From Syria with Love - Athr Gallery Group Exhibition

Oil on canvas, by Abdullah Murad

I recently had the pleasure of attending the opening night of Athr Art Gallery's current exhibition called "From Syria with Love" by a group of outstanding Syrian artists. 

Oil on canvas, by Abdullah Murad

You can click on any photo for a larger view. 

The artists featured in this show are:  Abdullah Murad, Asaad Arabi, Fadi Yazigi, Farouk Kondakji, Ismail El Helou, Malva Omar Hamda, Mohammed Tlernat, and Mustafa Ali. 

Oil on canvas, by Ismail El Helou

As you can see, the artwork was quite varied.

Wood and bronze mirror, by Mustafa Ali

Many of these Syrian artists are well established and their works have been sought after, bought and housed by collectors around the world.  

Acrylic on canvas, by Asaad Arabi

Painter Asaad Arabi received his PhD in aesthetics from Sorbonne University. 

Acrylic on canvas, by Asaad Arabi

Acrylic on canvas, by Farouk Kondakji

A quote from artist Farouk Kondakji:  "My paintings are the only photographs that resemble me."

The young hip crowd attending the opening night festivities are enthusiastic and supportive of Jeddah's art scene.  

Acrylic on canvas, by Farouk Kondakji

Oil on canvas, by Malva Omar Hamdi

Artist Malva Omar Hamdi now resides in Vienna, Austria.

Mixed media, by Mohammed Tlemat

Modernist painter Mohammed Tlemat has lived in Egypt, Libya, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.

Mixed media on canvas, by Fadi Yazigi

To see the entire collection, please click here for Athr Gallery's website. 

Mixed media on flour bag, by Fadi Yazigi

The "From Syria with Love" exhibition is on display at Athr Gallery through January 10, 2013.  Athr Gallery is located at Serafi Mega Mall at the corner of Tahliah and Siteen in Jeddah. 

Young Saudi Artists Exhibition at Athr Gallery

Athr Art Gallery held its opening reception of Young Saudi Artists Exhibition on February 21 for a crowd of more than 200 art enthusiasts. Unfortunately I was not able to attend because, like all women here in Saudi Arabia, I cannot drive - and my husband dislikes driving across town in the horrendous evening traffic. Many Saudi women are fortunate enough to have drivers to cart them here and there, but I am not so fortunate.

So the following morning my husband took me to the dentist (note: when we lived in the states for 30 years, not once did Adnan accompany me to the doctor or the dentist, but now that I have the legal status of a child and cannot drive, he has to take me). To his credit, afterwards he obligingly drove me over to Athr Gallery at the Mega Mall complex on Tahlia Street to see the art exhibition.


The spacious and bright Athr Gallery represents many artists who work in many mediums in Saudi Arabia. Although this particular group of 23 talented artists is called Young Saudi Artists, they range in age from 17 to 70. Sixty per cent of the gallery’s business comes from international sales. Mr. Hamza Serafi, one of the owners and operators of Athr Gallery, told us that the gallery doesn’t necessarily represent the best Saudi artists, but rather it looks for artists who are passionate, motivated and enthusiastic about their work.

Below are a few of the many works of art to be found at Athr Gallery right now. I tried to include artist information with each piece, but I did not have it available for all. Just click on the photos for an enlarged view. This exhibition will be on display through March 20th.




























Special thanks to Mr. Hamza Serafi for so graciously welcoming us to the gallery, and also to Mr. Abdullah, a supervisor at Mega Mall, for his amazing assistance.