{"id":54703,"date":"2025-03-14T16:03:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-14T16:03:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gulftimes.ae\/saudi-artist-lulua-alyahya-discusses-the-works-from-her-current-solo-show-nafs\/"},"modified":"2025-03-14T16:03:00","modified_gmt":"2025-03-14T16:03:00","slug":"saudi-artist-lulua-alyahya-discusses-the-works-from-her-current-solo-show-nafs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gulftimes.ae\/?p=54703","title":{"rendered":"Saudi artist Lulua Alyahya discusses the works from her current solo show \u2018Nafs\u2019\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Saudi artist Rana Alsaggaf: \u2018I hope my work inspires people to explore these places\u2019\u00a0<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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\n\tJEDDAH: Rana Alsaggaf has carved her own space in the Saudi art scene with her intricate sketches of landmarks from across the Kingdom. With a background in interior design and master\u2019s degrees in entrepreneurship and innovation as well as international art and culture management, her practice is deeply rooted in both technical knowledge and a passion for heritage.\u00a0<\/p>\n \n\t
\n\t\tRana Alsaggaf. (Supplied)<\/figcaption>
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\n\tRecently, she had the honor of showcasing her work at the\u202fsecond\u202fIslamic Art Biennale\u202fin Jeddah, an experience she describes as both meaningful and humbling.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cIt\u2019s an opportunity to present my work in a space that celebrates the intersection of faith, culture, and artistic expression,\u201d she told Arab News.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\tAlsaggaf is showcasing \u201cSacred Journeys\u201d at the biennale, which runs until May 25. It is a collection of works that visually narrate the journey from Jeddah to Makkah,\u202fa path traveled by millions of pilgrims. It was installed at the Jeddah Airport Pilgrims Gateway, a setting that naturally resonated with the work.\u00a0<\/p>\n \n\t \n\t\t‘Bab Al-Salam Gate.’ (Supplied)\u00a0\u00a0<\/figcaption>
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\n\t\u201cThis route is more than just a road,\u202fit\u202fis\u202fa transition into a sacred experience,\u201d Alsaggaf explained. \u201cBy sketching its key landmarks, I wanted to highlight the gateways that pilgrims pass through on their way to Makkah. I hope my work inspires people to explore these places and to connect with their history in a way that feels tangible and relevant today.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\tAlsaggaf\u2019s artistic process always begins with firsthand exploration. She visits the sites, sketches on location whenever possible, and refines her compositions by focusing on perspective, architectural details, and the emotions these places evoke. Research also plays a key role in her work; she digs into the history of each landmark, uncovering stories that add depth to the experience.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\tTo enhance this connection, with each artwork she includes a card sharing insights about the location. By keeping her color palette minimal, she ensures the focus remains on the form, history, and character of each landmark.\u00a0<\/p>\n \n\t \n\t\t‘Historic city wall of Jeddah’ by Rana Alsaggaf. (Supplied)<\/figcaption>
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\n\tAlsaggaf chose to highlight the pilgrimage gates because of their historical and functional significance, as well as their strong connection to the Islamic Art Biennale\u2019s location.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cThese gates mark important entry points for travelers and pilgrims, making them both symbolic and relevant. Each one represents a threshold,\u202fa moment of arrival and transition on the journey to Makkah,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\tThrough her art, Alsaggaf hopes to spark curiosity and inspire people to visit these sites, experiencing their significance firsthand. \u201cI want my sketches to create a sense of connection,\u201d she stated. To enhance this connection, she draws from an eye-level perspective, making viewers feel as though they are standing right in front of the landmarks. Her illustrations act as a bridge between the past and present, preserving the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Hajj.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cThese places are not just remnants of the past; they continue to welcome travelers and pilgrims every day. Through my art, I want to ensure they remain part of our cultural dialogue,\u201d Alsaggaf said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\tWhile her work is rooted in direct observation, Alsaggaf takes care to research each site\u2019s historical context. However, rather than reconstructing what no longer exists, she prefers to depict landmarks as they stand today, emphasizing their continued presence and relevance.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cThe biggest challenge is capturing the depth of the experience in a way that feels immediate and real. I wanted my sketches to reflect the emotional weight of the journey while staying true to the landmarks\u2019 current state,\u201d she explained. \u201cBalancing simplicity with meaning was key.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\tJeddah\u2019s Rawasheen, the intricately carved wooden balconies found on historic buildings, have been a recurring theme in Alsaggaf\u2019s work. Beyond their striking appearance, they represent the layered history of Jeddah as a gateway for travelers and pilgrims.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cFor me, they are windows into the soul of the city, reflecting both its past and its living heritage,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\tThese ornate facades are a symbol of craftsmanship, cultural exchange, and architectural identity \u2014 elements that Alsaggaf is passionate about preserving through her sketches.\u00a0<\/p>\n \n\t \n\t\t‘The Pilgrim’s Gateway’ by Rana Alsaggaf. (Supplied)<\/figcaption>
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\n\tAlsaggaf uses her Instagram page, Wings Over Saudi, to share her art \u2014 which includes paintings as well as sketches \u2014 with a wider audience. The name was inspired by a legendary Jeddah folktale involving seagulls, and reflects her artistic vision of movement, exploration, and perspective.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cIt represents the way I approach my art,\u202fnot just as static images, but as invitations to discover Saudi\u2019s landscapes, cities, and cultural landmarks,\u201d she explained.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\tHer collection of paintings titled \u201cReflections of Jeddah\u201d is a tribute to the coastal city\u2019s historic streets. Created in her studio within Jeddah\u2019s heritage district, the series captures the play of light, shadow, and intricate designs that define its acclaimed architecture.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cThrough these works, I aim to preserve Jeddah\u2019s historic charm while celebrating its enduring cultural significance,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\tAnother series, \u201cSketchbook Journey,\u201d highlights the wider Kingdom\u2019s diverse architecture, from grand mosques to ancient alleyways.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cEach piece in this series honors Saudi Arabia\u2019s architectural legacy, preserving its beauty for future generations while encouraging a deeper appreciation for the artistry and heritage that define the Kingdom,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\tAlsaggaf sees endless opportunities to continue exploring and documenting her homeland.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cThere are so many incredible landmarks still to capture,\u201d she said. \u201cI want to keep sketching, discovering, and sharing the beauty of these places with others.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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