Local artists have attempted to interpret and translate poems into fine arts and sculpture, creating an interesting blend of genres in the Rubayat Fine Arts exhibition at the House of Fine Art in Jeddah last week. The exhibition contains about 30 works of Zohair Malyabari, who tried to translate and interpret the poems of Makkah poet Ali Soroji. Included in the exhibition are seven copper sculptures of artist Adel Khayami, seven paintings of Kamel Molla and three of female artist Nora Hanif. Malyabari told Saudi Gazette that the exhibition contains a rare photograph of Makkah taken in 1930. “In this exhibition, I tried to reflect the Makkah poems of famous poet Ali Soroji. It shows the historical view of old districts as well as how the people there used to stand with each other during times of need,” he said. The exhibition was opened by Waleed J. Kattan, Director General of Okaz Organization for Press and Publication. Kattan said that he was very proud of Makkah artists who showcased Islam's holiest city to the world in such a unique manner. “These great works remind me of the old days in Makkah when I was young and how the people used to cooperate with each other. Ali Soroji is one of the most important poets of Makkah, who used the right words to describe the religious sights of the holy city,” Kattan added. Khayami, who has participated in his first-ever exhibition, said that his group of sculptures represents daily life. He started making sculptures 10 years ago with copper and calls it his favorite hobby. Khayami said he is ready to sell his work, which takes about 30 hours to finish, under one condition. “Buyers must understand the value of the sculptures and its meaning as well. Unfortunately, most businessmen buy the work and don't know what it means,” he said.
