Mariam Nihal Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Saudi artist Faisal Samra, one of the first practicing conceptual artists in the region, will soon be seen presenting a series of his indigenous artwork from September 24 – October 31 at Ayyam Gallery in Jeddah. Samra is returning to Saudi Arabia after 13 years, and his return marks the first show of a Saudi artist at the newly opened gallery here. He told Saudi Gazette: “The naughty boy coming back home to talk about the truth.” Referring to his expectations from the upcoming exhibit, he said: “I don't have any expectations; this is what I have learned after all these years: Never go any where with any expectations. After all, I love this country; it is my gravity, wherever I go.” Ayyam Gallery has established itself as one of the leading advocates of Middle Eastern art scene. Samra, who lives in Bahrain, is among the most influential Gulf artists who works with an interactive medium of art consisting of video, installation and photography. His artwork has gained worldwide appreciation and has been exhibited at The British Museum, Institut du Monde Arabe, The Jameel Art Foundation, Almansouria Foundation and K. Shoman Foundation. According to Ayyam gallery, at the heart of the exhibition are two works presenting the universally recognized characters of the angel and the devil. In Distorted Reality Performance # 43 (2006),” a veiled angel defies categorization; its smudged and feathered wings introduce a painterly quality to the picture plane that references Samra's early relationship with painting. Here though they are rendered as part of a hazy soft-focus photograph, recalling the constant stream of airbrushed imagery, which can be found in film, advertising and publishing content around the globe. His recent work has been exhibited at HD Galerie, Casablanca (2012); Traffic Gallery, Dubai (2011); Albareh Gallery, Bahrain (2010); Galerie Nathalie Obadia, Paris (2009); XVA Gallery, Dubai (2008). Group shows include E.O.A, London (2012); Mori Art Museum, Tokyo (2012); Haeinsa Temple, South Korea (2011); Maraya Art Center, Sharjah – U.A.E (2010); Singapore Biennial (2008); Cairo Biennial (2008).
