[gallery size="full" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" td_gallery_title_input="Artology show features bold art by Saudi artists " ids="109784,109783,109782,109781,109780,109852,109853"] By Layan Damanhouri JEDDAH – Artists from different realms and various Saudi cities gathered this weekend at the Artology event, a one-of-a-kind occasion gathering abstract artists and painters in a live show in Old Jeddah organized by Luxury KSA with the support of the General Authority for Entertainment. The three-day artology show that ended on Saturday hosted different kinds of painters in a hall of live music. New forms of art, considered bold and original, was welcomed at Artology, including body paint, SFX makeup artists, abstract paintings, and graffiti, among others. "Many artists came from different cities with their families and friends to participate at Artology," says Anwar Idriss, entertainment director of Luxury KSA. "We usually see this kind of crazy art in shows abroad but we're giving them a chance now to show that here in Saudi Arabia." Hajr Al-Mutiri from Riyadh claimed to be the only sand artist in the country. He has been practicing the art for four years. "I recently started posting my work on social media to show this kind of art." He added, "I enjoy doing it live where people can watch me create art on sand because this kind of art is not something to be hung in a frame or sold like other paintings." Calligraffiti artist Osamah Abdulaziz participated for the first time at Artology and says, "This event offered us a chance to show our art and meet other artists from different cities." Graffiti was not an art that was accepted by many people in society, he added, but that it has begun to change. "Many of us show our Arab identity and write Arabic letters and about Arab characters. Gradually it's becoming more popular and many are starting to appreciate it." Asked about the art scene in Saudi Arabia, Anwar Idriss said it's broad with art communities that are both well-established and mature as well as new. "The art scene is huge. The problem is they're segmented," he further says. "However, there are many different communities and galleries opening up. People are getting more interested in art. It's growing strong and fast."
