Latest news with #SarahAl-Johani
Leaders
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Madinah Award Foundation Unveils New Arts Competition to Celebrate Region's Legacy
The Madinah Award Foundation has announced the launch of the first-ever Madinah Arts Award to foster the artistic scene in the region, according to the Saudi Press Agency. With submissions open until September 30, the award seeks to elevate the cultural profile of Madinah by supporting visual arts in the region. Moreover, it aims to boost intellectual and cultural development, promote the visual arts sector, empower artists to achieve their goals, as well as ignite the spirit of competition. Therefore, it will play a pivotal role in reflecting the transformative role of art in Madinah's society. Notably, the inaugural 2025 edition will focus on 'graphic art.' Through innovative styles, submissions must creatively highlight Madinah's religious, historical, cultural, civilizational, economic, social, and heritage significance. Saudi visual artists as well as residents of the Kingdom are eligible to participate in the award, requiring them to be at least 18 years old. Applications must be submitted through the Madinah Award Foundation platform no later than Sept. 30 via the official website: Related Topics: Ithra Calls on Artists to Apply for 7th Art Prize Saudi Artist Malak Al-Johani Revives Grandmother's Memories Through Interactive Art Saudi Artist Sarah Al-Johani Rebuilds Heritage Through Feminine Lens at Masaha Silver Handicrafts Showcase Saudi Arabia's Cultural Richness, Artistic Legacy Short link : Post Views: 30
Leaders
09-07-2025
- General
- Leaders
Saudi Artist Sarah Al-Johani Rebuilds Heritage Through Feminine Lens at Masaha
Sarah Al-Johani, a contemporary artist from Yanbu Al-Nakhl, showcases her evocative work at the ninth cycle of Masaha Residency. Her project, titled When Clay is Excited, draws inspiration from her expertise in restoring traditional mud houses. 'The reason I chose this name is because of my background in building and restoring traditional houses with mud,' Al-Johani explained. She highlights her restoration projects in Al-Ula's old city and a Riyadh palace, connecting her art to Saudi Arabia's architectural heritage. Her work merges physical structures with emotional narratives, creating a unique artistic dialogue. Saudi artist Sarah Al-Johani at Masaha Residency Restoration as a Metaphor Al-Johani's art reflects diverse restoration philosophies, which she parallels with family dynamics. 'One orientation says we completely demolish and rebuild the mud house for strength,' she noted, describing a school of thought prioritizing durability. Conversely, another approach focuses on preservation, maintaining traces of the original structure, she elaborated, 'We preserve what is there, supporting remaining walls against erosion and rain.' A third perspective blends old and new, highlighting contrasts. Al-Johani sees these methods mirroring family relationships, where one adapts, preserves, or sometimes abandons ties for growth. Crafting Feminine Leadership Her studio, adorned with mud and golden frames from Bin Qasim, embodies her innovative vision. 'I took old, fractured frames and rewrote their story on my new roof,' she said, symbolizing renewal. Al-Johani's work challenges the proverb 'the father is the roof of the house.' She explained, 'The roof distributes loads on walls; a fallen wall increases pressure on others.' This metaphor underscores parental roles in balancing family strengths. By building her roof with feminine aesthetics, she advocates for women to embrace leadership uniquely, stating, 'I am telling a woman to complete the family's missing part, but don't turn into a man.' Al-Johani's installation at Masaha Residency redefines traditional concepts through a feminine lens, blending heritage with modernity. Her thoughtful integration of architecture and family dynamics resonates deeply with Saudi audiences. 'I chose to build my roof in a very feminine way that looks like Sarah Al-Johani,' she asserted, emphasizing individuality. Her work invites viewers to reflect on preservation, change, and leadership, cementing her role as a trailblazer in Saudi contemporary art. Short link : Post Views: 74
