Tradition and Modernity: Three Generations of Saudi Contemporary Artists
Hotel de Ville de Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, September 2005.
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Tradition and Modernity: Three Generations of Saudi Contemporary Artists
The Al-Mansouria Foundation for Culture and Creativity is pleased and proud to lend some works of its renowned Saudi art collection to the exhibition, “Tradition et modernité: trois générations d’artistes contemporains saoudiens” (Tradition and Modernity: Three Generations of Contemporary Saudi Artists), organized by the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Paris, at the Town Hall of the city of Neuilly-sur-Seine in celebration of the Saudi National Day. This important occasion gives us an opportunity to fulfil one of the main goals of our institution
which was founded in 1999 to support creativity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and to build bridges of communication between the world’s cultures.
In our search and support for excellence and authenticity in Saudi art forms, we are committed to celebrate our unique Saudi perspective and to set up a dialogue with other cultures to share common ground within the global contemporary art movement. Through the acquisition of a studio at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris, in 2001, the Foundation has encouraged Saudi and Arab artists to practice and work in Paris in order to extend and enrich the scope of their artistic field of experience.
To exhibit works of major contemporary Saudi artists in Neuilly-sur-Seine will undoubtedly help those artists communicate directly with the French public, in a universal language that speaks about the past, the present and the future of the Saudi society, which still is, in many respects, unknown to many. The works of Safeya Binzagr reflect the profundity and the vitality with which the artist skilfully puts on record the history of the Saudi society, with authenticity and a remarkable diversity of colors. Light and colors also play a major role in the work of Dia Aziz Dia, which depicts scenes of ordinary life within Saudi society, with a particular stress on geographical and architectural dimensions. As for Faisal Samra, his work shows clearly his attempt to convey, in his own unique way, some specific sensory impressions stemming from a wealth of life experiences.
We sincerely hope that this exhibition will shed light on our Saudi customs and its traditions, and pass on the most exalted human message of friendship, tolerance and understanding, laying the foundations for an authentic dialogue.
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