Painting the Saudi vision at Souq Okaz festival

More than 50 artists from across Saudi Arabia took part in the creation of a 560-square-meter green mural at Souq Okaz, according to Mamdouh Salem, the CEO of Rowad Media.

Salem said: “The mural is the first to be painted in the form of the word Okaz in Arabic and in this size.”

The artists’ paintings, he said, captured the Kingdom’s landmarks, its achievements, Vision 2030, Souq Okaz, Arabian horses, Arabic alphabets and ancient life in Souq Okaz.

The CEO pointed out that each of the participating artists will display four of his paintings on the mural’s site. Six sculptors from within the country — Ali Al-Tekhis, Mohammed Al-Thaqafi, Ali Al-Hassan, Talal Al-Tokhais, Saeed Al-Zahrani and Ali Asiri — participated for the first time this year in creating the mural

The 12th Souq Okaz festival has brought together several sculptors for the first time at the event,  said Al-Thaqafi.

“Each of us (sculptors) gets inspired by Souq Okaz, its culture, and its future outlook.” He said Souq Okaz takes several steps forward every year.

“In 2009, we had prepared 22 granite rocks and written pre-Islamic as well as Islamic poems on them,”Al-Thaqafi said. 

“There were several unsuccessful attempts in the past few years until our dream became true this year and now we have a forum that will continue in the coming years.”

Salem told Arab News that the 1,800-square-meter Science Oasis painting of Arabic alphabets was created by 60 artists, including designers, architects, and workers.

“The painting aims to bring attention to Arabic alphabets since we are in Souq Okaz, which is linked to Arab history and the lives of Arabian tribes,” he said.

“It took the artists 30 days — 12 hours a day — to finish this painting.”

Salem said there was a suggested plan to design an oasis or garden for Arabic alphabets through which visitors can walk and take pictures.

The Arab Republic of Egypt, the guest of honor at the festival this year, provides several performances, including the Egyptian opera and takht.

Egypt’s Minister of Culture Inas Abdel Dayem said her country’s participation was part of a strong relationship between the two countries.

Wood-carving artisans

Artisans restored the splendor of Souq Okaz Avenue, coming from different parts of the Kingdom to display their creative works during the festival.

...[ Continue to next page ]  /  Source: arabnews