aspects of digital and media through an artistic lens.




The educational program and mentorship sessions are also part of the Institute’s strategy to educate, enable, and encourage new generations of artists. (AN photo)

Al-Suhaibani added: “We tackle the topic from different angles: from a research angle, before internet, post-internet, what’s the impact of the technology and the media, how this is helping artists to boost their creativity or even block them in any way, and how they really reveal their creativity after that blocking.”

At the entrance of the space, inspired by how nature is alive and ever-changing, the Canadian art studio Iregular presents “As Water Falls,” a free-flowing digital waterfall that continuously evolves with alternating patterns and visuals that will never be the same for at least 100 years.




The Art Fair space is bigger this year, which features works from 11 Saudi-based galleries including Hewar Art, Mono, Hafez, WRD Art, ATHR, Dawi, and others. (AN photo)

While the digital installation has been presented in seven countries around the world this year, an addition was created especially for Misk Art Week, Al-Suhaibani said, and is being shown for the first time in Saudi Arabia.

Further into the outdoor space, the studio presents “Alternative Realities,” an interactive experience that invites visitors to explore and create parallel worlds in real-time through generative artificial intelligence.




The Art Fair space is bigger this year, which features works from 11 Saudi-based galleries including Hewar Art, Mono, Hafez, WRD Art, ATHR, Dawi, and others. (AN photo)

By combining word prompts and arranging a variety of props at their disposal, participants can craft infinite combinations of realities that range from slightly different to wildly surreal.

Al-Suhaibani said: “We have four shows in total for Misk Art Week, all of them around media and technology in a different format.”




The interactive experience invites visitors to explore and create parallel worlds in real-time through generative artificial intelligence. (AN photo)

The exhibitions include the Masaha Residency’s “Obsolete Technologies” showcase, which features works from local and international artists; the “Seeing Riyadh” exhibition, which explores the city’s significant transformation over the past decade through photography; the Misk Art Grant’s “Digital Civilizations” outdoor exhibit, which taps into phenomena shaped by modern technology; and “The Silent Age of Singularity” exhibition, which investigates the post-internet era.

Al-Suhaibani said: “Riyadh has been evolving in the past few years, especially now with the announcement of the metro starting to operate.




The educational program and mentorship sessions are also part of the Institute’s strategy to educate, enable, and encourage new generations of artists. (AN photo)

“Riyadh is hosting big events and has become a hub. So, we felt this year that we needed to highlight Riyadh, especially at the beginning of the ’80s and ’90s.”

Additionally, the event includes an art book fair featuring a number of international, regional, and local publishers to celebrate the rich and diverse Arab art culture; and an extended art and design market with 92 artists and entities at which the local community can engage, sell, and commission unique works.

“We designed it in a way that anyone walking by the market can see everything. And there is a diversity between painting, photography, sculpting projects, and even design,” Al-Suhaibani said.

The educational program and mentorship sessions are also part of the institute’s strategy to educate, enable, and encourage new generations of artists.

The art fair space is bigger this year, and features works from 11 Saudi-based galleries including Hewar Art, Mono, Hafez, WRD Art, ATHR, and Dawi.

Al-Suhaibani added: “We believe today the market desires to have galleries more specialized to support artists and to showcase their artwork.”

The Misk Art Week mural is also a feature and an interactive space crafted to showcase the creativity of young talents. As children contribute unique visions that are then displayed on a wall, they collectively shape a masterpiece that evolves with each individual contribution. With the help of augmented reality tech, the artwork comes to life in an entirely new dimension.

Misk Art Institute’s goal is to create a cohesive environment in which all artists, regardless of their background, can thrive.

 


KSrelief delivers prosthetic services, food supplies in Yemen, Lebanon and Pakistan

KSrelief delivers prosthetic services, food supplies in Yemen, Lebanon and Pakistan
Updated 19 January 2025
Follow

KSrelief delivers prosthetic services, food supplies in Yemen, Lebanon and Pakistan

KSrelief delivers prosthetic services, food supplies in Yemen, Lebanon and Pakistan

RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center’s (KSrelief) ongoing philanthropic work in Yemen, Lebanon and Pakistan continues with the provision of prosthetic services and food supplies in Yemen, Lebanon and Pakistan.

In Yemen’s Hadhramaut governorate, the Prosthetics and Rehabilitation Center in the Seiyun district provided various medical and prosthetic services in December last year to 523 Yemenis who lost limbs, with support KSrelief. Services included the fitting and rehabilitation of prosthetic limbs, physical therapy and specialized consultations.

In Lebanon’s Akkar governorate and Miniyeh District, the aid agency’ fourth phase of the Al-Amal Charity Bakery Project last week distributed 175,000 bags of bread to Syrian and Palestinian refugees as well as the communities hosting them.

The distribution benefited 12,500 families, equivalent to 62,500 individuals.

In Pakistan’s Dadu and Sanghar areas of Sindh province and the Torghar area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, KSrelief recently handed out 1,500 food boxes to families in areas affected by floods. The latest activity is part of the aid agency’s 2025 Food Security Support Project for the south Asian nation.


KSrelief provides food, relief supplies in Syrian provinces

KSrelief provides food, relief supplies in Syrian provinces
Updated 19 January 2025
Follow

KSrelief provides food, relief supplies in Syrian provinces

KSrelief provides food, relief supplies in Syrian provinces

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has provided vital food assistance and relief aid in several Syrian provinces as part of its ongoing relief project in the country, state news agency SPA reported.
In Homs Governorate, KSrelief on Thursday distributed 14 food parcels, each containing a 10-kilogram bag of flour, along with 14 winter bags and 14 personal care kits in Talbiseh city. 

This initiative benefited 1,982 individuals from 382 families as part of the relief materials distribution project there.

In Homs, KSrelief distributed 14 food parcels along with 14 winter bags and 14 personal care kits in Talbiseh city. (SPA)

The agency also distributed bags of flour, winter kits, and personal care kits on Saturday to 15 families in the city of Al-Rastan in Homs, benefiting 61 individuals.
In As-Suwayda, KSrelief distributed bags of flour, winter kits, and personal care kits on Thursday to 258 families, benefiting 984 individuals. 
This aid is part of a larger food distribution project coordinated with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent.


Christina Aguilera, Michael Buble perform at Riyadh’s Joy Awards

Christina Aguilera, Michael Buble perform at Riyadh’s Joy Awards
Updated 19 January 2025
Follow

Christina Aguilera, Michael Buble perform at Riyadh’s Joy Awards

Christina Aguilera, Michael Buble perform at Riyadh’s Joy Awards
  • Joy Awards are Saudi Arabia’s largest event honoring the Arab world’s leading artists and their achievements
  • Winners were selected based on public voting through an application launched by the General Entertainment Authority

RIYADH: The annual Joy Awards honored Arab talent with musical performances that serenaded a star-studded guest list at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena on Saturday.

The award show opened with a concert by Christina Aguilera, who performed “The Voice Within” and her hit song “Genie in a Bottle.”

Musical icons Mohammed Abdo and Andrea Bocelli performed together, blending Gulf and Italian sounds.

Lebanese singer Wael Kfoury and Canadian artist Michael Buble collaborated on a striking rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” performed in both English and Arabic. (X, formerly known as Twitter)

Lebanese singer Wael Kfoury and Canadian artist Michael Buble collaborated on a striking rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” performed in both English and Arabic.

Amanda Seyfried, Morgan Freeman and Matthew McConaughey were among the international and local celebrities who showcased their dazzling ensembles on the ceremony’s iconic lavender carpet on Saturday.

Morgan Freeman with business partner Lori McCreary at the Joy Awards. (Getty Images)

As a tribute to her first visit to the Kingdom, US actress Kate Siegel attended the ceremony wearing a pearly white dress with black drapings by Saudi brand Abadia.

“I picked it because I wanted to represent Saudi Arabian designers and fashion, especially here in Riyadh, which is such an upcoming hot spot for Saudi Arabian fashion,” she said.

As a tribute to her first visit to the Kingdom, US actress Kate Siegel attended the ceremony wearing a pearly white dress with black drapings by Saudi brand Abadia. (Getty Images)

Lebanese actress Nawal Kamel arrived in a black and silver studded gown designed by her go-to Lebanese fashion designer, Joelle Nemnum.

“I can’t believe I’m here. I’m very excited to meet the (Saudi) people up close. I know many people from Lebanon but being here and seeing the locals, who are so different and incredible, is amazing. They (Saudis) are so kind and welcoming — they truly lift you up and take care of you. I’m so grateful to be here and to witness the Joy Awards,” she said.

Amanda Seyfried arrived in a fiery red Valentino gown. (Getty Images)

Held at the Kingdom Arena, the Joy Awards are Saudi Arabia’s largest event recognizing and honoring the Arab world’s leading artists and their achievements. The event is part of Riyadh Season and is co-organized by MBC Group.

The winners were selected based on public voting through an application launched by the General Entertainment Authority. The list included candidates across various categories. The nominees were carefully chosen by specialized committees based on their efforts and achievements over the past year.


Saudi fashion startups award reaches final stage

Saudi fashion startups award reaches final stage
Updated 18 January 2025
Follow

Saudi fashion startups award reaches final stage

Saudi fashion startups award reaches final stage
  • Fashion Commission CEO Burak Cakmak said that sustainability was central to the commission’s vision for the future of the industry

RIYADH: The Fashion Commission and luxury group Kering have launched the selection process for the winners of the Kering Generation Award X Saudi Arabia.

The initiative aims to support innovative startups making a significant impact on the fashion industry, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The application process began in November 2024, inviting startups to submit applications and promote sustainability. More than 100 startups applied, with 20 selected to participate in a three-day training camp in Riyadh.

The program featured workshops focused on key performance indicators, goal setting and pitching skills, SPA reported.

On Jan. 14, the shortlist of 20 startups gathered in Riyadh for the final presentation, where each applicant was evaluated on customer engagement, circular economy and water protection.

Following the presentations, the evaluation process began to select the top 10 proposals, which will be assessed by the jury based on innovation, relevance, fashion connection, and potential impact on nature and society.

The awards ceremony will take place on Jan. 27 in Riyadh, where the top three winning startups will be announced.

Winners will have the opportunity to travel to Paris for exclusive mentoring with Kering’s sustainability teams and present their innovations at the ChangeNOW 2025 summit.

Fashion Commission CEO Burak Cakmak said that sustainability was central to the commission’s vision for the future of the industry.

He added that the award aimed to showcase and support startups driving innovation in circular fashion and environmental stewardship.

Cakmak emphasized the commission’s commitment to advancing solutions that address current challenges and pave the way for a sustainable future in fashion.

 


Jazan festival showcases region’s rich heritage

Erth Village, a highlight of the festival, is showcasing traditional handicrafts, games and clothing. (SPA)
Erth Village, a highlight of the festival, is showcasing traditional handicrafts, games and clothing. (SPA)
Updated 18 January 2025
Follow

Jazan festival showcases region’s rich heritage

Erth Village, a highlight of the festival, is showcasing traditional handicrafts, games and clothing. (SPA)
  • Visitors can learn about heritage professions in the craftsmen’s corner, including leather tanning, pottery, weaving, ornament making, sewing and embroidery

RIYADH: The Jazan Winter Festival has attracted a large number of visitors with a variety of heritage events, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The festival plays a key role in boosting regional tourism, drawing guests from within the Kingdom and beyond.

Erth Village, a highlight of the festival, is showcasing traditional handicrafts, games and clothing, the SPA reported.

Visitors can learn about heritage professions in the craftsmen’s corner, including leather tanning, pottery, weaving, ornament making, sewing and embroidery.

The scheme stimulates the local economy and highlights the region’s culture through captivating performances and folk dances, the SPA added.

Local perfumes and herbs are on display, highlighting the area’s rich heritage. Food enthusiasts can try traditional dishes that showcase local ingredients and culinary traditions.

Spanning three months, the event features 300 activities across 42 sites in Jazan and its governorates. The festival’s activities also include art exhibitions, plays and poetry gatherings.