Multidisciplinary art residency captures spirit of Jeddah’s Al-Balad

Artists from diverse backgrounds explored the theme of movement and transformed Bait Shouaib into an active participant in their creative process. (Supplied)
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Artists from diverse backgrounds explored the theme of movement and transformed Bait Shouaib into an active participant in their creative process. (Supplied)
Multidisciplinary art residency captures spirit of Jeddah’s Al-Balad
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Artists from diverse backgrounds explored the theme of movement and transformed Bait Shouaib into an active participant in their creative process. (Supplied)
Multidisciplinary art residency captures spirit of Jeddah’s Al-Balad
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Artists from diverse backgrounds explored the theme of movement and transformed Bait Shouaib into an active participant in their creative process. (Supplied)
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Updated 01 February 2025
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Multidisciplinary art residency captures spirit of Jeddah’s Al-Balad

Multidisciplinary art residency captures spirit of Jeddah’s Al-Balad
  • Bait Shouaib Residency brings together diverse creatives to reflect on ‘movement’ in historic district

JEDDAH: Athr Foundation’s Bait Shouaib Arts Residency in Al-Balad district brought together a filmmaker, curator and two artists, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration over an eight-week program.

The Moving Narratives cycle explored the theme of movement through diverse lenses and transformed the historic Bait Shouaib into an active participant in the creative process.

The exhibition, which was open last month as part of this year’s Islamic Arts Biennale, welcomed visitors to witness interpretations of Jeddah’s cultural and historical essence through contemporary art.




Hayfa Algwaiz created a site-specific mobile installation in Bait Shouaib’s stairwell, or minwar. (Supplied)

Residency director and senior program manager at Athr Foundation, Ibrahim Romman, highlighted the program’s impact and told Arab News: “Each resident’s exploration of ‘movement’ became an invitation to reflect on how stories, spaces and identities shift and intersect.

“Together, their work offered a richly layered response to the theme, presenting interdisciplinary perspectives that bridged the historical with the contemporary.”

Sudanese artist Rund Alarabi has created a poetic video installation bridging the cultural and architectural legacies of the port cities of Jeddah and Suakin, Sudan.




Vietnamese curator Nhat Q. Vo centered his project around Al-Shafi’i Mosque. (Supplied)

Her project delves into the undocumented and intangible aspects of collective memory. She told Arab News: “Living between Frankfurt, Khartoum and Jeddah has fed my practice with various materials and unraveled new ways of misunderstanding. This has led me to question what I consider to be given and rethink my understanding of global and local consensus.”

Featuring sensory elements such as soundscapes composed of everyday cooking utensils, her installation forges an intimate connection to cultural memory. “Sound and moving images act as vessels that challenge our understanding of reality. They highlight overlooked aspects of our existence by infiltrating beyond our preconceived assumptions,” she said.

Filmmaker Nada Al-Mojadedi drew inspiration from Hejazi folklore to craft an immersive narrative that seamlessly blends performance, textiles and moving images. Her dual-room installation transformed her studio into a theatrical set, inviting visitors to journey through time.




Sudanese artist Rund Alarabi’s video installation bridged the architectural legacies of the port cities of Jeddah and Suakin, Sudan. (Supplied)

Al-Mojadedi explained: “I wanted to blur the lines between performer and observer, offering an intimate reflection on identity and memory.”

Speaking about her approach to the theme, she added: “For me, movement transcends the physical; it embodies the unseen — a constant, evolving force of imagination, a ‘quantum dance’ through time and space. This concept guided my exploration of Hejazi folklore, where I intertwined heritage with newly crafted urban legends.

“Immersing myself in Al-Balad’s vibrant life and stories, and inspired by my connection to Bait Shouaib and a visiting butterfly, I created Haleema, a Hejazi urban legend inspired by the untold stories of women who once lived in these spaces.”

Reflecting on her creative process, Al-Mojadedi said: “My work layers the personal with the performative, reimagining space as both a site of storytelling and an active participant in the narrative. Being part of this residency was an enriching experience that allowed us to delve into the dynamic cultural tapestry of Al-Balad and contribute our individual narratives to its enduring story.”

Similarly, another artist, Nhat Q. Vo, a Vietnamese curator and cultural worker, explored the transient histories of Jeddah’s migrant worker communities, centering his project around Al-Shafi’i Mosque, a hub of cultural exchange.

“When I arrived in Al-Balad, I was drawn to its physical environment and the untold stories of the laborers who sustain Historic Jeddah. At first, the language barrier made it difficult to connect, but my discovery of Al-Shafi’i Mosque changed everything.

“The sight of people gathering for iftar, united by faith despite their differences, inspired me to represent their stories through their shared rituals rather than words.”

Speaking about how architecture informed his creative approach, he said: “Architecture became a vessel for these narratives, a place where diverse communities converge. Using over 70 meters of fabric to replace the plastic sufra at the mosque, I allowed the material to absorb the traces of shared meals and human connection.

“The fabric, marked by food crumbs, oil stains and creases, became a tangible record of collective memory. For me, the real inspiration comes from the people whose lives and routines shape the rich tapestry of these spaces.”

Riyadh-based artist and architect, Hayfa Algwaiz, has created a site-specific mobile installation in Bait Shouaib’s stairwell, or minwar, exploring the interplay between movement, space and architectural elements.

Activating the stairwell as a dynamic participant in her narrative, she said: “The subtle movement of the mobile mirrored the ephemeral qualities of light, air and transition experienced in Al-Balad. By focusing on a single element, I was able to honor the historic significance of the space while introducing contemporary artistic interpretations.”

Elaborating on her approach, she said: “As an artist and architect, I strive to bridge the past and the present by focusing on elements that connect them, such as the framed openings in historic structures like Bait Shouaib. These openings, adorned with intricate ornamentation, are constants that I deconstruct and reconstruct to reflect our contemporary times.

“In Saudi Arabia’s rapidly changing urban landscape, I aim to spark a dialogue around what should be preserved and what can evolve. By reinterpreting traditional materials, spatial layouts and ornamentation into modern expressions, I hope to honor our cultural identity while embracing the future.”

Animated by natural airflow, her installation reflects the residency’s ethos of bridging tradition with innovation.

“Architecture has the potential to transform into a living, breathing entity, and I sought to capture that essence,” she said.

 


White House thanks crown prince for facilitating Russia, Ukraine talks

White House thanks crown prince for facilitating Russia, Ukraine talks
Updated 26 March 2025
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White House thanks crown prince for facilitating Russia, Ukraine talks

White House thanks crown prince for facilitating Russia, Ukraine talks

RIYADH: The White House has thanked Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for facilitating talks with Russia and Ukraine about safe navigation in the Black Sea.
A statement said: “The United States expresses gratitude to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his leadership and hospitality in once again facilitating these important discussions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
The US reached separate agreements with Russia and Ukraine in Riyadh to keep the waterway — a vital route for agricultural goods — secure.
The two parties visited the Kingdom to discuss, along with US and Saudi officials, first steps on settling crucial issues in the hopes of reaching a wider resolution to the conflict.
Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 and has annexed parts of the country.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the talks, calling them early steps toward a peaceful settlement.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said: “We will need clear guarantees. And given the sad experience of agreements with just Kyiv, the guarantees can only be the result of an order from Washington to Zelensky and his team to do one thing and not the other.”


Saudi Arabia condemns Israel attack in Syria that killed civilians

Saudi Arabia condemns Israel attack in Syria that killed civilians
Updated 26 March 2025
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Saudi Arabia condemns Israel attack in Syria that killed civilians

Saudi Arabia condemns Israel attack in Syria that killed civilians

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned on Wednesday an Israeli attack on Syria that killed civilians.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry statement said the Kingdom reiterates its categorical rejection of the continued attempts of the Israeli occupation authorities to undermine the security and stability of Syria and the region through their blatant and repeated violations of relevant international laws.
Syrian authorities said the attack on the village of Kuwayya killed at least 6 civilians.
The Syrian foreign ministry in a statement condemned “the continued Israeli aggression on Syrian territory, which saw a dangerous escalation in the village of Kuwayya” in the southern Daraa province.
Israel has continued its bombing campaign in Syria even after the ouster of Bashar Assad, whose rule came to an end last year after a swift rebel advance led to him fleeing to Russia.


Ramadan through the lens of art

Saudi photographer Sultan Al-Qahtani captures crescent moons, street scenes and family gatherings as central elements. (Supplied
Saudi photographer Sultan Al-Qahtani captures crescent moons, street scenes and family gatherings as central elements. (Supplied
Updated 25 March 2025
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Ramadan through the lens of art

Saudi photographer Sultan Al-Qahtani captures crescent moons, street scenes and family gatherings as central elements. (Supplied
  • Holy month inspires creative process
  • Themes of faith and introspection reflected in artwork

RIYADH: The holy month of Ramadan offers profound creative inspiration with its themes of faith, renewal and introspection, three Saudi artists have told Arab News.

Norah Al-Ruwaili, Manar Al-Otaibi and Sultan Al-Qahtani discussed how Ramadan shapes their artistic expression.

For Al-Ruwaili, the holy month allows her to engage with her work more deeply. “Ramadan naturally slows everything down, creating space for reflection and intentionality,” she said.

 An artwork featuring floral patterns and Arabic calligraphy. (Supplied/@noras.scribbles)

“That shift influences my art. I become more mindful of the themes I explore and the emotions I want to convey.”

Al-Otaibi echoed this sentiment, describing how Ramadan transforms her approach to creativity.

“Ramadan deeply influences my artistic process by bringing a sense of stillness, introspection and spirituality,” she said.

Usually warmth is presented in the sunny days. In Ramadan, nights lights are vibrant and reflect warmth.

Sultan Al-Qahtani

For Al-Qahtani, a photographer, Ramadan shifts his focus to nighttime settings and the beauty of lights in the holy month. “Usually warmth is presented in the sunny days. In Ramadan, nights lights are vibrant and reflect warmth,” he said.

Al-Ruwaili finds herself “drawn to themes of stillness, spirituality and inner transformation.

“Patterns, calligraphy and elements inspired by prayer mats or architecture often appear in my work, like in my Mihrab paintings.

A vibrant mihrab-inspired artwork adorned with red floral elements. (Supplied/@noras.scribbles)

“I also love incorporating symbolism, whether through floral elements that represent spiritual blossoming or color choices that evoke serenity and depth,” she said.

Al-Otaibi uses “vibrant colors and intricate patterns” to express the emotions of the holy month.

For Al-Qahtani, Ramadan photography records the community spirit; he captures crescent moons, street scenes and family gatherings as central elements.

Al-Ruwaili said that spirituality and creativity are inseparable during Ramadan: “Creativity and spirituality aren’t separate for me, they intertwine. My artistic process becomes quieter and more intentional during Ramadan, almost like a form of meditation.”

But balancing creative work with fasting and responsibilities is a challenge, Al-Otaibi said. “It can be challenging, especially with work and other responsibilities. However, I often feel refreshed and inspired after iftar, which helps me reconnect with my creative flow,” she added.

Al-Qahtani experiences creative moments spontaneously, often between prayers and meals: “Creative moments are not planned but sometimes it can be harnessed late at night between prayers and meals.”

Representing the true spirit of Ramadan in visual art is not always easy. For Al-Ruwaili, moving beyond traditional imagery like lanterns and crescents to capture the feeling of Ramadan is her biggest challenge.

“Ramadan is deeply personal and spiritual, so visually representing its essence without being overly literal can be challenging,” she said.

“I try to move beyond traditional symbols like lanterns or crescents and focus more on the feeling of Ramadan: The sense of peace, renewal and contemplation.”

Al-Otaibi also struggles to visually depict the intangible elements of the holy month. “One challenge is translating the atmosphere of Ramadan into visual art, through key elements like the moon, fanous lights and family gatherings.

For Al-Qahtani, the challenge lies in capturing aesthetic nighttime lighting without overexposing the image: “Since most of the pictures I take are in the night, (I need) proper lighting — aesthetically pleasing lights, not just lots of lights.”

Al-Ruwaili’s Mihrab digital paintings hold a deep personal meaning: “My Mihrab digital paintings are probably the clearest example. They were inspired by the patterns found in prayer mats, which hold so much significance in daily spiritual practice.

“To me, they represent a sacred space; a personal retreat where stillness and connection meet,” she said.

Al-Otaibi created a painting of a family gathering during suhoor, which “represents togetherness, tradition and the quiet beauty of Ramadan nights.”

Al-Qahtani’s photography showcases Ramadan’s lights and the communal spirit.

Through painting, photography and digital art, the three artists capture the essence of the holy month, reflecting a period that is both personal and universally meaningful.

 


Riyadh to host occupational safety talks in May

Riyadh to host occupational safety talks in May
Updated 25 March 2025
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Riyadh to host occupational safety talks in May

Riyadh to host occupational safety talks in May
  • Al-Rajhi highlighted the event as a milestone in advancing global dialogue on occupational safety and health and improving compliance with standards at regional and global levels

RIYADH: The 7th Global Occupational Safety and Health Conference will be held in Riyadh from May 4 to 6, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The event will gather local and international leaders from governments, the private sector, and academia, to discuss the future of occupational safety and health, as well as challenges and opportunities in global labor markets.

Ahmed Al-Rajhi, Human Resources and Social Development Minister. (SPA)

The conference aims to promote a culture of safety by fostering dialogue on the latest trends, innovations, and best practices while sharing essential knowledge, the SPA reported.

It will focus on developing policies and preventive measures to enhance occupational safety and health, with an emphasis on the role of technology in improving workplace environments.

Saudi Arabia’s Human Resources and Social Development Minister Ahmed Al-Rajhi said: “The conference will address critical issues impacting work ecosystems and work on developing optimal frameworks.”

Al-Rajhi highlighted the event as a milestone in advancing global dialogue on occupational safety and health and improving compliance with standards at regional and global levels.

 


Governor opens new Altanfeethi Lounge at Madinah airport

Governor opens new Altanfeethi Lounge at Madinah airport
Updated 25 March 2025
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Governor opens new Altanfeethi Lounge at Madinah airport

Governor opens new Altanfeethi Lounge at Madinah airport
  • Spanning 1,200 sq. meters, the lounge can accommodate over 240,000 passengers annually

MADINAH: Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz has opened the new Altanfeethi Lounge at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport.

Spanning 1,200 sq. meters, the lounge can accommodate over 240,000 passengers annually, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The inauguration was attended by the General Authority of Civil Aviation’s President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, and Mohammed Alkhuraisi, the chairman of the Altanfeethi Company’s board of directors, along with regional civil and military officials.