Resin art shines at third Hail House Festival

Resin art is a modern handcraft which involves blending liquid resin with a hardening agent to create shapes. (SPA)
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Resin art is a modern handcraft which involves blending liquid resin with a hardening agent to create shapes. (SPA)
Resin art shines at third Hail House Festival
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Resin art is a modern handcraft which involves blending liquid resin with a hardening agent to create shapes. (SPA)
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Updated 05 July 2024
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Resin art shines at third Hail House Festival

Resin art is a modern handcraft which involves blending liquid resin with a hardening agent to create shapes. (SPA)
  • The festival aims to introduce visitors to ancestral lifestyles, showcasing traditional food, clothing, housing and everyday life practices, while also presenting various regional and external folk arts and shows

RIYADH: The resin art pavilion at the “Hail House,” themed “Your Home Away from Home,” now in its third year, has become a major attraction at the Aja Park during its 30-day run.

The Saudi Press Agency reported that visitors of all ages, drawn to this distinctive art form, have flocked to the pavilion amid the festival’s traditional and artistic atmosphere.




Resin art is a modern handcraft which involves blending liquid resin with a hardening agent to create shapes. (SPA)

Resin art, a modern handcraft, involves blending liquid resin with a hardening agent to create solid, aesthetically pleasing shapes used in various applications.

Artist Layla Saleh Al-Shammari, who has been perfecting the craft for five years, showcased a diverse range of creations including women’s accessories, office and home decor, wall art, pens and serving platters.

HIGHLIGHT

The festival also features popular folk art performances, including the Saudi Ardah and Samri dances.

Her work incorporates techniques such as sea wave and shell imitations, geode stone replications, and the integration of natural materials such as plants and flowers. Al-Shammari also highlighted her use of local elements such as coffee, cardamom and the red sands characteristic of the Hail region, as well as palm fronds and Thamudic inscriptions.




Resin art is a modern handcraft which involves blending liquid resin with a hardening agent to create shapes. (SPA)

Al-Shammari outlined the financial viability of her craft due to its high demand, expressing gratitude to the festival organizers for the opportunity to exhibit these handcrafted items in a heritage setting.

The festival also features popular folk art performances, including the Saudi Ardah and Samri dances, which have captivated visitors with their traditional sword dances and chants.




Resin art is a modern handcraft which involves blending liquid resin with a hardening agent to create shapes. (SPA)

Marsal Al-Marsal, head of the Hail Folk Arts Group, said that “over 30 young performers present eight daily shows, incorporating national themes and traditional instruments like drums and swords.”

The performances showcased traditional Haili arts featuring aerial maneuvers, drums, swords and banners, reaffirming the enduring appeal of Haili folk arts at such festivals among enthusiasts of regional heritage.




Resin art is a modern handcraft which involves blending liquid resin with a hardening agent to create shapes. (SPA)

The festival aims to introduce visitors to ancestral lifestyles, showcasing traditional food, clothing, housing and everyday life practices, while also presenting various regional and external folk arts and shows.

This year, the Madinah region, represented by Yanbu governorate, is also participating with a special pavilion.

Faisal bin Salem Al-Juhani, the pavilion supervisor, explained that it featured Hijazi architecture, including two 150-year-old houses that demonstrated the distinctive and renowned “rawashin” (projecting oriel windows) of the region. These prominent windows, measuring between 60 cm to more than one meter, not only served ventilation purposes but also enhanced the aesthetic appeal and provided wide vistas for the household members.

The Madinah pavilion includes models of old Madinah neighborhoods, a fully equipped traditional fishing boat representing the western coast, and displays of traditional utensils, clothing and heritage models.

According to Al-Juhani, “the participation aims to promote Saudi cultural heritage, particularly that of the Madinah region.”

Al-Juhani thanked the organizers for providing the platform and opportunity for participation in these well-received events over the past three events. He said that he looked forward to future engagements at Hail House.

 


Saudi FM calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza at Gulf Research Meeting 2024

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan addresses the Gulf Research Meeting 2024 being held at University of Cambridge.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan addresses the Gulf Research Meeting 2024 being held at University of Cambridge.
Updated 19 sec ago
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Saudi FM calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza at Gulf Research Meeting 2024

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan addresses the Gulf Research Meeting 2024 being held at University of Cambridge.

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan called on Tuesday for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and “a renewed commitment to dialogue and negotiation guided by the principles of justice, equality, and mutual respect.”

Addressing the Gulf Research Meeting 2024 virtually, Prince Faisal said: “The ongoing violence and bloodshed in Gaza serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the urgent need for a durable solution that upholds the rights and dignity of all parties involved.”

He said the urgent need to find a pathway to the establishment of a viable and sovereign Palestinian state was central to the Kingdom’s vision for a just and peaceful world.

“In a world plagued by uncertainty and upheaval, the rules-based international order must stand as a bulwark against chaos and conflict, providing a framework for cooperation and peaceful coexistence among nations,” the foreign minister said.

“As we witness growing threats to this order, it is imperative that we reaffirm our commitment to upholding the principles of international law, mutual respect, and peaceful resolution of disputes,” Prince Faisal added.

He said the world must heed the warning signs of escalation and instability that threaten to engulf the region in turmoil.

“The spectre of conflict looms large, casting a dark shadow over our aspirations of prosperity and progress. It is incumbent upon us to exercise restraint, wisdom, and foresight in our actions, mindful of the consequences of reckless behaviour and brinkmanship.

“Saudi Arabia, guided by a vision of economic prosperity and collective benefit, has long been a steadfast proponent of regional stability and cooperation.“We believe in the transformative power of partnership and dialogue, seeking to build bridges of understanding and solidarity that transcend boundaries and divisions,” he told the annual meeting being held at the University of Cambridge.


Saudi FM receives phone call from newly appointed British counterpart

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs David Lammy.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs David Lammy.
Updated 09 July 2024
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Saudi FM receives phone call from newly appointed British counterpart

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs David Lammy.
  • Prince Faisal congratulated Lammy on his new role after the Labour Party’s landslide election win last week
  • Ministers discussed strengthening Saudi-British relations and joint cooperation between the two countries

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call from his new British counterpart David Lammy on Tuesday.

During the phone call, Prince Faisal congratulated Lammy on his new role after the Labour Party’s landslide election win last week.

The two ministers discussed strengthening Saudi-British relations and joint cooperation between the two countries.

They also discussed developments in the Gaza Strip, the situation in Lebanon, and the importance of reducing the intensity of escalation in the region.


Immersed in lilies — ‘Imagine Monet’ brings art to life in Jeddah

Immersed in lilies — ‘Imagine Monet’ brings art to life in Jeddah
Updated 09 July 2024
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Immersed in lilies — ‘Imagine Monet’ brings art to life in Jeddah

Immersed in lilies — ‘Imagine Monet’ brings art to life in Jeddah
  • The tech-powered exhibition showcases more than 200 masterpieces

JEDDAH: Visitors have the chance to immerse in the ethereal artworks of Claude Monet as the “Imagine Monet” exhibition, created by renowned artists Annabelle Mauger and Julien Baron, debuts in Jeddah.

Part of the 2024 Jeddah Season 2024 until July 28, the exhibition is powered by large scale displays of the paintings of one of the foremost figures of the impressionist school of art.

The exhibition also features a dedicated section for children, designed to engage young visitors with a blend of fun and education. (Supplied)

“Imagine Monet” showcases more than 200 masterpieces and is organized into three distinct sections, each offering a deep dive into different aspects of Monet’s life and work.

The first section shines a spotlight on Monet himself, his family, garden, and the landscapes that inspired him. The second section is dedicated to his famous series, including “Haystacks,” “Rouen Cathedral,” and “Gare Saint-Lazare.” The exhibition ends in a breathtaking display of Monet’s garden in Giverny and his iconic “Water Lilies” series.

HIGHLIGHTS

• ‘Imagine Monet’ brings the artist’s masterpieces to life through the innovative use of 40 HD projectors and Image Totale technology.

• Developed by Albert Plecy and enhanced by Hans Walter Muller’s topo-projection, this technique allows Monet’s artworks to transcend their frames.

• The exhibition space is designed as a discovery room, offering 360-degree views on walls and floors to capture Monet’s artistic journey.

Abdullah bin Slaih, an educational guide at the exhibition, elaborated on Monet’s innovative use of light and nature in his work: “He loved to paint … he especially loved to paint nature as he saw it exactly. That’s why they call it Impressionism, because he impressions nature as it is right in front of him, spot on, without any single error.”

The exhibition also features a dedicated section for children, designed to engage young visitors with a blend of fun and education. (Supplied)

The exhibition showcases works from the 1872 “Impression, Sunrise” to the “Water Lilies” series painted between 1914 and 1926, Slaih noted. “Monet, with no assistance, was inspired very much by nature … the Japanese bridge, for example. He made different paintings of it. So, we can see it in variations, for example, where we can see the same scene but with different lighting effects.

“The water lilies from Japan fascinated him so much that he brought them back home to Giverny, France. He painted them in different variations, angles, and reflections of the sun and lighting. This exhibition allows us to see the same subjects in different settings, such as sunshine, sunset, and different seasons,” he explained.

The exhibition also features a dedicated section for children, designed to engage young visitors with a blend of fun and education. (Supplied)

The exhibition combines the authenticity of Monet’s art with the advancements of modern technology, providing an educational yet deeply engaging experience suitable for all ages.

Visitors to the “Imagine Monet” exhibition are invited to immerse themselves in a transformative experience where Monet’s masterpieces come to life through the innovative use of 40 HD projectors and Image Totale technology.

Part of the 2024 Jeddah Season, the exhibition is organized into three distinct sections, each offering a deep dive into different aspects of Monet’s life  and work. (Supplied/SPA)

Developed by Albert Plecy and enhanced by Hans Walter Muller’s topo-projection, this technique allows Monet’s artworks to transcend their frames, filling the exhibition space with high-definition projections. The exhibition space itself is designed as a discovery room, offering 360-degree views on walls and floors that provide a comprehensive perspective on Monet’s artistic journey.

Visitors can explore Monet’s works from various angles, engaging in an audio-visual experience that deepens their understanding of his artistry while following their own path through the art, discovering new details and connections at their own pace.

The exhibition also features a dedicated section for children, designed to engage young visitors with a blend of fun and education. This area includes a green grass maze where kids can explore and play, surrounded by art installations and plants that reflect Monet’s love for nature. Interactive activities, such as creating their own artworks inspired by Monet’s style, and Monet-themed storybooks that introduce them to the artist’s life and work, are also available for younger visitors.

Arwah Masoud, a local art enthusiast, said: “Walking through the ‘Imagine Monet’ exhibition felt like stepping into a dream. The immersive experience brings Monet’s masterpieces to life in a way I've never seen before. It's breathtaking to see the same scenes in different lights and seasons, and the music adds an emotional depth that truly transports you into Monet’s world.”

Mohammed Saud, visiting with his children, expressed: “This exhibition is ideal for all ages. My kids were fascinated by the vibrant colors and interactive elements. It’s more than just an art display; it’s an educational journey that deepened our appreciation of Monet’s genius.

“They especially enjoyed painting and creating artwork in the kids’ section, which allowed us to explore the space and discover new details in each painting. It’s a great way for parents to keep their children engaged while we enjoy the exhibition.”

 


Coffee-brewing heritage of Baha’s mountain-grown Shadawi bean

Coffee-brewing heritage of Baha’s mountain-grown Shadawi bean
Updated 09 July 2024
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Coffee-brewing heritage of Baha’s mountain-grown Shadawi bean

Coffee-brewing heritage of Baha’s mountain-grown Shadawi bean
  • Thrives in distinct microclimate for exceptional flavor profile
  • Centuries-old Arab coffee-farming tradition is preserved here

RIYADH: In Baha’s Tihama area, the Shada Al-Asfal and Shada Al-Ala mountains harbor a prized agricultural heritage — the Shadawi coffee, a variety that thrives in the area’s distinct microclimate, producing beans renowned for their exceptional flavor profile.

The legacy of Shadawi coffee is as rich as its exceptional flavor and taste. A recent Saudi Press Agency report notes that the coffee demands meticulous care throughout its growth cycle, earning it a reputation as one of the most challenging crops to cultivate.

For the people of the Shada mountains, cultivating this rare, flavorful coffee is a commitment to preserving a centuries-old coffee-farming tradition. (SPA)

Historically, a single mountain’s yield ranged from 600 to 1,000 mudd — a traditional unit of measurement where one mudd is equivalent to 750 milliliters.

This was transported by pack animals to regional authorities as tribute.

For the people of the Shada mountains, cultivating this rare, flavorful coffee is a commitment to preserving a centuries-old coffee-farming tradition. (SPA)

In an interview with the SPA, Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, a Shada coffee farmer, detailed the intricate cultivation process: “Our coffee’s journey spans three years, starting in late summer. We harvest at the beginning of summer in the fourth year.”

The post-harvest process is equally precise, said Al-Ghamdi. “After picking, we dry and sort the cherries, then sun-dry them on rooftops for three days. Next, we store them indoors for two days before returning them to the rooftops for another five days.”

For the people of the Shada mountains, cultivating this rare, flavorful coffee is a commitment to preserving a centuries-old coffee-farming tradition. (SPA)

This careful process transforms the beans from red to black, concentrating flavors as moisture evaporates.

Traditional grinding methods involve using millstones, with some farmers employing specially designed equipment. The final step separates the husk from the bean, allowing for customized sales based on customer preferences.

For the people of the Shada mountains, cultivating this rare, flavorful coffee is more than agriculture — it is a commitment to preserving a centuries-old Arab coffee-farming tradition.

 


AlUla unveils groundbreaking study on Neolithic settlements in northwest Saudi Arabia

AlUla unveils groundbreaking study on Neolithic settlements in northwest Saudi Arabia
Updated 09 July 2024
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AlUla unveils groundbreaking study on Neolithic settlements in northwest Saudi Arabia

AlUla unveils groundbreaking study on Neolithic settlements in northwest Saudi Arabia
  • The research, conducted under the auspices of the Royal Commission for AlUla, reveals a more sophisticated society than previously imagined
  • The research team has presented its latest conclusions and observations on archaeological investigations of structures known as standing stone circles

Riyadh: New archaeological evidence reshapes the understanding of Neolithic life in northwest Saudi Arabia, according to a study published in the journal Levant.
The research, conducted under the auspices of the Royal Commission for AlUla, reveals a more sophisticated society than previously imagined, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Jane McMahon from the University of Sydney, working with a research team as part of an RCU-supervised excavation project explained that they have uncovered a complex community that engaged in cattle herding, crafted jewelry, and participated in extensive trade networks. The strategic location of these settlements facilitated commerce with distant regions, including eastern Jordan and coastal areas along the Red Sea.
The research team has presented its latest conclusions and observations on archaeological investigations of structures known as standing stone circles. These dwellings consist of vertically placed stone slabs forming circles with diameters ranging from four to eight meters.
The study examined 431 standing stone circles at various sites in Harrat Uwayrid in AlUla, with 52 undergoing field surveys and 11 being excavated.
Researchers found that stone slabs, arranged in two concentric rows, likely served as foundations for wooden poles, possibly made of acacia. These poles would have supported the structure’s roof. At the center of each circular dwelling, a single stone slab appears to have anchored the main wooden column. This architectural feature suggests a sophisticated understanding of weight distribution and structural support among the ancient inhabitants. The discovery of various tools and animal remains at the site has led archaeologists to propose that dwelling roofs were fashioned from animal hides.
McMahon explained that “this research challenges hypotheses about how early northwest Arabian inhabitants lived.” She emphasized that these people were not merely simple pastoralists but had distinctive architecture, domesticated animals, jewelry, and diverse tools. Based on the number and size of stone circles, their population was likely substantial and much larger than previously thought.
Rebecca Foote, who heads archaeology and cultural heritage research at the RCU, has emphasized the significant impact of the commission’s archaeological initiatives. Under the RCU’s supervision, what is described as the world’s most comprehensive archaeological program has yielded crucial insights into the lives of Neolithic inhabitants in the region. Foote underscored the commission’s dedication to continued research efforts aimed at highlighting AlUla’s diverse cultural heritage and ongoing work towards establishing a globally recognized hub for archaeological studies.
Researchers examining animal bones from the Harrat Uwayrid site have uncovered evidence of a robust prehistoric economy. The findings indicate that the ancient inhabitants relied on a mix of domesticated animals like goats and sheep, and wild animals such as gazelles and birds for their livelihood. This diverse approach to animal exploitation likely provided the population with resilience in the face of environmental fluctuations.
Excavations have unearthed tools linked to animal husbandry, including implements for wool shearing and sheep slaughter.
Arrowheads discovered match types used in southern and eastern Jordan, indicating clear interaction between the regions.
Small perforated snail and seashells, likely used as decorative beads, were found at the sites. These shells correspond to those from the Red Sea, 120 km away, suggesting import from the coast during the Neolithic period.
Other artifacts include sandstone and limestone ornaments and bracelets, as well as a piece of red sandstone chalk, possibly used for drawing.
Researchers concluded that the study “greatly clarified the connected (yet distinct) nature of the Neolithic period in AlUla.”
The research team included experts from King Saud University, local AlUla residents like Youssef Al-Balawi who provided ethnographic and cultural insights, and students from the University of Hail.