Culture & Education | Wednesday 18 October, 2017 4:49 am |

On the occasion of Saudi National Day, Boulevard hosted an art gallery for leading Saudi artist Safeya Binzagr, which was attended by distinguished intellectuals, artists and members of the Saudi society. The gallery is part of the ongoing recognition of artist Safeya Binzagr, who was received the King Abdulaziz Award at Al Janadriya Festival of 2016. Other major awards Safeya received include Diploma “Di Eccelenza - Grolla D’Ora” in 1982 in Italy, and a number of certificates of recognition and medals of Honor for her exemplary and rich works of fine art.

 

Safeya is considered a pioneer of Saudi fine art and a founding member of the Saudi Fine Arts Movement. She was born in 1940 in the Harat Al Sham quarters of the old Jeddah and was famous for depicting the heritage, folklore culture and architecture of Jeddah in all her works. She has contributed immensely to promoting the unique culture, heritage and traditions of the Saudi society throughout the world.

 

Mohammed Saidi, mall manager of Boulevard, expressed his pride for hosting this prolific gallery with paintings that reflect the changes in Saudi clothes and customs over the past decades. “Boulevard was designed to be the ideal destination for hosting art and contemporary cultural events and art exhibitions. Boulevard proposes unique experiences for those seeking exclusive fashion, beauty and style within an inspiring environment that reflects their unique lifestyles, in the finest of details,” said Mohammed.

 

He added: “It is indeed a great honor for us to celebrate the Saudi National Day through the traditional costumes that were recreated by the artist Safeya Binzagr upheld and promoted internationally. We have witnessed closely artist Safeya’s role in developing fine art in Saudi Arabia and how she inspired the social, cultural and traditional movement in many ways. We are delighted to be part of this heritage revival through this special event, which we hope will not be the last as it brings back our beautiful and rich past.”

 

In order to promote and preserve this rich social heritage, artist Safeya Binzagr established a gallery that carried her name - Darat Safeya Binzagr - which embraces all her work in addition to a library of art and literature that comes with complete supplies and art ensembles.

Safeya Binzagr expressed her gratitude and appreciation to Boulevard for hosting and celebrating her work that emanates the essence of Saudi’s heritage and history, and providing the opportunity to witness for the Saudi community to witness this beautiful era in a gallery that perfectly complements the design and architecture of the complex, adding an aesthetic dimension to the exhibition.

“It has been around 50 years since my first personal exhibition, which was held in 1968 in Jeddah, and this one taking place at the Boulevard in Jeddah,’” said Safeya Binzagr. “It has been a great journey of over five decades, during which I was honored to receive the King Abdulaziz medal in 2017. I am delighted and extremely touched by the love and admiration of the public towards my paintings that have documented and preserved our rich history.”

 

The painting titled “Al Zaboon” remains to be Safeya’s most famous work of art, which she painted in 1969 to reflect the costume worn by the Hijazi woman in the western region of Saudi Arabia. The painting, Al Zaboon, was presented at an exhibition and show in Paris in 1980 and was referred to as the "Hijazi Mona Lisa". Thereafter, it became an icon that represents Hijazi women in particular and Arab women in general.

 

The gallery in Boulevard was launched on 20th of September, to commemorate Saudi National Day, and is open to the public until the 30th of this month.

 

Located on King Abdul Azizi Road, Boulevard is the premium luxury destination of choice in Jeddah that houses the finest selection of many high-end renowned international brands, in addition to a unique collection of international restaurants and cafes, including Joe’s Café and Karam Beirut restaurant. Boulevard is the luxurious district for those seeking exclusive fashion, elite brands and a stylish outdoors venue refined by nature, exotic by choice.