Latest news with #AcademyofFineArts
CairoScene
22-07-2025
- General
- CairoScene
Abdulhalim Radwi, The Man Behind Saudi's First-Ever Public Art Exhibit
His commitment to art education and his innovative drive laid the groundwork for the contemporary Saudi art scene, and paved the way for future generations of Saudi artists. In 1964, the modality of art in Saudi Arabia underwent a profound transformation - a seismic shift spearheaded by local artist Abdulhalim Radwi. Born in Makkah in 1939, Radwi's journey from humble beginnings to a celebrated painter, sculptor and cultural director, became the foundational force that irrevocably reshaped the Kingdom's artistic landscape. Radwi's early life was marked by hardship. His father passed away when he was seven years old, plunging his family into poverty. Despite this, his artistic talent, a passion inherited from his mother who was a painter herself, began to blossom with remarkable resilience. She recognised and nurtured this nascent gift, actively encouraging him to pursue art, and instilling in him an early appreciation for creative expression. This burgeoning talent manifested early; he won his first formal painting competition while still in high school in the mid-1950s. This early success was a crucial validation of his talent and of art as a viable pursuit, foreshadowing his profound impact on the nation's culture and fuelling a lifelong determination. Driven by an unyielding passion, in 1961, he saved money from working as a wall painter to travel to Rome, becoming one of the first Saudis to pursue a formal art education abroad. He earned his BA from the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome in 1964 and later a doctorate from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Madrid in 1979. This exposure to Western art movements like Cubism and Expressionism profoundly influenced his style, yet he always made sure his work integrated a distinct Saudi essence. Upon his return to Saudi Arabia, Radwi immediately became a catalyst for change. He held the Kingdom's first public art exhibition in Jeddah in 1965, a pivotal event that paved the way for others. He initially worked as an art teacher in Makkah, but his involvement in art quickly escalated to a governmental level. From 1968 to 1974, he served as the director of the Jeddah Centre for Fine Arts, and later, from 1980 to 1992, he was the Director-General of Culture and Arts for the City of Jeddah. In these roles, he was instrumental in establishing Saudi's art scene, creating platforms and opportunities for a new generation of Saudi artists. He also spent time in Madrid in 1973 as the Action Director of the Association of Arab Artists, further broadening his international reach and influence. Radwi's artistic philosophy was deeply rooted in his Saudi identity. He firmly believed that Saudi artists must always keep an eye on their national heritage. His paintings often depicted folkloric scenes, desert life, traditional architecture, and religious symbols like mosques and Makkah. He skilfully blended vibrant colours and Arabic letters with modern ideas, creating a unique visual language. His work, such as 'The Recitation of Qur'an' (which won a prize at the 1988 Biennale in Spain) and 'Old Buildings in Makkah' (which he famously kept in his personal museum rather than selling), exemplifies his dedication to cultural themes. Beyond his canvases, Radwi's most striking legacy might be the large outdoor sculptures that adorn the city of Jeddah. Collaborating with Mayor Mohammed Said Farsi in the early 1970s, he envisioned and brought to life large-scale public installations, beautifying the city and making art accessible to all. His works, like 'Inkwell, Pen and Paper,' transformed urban spaces and became iconic landmarks, helping residents and visitors navigate the city. He produced over 4,000 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and murals. Abdulhalim Radwi passed away in 2006, but his influence continues to be felt. He was a mentor to many, inspiring younger artists like Ahmed Mater and Taha Al Sabban. His commitment to art education and his innovative drive laid the groundwork for the contemporary Saudi art scene, and paved the way for future generations of Saudi artists. The annual Abdulhalim Radwi Award, established by his daughter, Dr. Maha Radwi, continues to celebrate creative talent in Saudi Arabia, ensuring that his legacy of innovation, imagination, and creativity propels Saudi's artistic future.
Irish Independent
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
‘Fake or Fortune' returns: Could a £140 painting from an antique fair be a real Churchill?
'Fake or Fortune' (BBC1) 4/5 Pat Stacey History might have been different if Adolf Hitler had succeeded in his ambition to become an artist. Unfortunately for humanity, Hitler's paintings, which slavishly copied the styles of 19th-century artists, were mediocre, lifeless and uninspired. Twice rejected by Vienna's Academy of Fine Arts, he might have made a competent architectural draughtsman, but he was certainly no artist.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
All Bengal painting exhibition ‘Stroke by Stroke' unveils vivid narratives at Academy of Fine Arts
A vibrant celebration of youthful creativity is on display this week at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kolkata, where the All Bengal Painting Exhibition, titled 'Stroke by Stroke', has drawn attention from art enthusiasts and cultural patrons alike. Held from July 11 to 17, the exhibition showcases 98 artworks created by emerging artists—students from across Bengal—offering a kaleidoscope of perspectives through styles ranging from abstract and surreal to traditional and figurative. The exhibition provides a compelling look into the minds of the next generation of artists, as each piece resonates with emotion, introspection, and storytelling. The event opened with an inauguration ceremony attended by several notable figures in the art and cultural community. Among them were Shri Mrinal Ghosh, a respected art critic; Shri Subrata Gangopadhyay, a celebrated artist; Shri Anindya Pandit, Head of the Department of Fine Arts at Rabindra Bharati University; and acclaimed actor Chandan Sen. Their presence underscored the significance of the platform as a space for nurturing artistic talent and cultural expression. The exhibition has been lauded not only for the quality of artwork but also for its role in fostering regional talent and promoting visual dialogue across generations. Visitors have praised the diversity of styles and themes, as well as the emotional depth captured by the young artists. As the exhibition concludes today, 'Stroke by Stroke' leaves behind more than just painted canvases—it leaves a lasting impression of passion, innovation, and the power of art to transcend boundaries.
Axios
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Philly weekender: 4th of July celebrations and FIFA Club World Cup
🏛️ Beat the heat at free museum days as part of Wawa Welcome American. Participating museums include the Academy of Fine Arts and Fireman's Hall. 🎹 Philly Pops and singer Ben Folds take the stage today at 7pm for a concert at the Independence National Historical Park. Don't forget to bring your own chair or blanket. 🏰 Kickoff the long weekend at the South Street Night Market tonight from 5-9pm. Plan for line dancing, karaoke, food trucks and a bounce house between 8th and 3rd Streets. 🐶 Let your patriotic pooch strut his stuff for the top prize at the Betsy Ross House's pet costume contest. Friday, 10:30am. 🇺🇸 The Salute to Independence Parade steps off at 11am from 5th and Chestnut Streets. Enjoy floats, entertainers and marching musical groups. 🎇 The Wawa Welcome America Festival takes over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Friday at 7pm (gates open at 4pm) with a concert featuring LL Cool J and Jazmine Sullivan. Count on a beer garden, food trucks, interactive activities and a big fireworks display (9:30pm). ⚽ Philly's last FIFA Club World Cup match is Friday. Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras will take on English giant Chelsea in this 9pm quarterfinal match at Lincoln Financial Field. Tickets: $45+
Otago Daily Times
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Obituary: artist whose colour palette and politics made her name
ROBYN KAHUKIWA Robyn Kahukiwa was an intensely private woman who always claimed that her art spoke for her. The Australian-born painter, then Robyn Fletcher Crenshaw, moved to New Zealand as a 19-year-old in 1957, having trained as a commercial artist. An early inspiration for Kahukiwa's own art came from discovering her Māori heritage (Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti, Ngāti Konohi, and Te Whānau-a-Ruataupare) on her mother's side. Art was not a career option at that time in New Zealand and Kahukiwa worked as a highly-respected secondary school teacher at Mana College as a day job, while also raising a family with husband Dooley Kahukiwa, whom she married in 1965. The feelings she needed to express found their wellspring through painting and Kahukiwa soon gained a following in her home base of Wellington. Influenced by the likes of Frida Kahlo and Colin McCahon, her works stood out in the annual Academy of Fine Arts exhibitions in which she took part for most of the 1970s. Her first solo show was held in 1971, at Wellington's Red Cottage Gallery. As her work matured, Kahukiwa explored themes such as motherhood, womanhood, Māori identity and sovereignty. She was unafraid to mix bold political statement with mundane settings, many paintings were inspired by the Porirua streets where she lived. Environmental themes often cropped up and as her knowledge of her heritage deepened Kahukiwa would also draw upon Māori mythology and spirituality. In the early 1980s, thanks to a grant, Kahukiwa was able to become a full-time artist, supplementing what she earned from sales with prolific and acclaimed work as an illustrator and writer of children's books. Noted collaborators included Patricia Grace and Joy Cowley. In 1983 her big break came, the "Wāhine Toa" exhibition. Its images of strong Māori women electrified audiences, it toured the country for two years. Kahukiwa was in demand, and her works were snapped up by private collectors and public galleries alike. She became one of the most widely represented artists in New Zealand's public art collections. Her work also attracted international attention, and Kahukiwa participated in group exhibitions and workshops in Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States and in 2023 had work exhibited at the Sharjah Biennial. Ever the teacher, Kahukiwa became a valued mentor and an inspiration for generations of young artists, Māori and non-Māori alike. Her influence and impact on New Zealand art was recognised in 2020 when Kahukiwa was awarded Te Tohu Aroha mō Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, the Exemplary/Supreme Award at the Te Waka Toi Awards. One of Kahukiwa's last major shows was in 2024, at the New Zealand Portrait Gallery. The gallery wrote, "Robyn Kahukiwa's artworks have made a difference to Māori". "They have provided not only beauty and strength but inroads into our mātauranga, and the multi-layered, inter-generational and ever-evolving stories that are part of our cultural landscape." Robyn Kahukiwa died on April 11, aged 86. — APL
