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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.
Elle
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
Inside Saks's Star-Studded Hamptons Dinner With Sarah Catherine Hook, Brooke Shields, and More
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Sarah Catherine Hook is no stranger to encountering an eclectic mix of personalities while traveling—just consider her breakout role in The White Lotus, where her character's dream of spending a year at a Buddhist monastery went out the window the moment she realized she couldn't survive without air conditioning or organic food. So it feels perfectly on-brand that her next role is in Netflix's upcoming adaptation of Emily Henry's bestselling novel The People You Meet on Vacation. But before that, Hook—who stars in the film alongside Jameela Jamil, Lucien Laviscount, and Lukas Gage—is taking some well-deserved time off. Last night, she joined Saks in the Hamptons for a summer dinner filled with art, hosted by global president and CCO Emily Essner at The Watermill Center. Guests were given private access to the new exhibition 'Upside Down Zebra,' created by children ages 3 to 5. 'It's really such a treat to be here at The Watermill Center—it's such a beautiful evening, we're so lucky,' Essner told the crowd once everyone had taken their seats for dinner. 'I hope you all had a moment to experience the exhibition. I was so inspired by the creativity of our children.' She continued, 'It's a really transformative year for Saks Fifth Avenue, for Saks Global. We're so energized by the momentum, so optimistic about what's ahead for us.' The night unfolded with a sunset dinner curated by chef Flynn McGarry, featuring a menu inspired by the artistic styles showcased throughout the museum, from Minimalism to Abstract Expressionism. Guests were encouraged to become artists themselves with each course, using paintbrushes and edible powders to turn their plates into works of art. The night ended fireside with s'mores and cocktails. Other notable attendees included Brooke Shields, Alejandra Alonso Rojas, Ashley Avignone, Elizabeth Kurpis, Evan Ross Katz, Joseph Altuzarra, Katie Lee Biegel, Laura Kim, Leyna Bloom, Serena Goh, SouKeyna Diouf, Tanya Taylor, Tara Rudes Dann, Tinx, Tommy Dorfman, Romilly Newman, and more. Claire Stern Milch is the Digital Director at ELLE, where she oversees all content and strategy. Previously, she was Deputy Editor at ELLE. Her interests include fashion, food, travel, music, Peloton, and The Hills—not necessarily in that order. She used to have a Harriet the Spy notebook and isn't ashamed to admit it.
