Deaf artist breaks barriers with solo debut in Jeddah
The Saudi artist is no stranger to the local art scene, having taken part in exhibitions across the Kingdom and overcome the barriers accompanying being severely deaf.
And at the Saudi Arabian Society of Culture and Arts in Jeddah on Sunday, Abu Talib showcased more than 40 paintings to leading artists and lovers of the genre.
Titled 'Inspiration,' the exhibition marked a milestone, presenting her work to the public while highlighting her artistic journey amid years of persistence.
Abu Talib hopes to represent the Kingdom in international competitions. She also hopes the arts society will continue supporting disabled and female artists by providing platforms for their creativity.
Her passion began in childhood, when natural talent blossomed into fine art shaped by a beautiful dream. She lost her hearing as a child and faced speech difficulties, but met her challenges with patience, courage, and ambition.
Determined to express herself, she used a brush and colors as her voice — turning her childhood dreams into vivid reality.
She shared that hearing loss kept her from entering university, but her late father convinced her it did not mean giving up her ambitions.
Inspired by his words, she began participating in exhibitions while raising her children and fulfilling her duties as a mother.
She believes her disability has sharpened her visual perception — a gift she channels into her art.
'I'm so happy that, after 38 years, my dream has come true with this solo exhibition,' she said. 'I thank the Saudi Arabian Society of Culture and Arts in Jeddah for giving me this opportunity.'
Abu Talib hopes to represent the Kingdom in international competitions. She also hopes the arts society will continue supporting disabled and female artists by providing platforms for their creativity.
Maha Abdulhalim Radwi, secretary-general of the Radwi Art Prize, said the artist had finally achieved a major milestone, adding: 'This event allowed her to showcase her unique perspective and creative talent to a wider audience, proving that art transcends communication barriers.'
Mohammed Al-Subaih, the director general of the SASCA, said Abu Talib had dreamed of a solo exhibition for nearly four decades — and was now finally living that dream.
He added: 'She's participated with us in many workshops and group exhibitions; now it's time to celebrate her first solo show.
'She deserves all the support and encouragement.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
an hour ago
- Arab News
Where We Are Going Today: Telad Cafe in Jeddah
Looking for a modern spot with subtle touches of Saudi culture? Telad Cafe in Jeddah's Ash Shati district offers interiors that mix contemporary style and technology — like its iPad menu — with retro decor for a classic feel. The menu is fairly standard but provides a good range of options. Breakfast choices, such as the croissant with scrambled eggs, and the truffle omelet, come in portions large enough for two. Sandwiches, including the honey halloumi and salmon pesto wrap, offer some variety, while salads and starters like chicken hummus, mozzarella sticks, avocado and olive tapenade dips, or chicken quesadilla are good lighter options. Pasta options include fettuccine Alfredo and penne arrabiata, and the burger selection — including the mm' bite burger — looks satisfying. Desserts such as kunafa burrata and affogato French toast add some interesting flavors, and drinks like the tahini latte and candy pop coffee offer a twist on standard coffee options. The cafe's top floor has views of the Formula One track, a nice spot for photos. Its location and reasonable pricing make it a convenient choice for casual meetups or coffee breaks.
Arab News
3 hours ago
- Arab News
Saudi participation at Expo 2025 greatly contributes to deeper mutual understanding, says Japan's ambassador
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Vice Minister of Culture Hamed Fayez has met Japan's Ambassador to the Kingdom Yasunari Morino at the Ministry of Culture in Riyadh. Fayez expressed his gratitude to the Japanese for their generous support of the Kingdom during its participation at Expo 2025. The event is being held in Osaka, Japan, and concludes on Oct. 13. It is the second time that Osaka Prefecture has hosted such an event, having previously hosted Expo 1970. The Saudi minister also voiced his enthusiasm for Japan's participation at Expo 2030, which will be held in Riyadh. Japan's ambassador told Arab News: 'I had a very good meeting with the vice minister. We share a positive outlook on Japan-Saudi cultural exchanges, especially on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Japan-Saudi relations. 'We appreciate the Saudi government's active participation in the Osaka-Kansai Expo, which greatly contributes to the deepening of mutual understanding between Japan and Saudi Arabia. We look forward to the Riyadh Expo in 2030.' The two officials also focused on cultural exchanges between the Kingdom and Japan in several fields, including the 'Manga Hokusai Manga' exhibition earlier this year at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Saudi Cultural Week in July in Osaka, which marked 70 years of diplomatic relations between the countries. Riyadh is to celebrate that milestone with a special Japan Festival which is scheduled for Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. The event will spotlight Japanese culture, with traditional performances, hands-on workshops, tourism experiences, and corporate booths A special performance featuring a traditional type of Japanese theater will take place at the event, which is to be held at Riyadh's Cultural Palace.
Arab News
7 hours ago
- Arab News
Beast House: Where music and musicians tune and vibe
RIYADH: In the heart of Riyadh's JAX District, Beast House has emerged as one of the Kingdom's most dynamic creative hubs — a space where musicians, producers, designers, and artists come together to collaborate, connect, and grow. Located in Diriyah's J12, Beast House is more than just a music venue. It serves as a meeting point for Saudi and international talent, blending entertainment, culture, and community into one destination. Whether through workshops, live performances, or casual gatherings, the space provides a platform for creative expression that reflects the Kingdom's rapidly evolving cultural scene. German DJ, producer, and label founder David Galla first encountered Beast House during a visit to Riyadh and was immediately struck by the atmosphere. 'I visited in April, toured the studios, and knew instantly this was a place I wanted to be,' he said. 'The team, the vibe, the creativity — it's all very inspiring. Saudi Arabia has something special here, and the people are so welcoming.' Among the local talents who have found a home at Beast House is Rayan Charani, a 17-year-old Lebanese producer and singer who was born and raised in Riyadh. Passionate about pop and electronic music, Charani said the community spirit is what makes the space unique. 'The equipment is great, but it's really the people that make me want to come back,' he said. 'There's so much love here. It's a place that inspires me every day.' Charani's journey with Beast House began after attending XP Music Futures, MDLBEAST's annual conference. Introduced to the venue through industry connections, he soon became part of its creative family. 'Beast House showed me that music is not only about sound, but also about community,' he added. Beyond its studios, Beast House also features a fine-dining restaurant and social spaces designed to foster interaction. Visitors can expect everything from intimate conversations over mocktails to exclusive performances, panel discussions, and workshops led by industry figures. The venue is an extension of MDLBEAST's mission to build a thriving music ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. Since the launch of Soundstorm in 2019, the Kingdom's flagship music festival, the local industry has grown at a pace that demanded more permanent creative spaces. Beast House was created to meet that need — providing a year-round platform for talent development, networking, and cultural exchange. During Arab News' visit, it was clear that Beast House was not only a workspace but an experience in itself. The team has successfully created and curated an atmosphere where ambiance, decor, community, and people come together to offer something unique. Entry is not limited to members alone — visitors can also spend time working in the space, socializing, or simply enjoying its fine-dining offerings without accessing the studios. Today, Beast House is seen as a symbol of the Kingdom's cultural transformation, offering opportunities for the next generation of artists while also attracting global talent to Riyadh. It is not just a venue, but a statement of Saudi Arabia's ambition to cement its place on the world's creative map.
