JEDDAH: A local gallery here is displaying the work of several artists solely using paper to express themselves, as a commentary on a world facing the rapid encroachment of digital technology.

Hafez Gallery is displaying the work of solo show artist Raeda Ashour and others including Afsoon, Mohammed Al-Ajlan, Lulwah Al-Homoud, Fahad Al-Niymah, Nasser Al-Salem, Jean Bagoussian, Fadia Haddad, Miriam Londono, Abdulrahman Katanani, Filwa Nazer and Hala Schoukair.

“Paper has long been the medium of communication, of ideas, of art and artists, reflecting character and time since it was invented by the Chinese and turned into an industry during the Islamic Empire,” said Ashour.

She said paper was used to comment on how it is slowly losing its one imperious position in the world. “Moreover, the contemporary art scene in the region has witnessed a decline in the use of traditional paper art as various other techniques and mediums have gained ground,” she said.

The artists have produced work that wants to show paper still has a significant relevance today, with calligraphy, collage and drawings in both traditional and contemporary styles.

Qaswra Hafez, founder of the Hafez Gallery, said: “The raw surface of paper itself is a dialogue between fibers and minerals. Creating textures and patterns between context and techniques will allow the visitors to take a deeper look at what can be seen through art.”