JEDDAH, 23 December 2004 — A sample of what digital imaging can do to art is available for viewing at an exhibition at La Promenade 2 on Tahlia Street here.
“All exhibits are imaginatively conceived,” remarked Jeddah Chamber of Commerce & Industry Chairman Adel Fakeeh while touring the show on Monday night.
A select group of Saudi and international artists of diverse backgrounds, including Egyptians and Americans, offers a glimpse into their world through self-expression and creativity at the show labeled “Arts@Motion.”
Nine artists, four of them photographers and the others who include graphic art designers, have exhibited 48 works using colorful paints to wood engraving and woodblock print, lithograph, etching monoprint, monotype and ceramic. They have used themes ranging from the Saudi lifestyle and Old Jeddah to trees, seasons and fruits.
“I’ve tried my best to transform my dreams into some of my exhibits,” said Huda Ahmad Totonji, a graphic design lecturer at Dar Al-Hekma College. She has used newspaper cuttings in some of her artworks. Her seven exhibits are all titled “Journey.”
A drawing and painting graduate from George Mason University, Huda has received accolades for her Arabic calligraphy. “I’ve taken part in over 20 exhibitions worldwide and have recently completed my graduate studies in visual information technology,” she said.
Latin American artist Angela Franco Anderson, impressed by the Saudi lifestyle and traditional windows, has four exhibits titled “Saudi Family,” “3 Windows,” “Dreams” and “Red Poetry.” Holding a masters in painting and engraving from Columbia, Angela currently heads the graphic design program at Dar Al-Hekma College.
Saudi artist Maha M. Dabbagh has used her imagination in seven pieces of her colorful works that include “Surprised Lost Face,” “Colorful Tree,” “Old Jeddah” as titles. “My work consists mainly of photography edited with the use of PhotoShop,” said Maha who holds a degree in Islamic art from King Abdul Aziz University.
Margaret E. Graham, who has a masters in printmaking from the University of Oregon, has reflected on “Seasons” “Waterfall,” “Carter Lake” and “Green Mountain” with the help of wood engraving print, woodblock print, lithograph and etching monoprint.
Rania A. Razek has 10 exhibits on display that include an Abha home, tulips, tall palms, beetle, pretty and dipping ducks, aside from fruits like apples and oranges. She is a member of the Photographic Societies of America and Egypt.
Saudi photographer Rawya Al-Esayi’s five exhibits include red daisy, green nature and purple blooms. “My photography consists mainly of studio and nature shots,” said Rawya, a new comer to the Jeddah community of artists.
Reem Shaker Edrees, also a Saudi artist, has old houses and texture in ceramics. Her ceramic pieces have been exhibited in various shows here and across the Kingdom. “I’ve received recognition from the Jeddah municipality and the Saudi Society for Culture and Arts this year,” she said.
