Dia Aziz Dia took his daily environment as the main subject of his representations and drawings. At first look, one can see that the artist has put social life on record from a geographical perspective of both landscape and architecture, and through the observation of costumes, events, habits and customs. But a more thorough reading of his collection of works reveals that Dia’s other obsession lies in capturing light and colour as the essential axes for the composition and structure of his paintings. This is achieved by setting up an intense dialogue between both elements, in order to reflect the intensity of high amidst a nature that is overwhelmed by desert elements and continental climate characteristics.
stands among the intellectuals who considered that studying, learning and diversifying research resources constitute the standards for deepening one’s awareness and vision of local reality, once the artistic techniques and the rules of art itself have been mastered. By publishing the present book and sponsoring its associated exhibition, the Al-Mansouria Foundation for Culture and Creativity is setting forth the first of a series of publications dedicated to document the works of pioneering Saudi artists. The project aims at consolidating and dating Saudi plastic art forms that will constitute the core collection of a future national artistic resource intended to allow art to spread and grow, and become known to the largest audience possible. It will provide reference tools for researchers, artists and viewers as well. We firmly believe that through publishing such worthy books, we can contribute to the sustainability of artwork outside of exhibition halls and museums, so that art becomes accessible to art lovers everywhere.
