The Naila Art Gallery is currently hosting an exhibition called “Qur’aniyat (Qur’anic)” in Riyadh, during the Ramadan season, until April 12. The exhibition showcases 37 artworks from 19 calligraphers and participating artists, exploring the intersection of art and spirituality. Ameera Al-Zabin, the gallery’s exhibition manager, explained that the exhibition aims to capture the profound themes of Ramadan, providing inspiration and contemplation for those observing the holy month.
Islamic art has a rich and diverse history, encompassing various styles and mediums. The exhibition provides an opportunity to celebrate and showcase the artistic tradition of Islam, which has made significant contributions to the global artistic canon. On the first floor of the gallery, visitors are met with 20 works by some of the most prominent calligraphy artists in the Kingdom, including Nasser Al-Maimon, Majed AlYoussef, Youssef Yahya, and Walid Al-Marhoum.
The second floor showcases a collection of artworks, from mixed media to sculptures and canvases, conveying a sense of tranquility, pleasure, and peace. Salama Hassan, a self-taught artist specializing in the fine arts, pushes the boundaries of Arabic calligraphy to the point where her work transcends a mere font and becomes conceptual. She uses Chinese typography characteristics to shape various verses in the Qur’an, prompting the audience to contemplate the language and verses at hand.
Rashid Al-Dabas intersects wool yarn within a circular frame to form the word “Allah.” At the same time, Rasha Siddig commemorates the contemplative and inspiring atmosphere of the two holy mosques: the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, using acrylic on canvas. Other featured artists include Nahar Marzoq, Ibrahim Al-Hoshan, Elaf Alousi, Khoula Al-Ghafili, Samia bin Zina, Abdullah Al-Anzi, Aliah Hilal, Mohammed Al-Thaqafi, Mohammed Al-Shaie, Maha Khokir, Nora Al-Andis, and Haya Al-Fassam.
Naila Art Gallery hopes to create a conversation around the duality of art and religion, connecting the soul and the divine during the holy month of Ramadan. Al-Zabin hopes that the exhibition will provide a meaningful and enriching artistic experience for all who attend, evoking a sense of spirituality, tranquility, and peace.