Al-Saidan Mosque, which is located in the northern province of Al-Jouf, has been an important religious landmark for many years. And now, thanks to the vision of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the mosque is set to undergo a major renovation project that will help retain its historical significance, while also ensuring that it remains relevant and accessible to future generations. The project is part of the Crown Prince’s broader efforts to preserve and promote the country’s cultural heritage, as well as modernize its infrastructure and boost economic growth. This article will explore the significance of the Al-Saidan Mosque, and the plans set in motion to renovate and revitalize this sacred site for the benefit of both locals and visitors.
The Naila Art Gallery in Riyadh has recently opened its much-awaited exhibition titled Qur’aniyat (Qur’anic), which promises an unforgettable experience for visitors. The exhibition will be on show alongside the Ramadan Season in Riyadh until April 12. The exhibit features 19 calligraphers and participating artists, showcasing a total of 37 artworks, in an integrated conversation between matter and spirit.
The gallery’s exhibition manager, Ameera Al-Zabin, explained: “During Ramadan, people engage in spiritual reflection, prayer, and come together in a spirit of community . . . the aim of this exhibition is to capture these profound themes and provide a source of inspiration and contemplation for those observing the holy month. Having an art exhibition during Ramadan can provide an opportunity to celebrate and showcase the rich artistic tradition of Islam.”
On entering the two-story space, the audience is met with 20 works by some of the most prominent calligraphy artists in the Kingdom. Nasser Al-Maimon showcases the verse in Surat Yousef in Nasta’liq font. Majed AlYoussef entrusts the audience to decipher the words written in a stylistic variation of the Arabic Thuluth font. Other featured calligraphers include Youssef Yahya and Walid Al-Marhoum.
On the second floor is a collection of artworks on display, from mixed media to sculptures and canvases, exploring the intersection of art and spirituality. Each artwork showcases the beauty and depth of either the Arabic language or the Islamic culture built around it, conveying a sense of tranquility, pleasure, and peace.
Salama Hassan, a self-taught artist specialized in the fine arts, pushes the boundaries of Arabic calligraphy to the point where her work transcends a mere font and becomes conceptual. Using Chinese typography characteristics to shape various verses in the Qur’an, Hassan prompts the audience to contemplate the language and verses at hand. The artwork becomes a puzzle, demanding the viewer to look deeper into the meaning and placement of each letter.
She traces the Qur’anic verses vertically, and each line holds one or two letters, calling the viewer to enunciate each letter and word. The method of language-bridging has also proved an insightful opportunity for cultural exchange. Hassan said: “The interest in these types of arts is beautiful. I’ve met with Chinese and Japanese families who were amazed. They thought, ‘Oh, that’s our language!’ It is at a first glance, but it’s truly the Arabic language.”
Another artist Rashid Al-Dabas intersects wool yarn within a circular frame. The thread overlaps intricately to form the word “Allah.” Rasha Siddig puts acrylic to canvas, commemorating the contemplative and inspiring atmosphere of the two holy mosques: the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.
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.
During the holy month of Ramadan, the gallery hopes to create a conversation around the duality of art and religion, connecting the soul and the divine.
Al-Zabin said: “(The exhibition) aims to evoke a sense of spirituality, tranquility and peace in the audiences. We hope that the audience and visitors will respond to these bodies of work with a sense of awe, appreciation, and contemplation, and that the exhibition will provide a meaningful and enriching artistic experience for all who attend.”
