JEDDAH — Dar Al Hekma University hosted an open day symposium to introduce contemporary visual art during Jeddah Art Week (JAW) on Monday. Reportedly mandatory for students, the symposium included guest lecturers and discussions featuring academics, artists, collectors and art enthusiasts in Saudi Arabia. Dr. Anthony Downey spoke about the etymology of contemporary art and its significance with reference to history and its influence of art in the world today. His references to Warhol and political influence during the first lecture embodied an informative guide for students. Khalid Samawi, co-founder of Ayyam Gallery, emphasized on the need of institutions of Fine Arts in the Middle East. Round table discussions included Faisal Samra, Khalid Samawi, Abdulnasser Gharem, and Edward Gibbs among others. Ayyam Gallery hosted works of six Saudi artists — Rashed Al Shashai, Adbulnasser Gharem, Maham Malluh, Faisal Samra, Shaweesh and Beydoun — as part of JAW 2014. Their works included photography, videography, sculptures and installation pieces that addressed issues of rapid modernization and cultural shift in the system. Al Shashai and Gharem illustrated the ecological impact on the theme of modernism in Saudia Arabia. Gharem's performance piece on Flora & Fauna emphasized on the need to highlight water storage and dealt with the intricate relationship shared between ecological differences and technology. Malluh's photograms were exhibited from her "Tradition and Modernity series." Samra used his innate talent for sculpture and painting in his work called "The Other Body" included a history of industrial media. "Contemporary Kingdom" is running from February 3 and will continue till February 28 at Ayyam Gallery here.
