A Saudi artist took part in a special exhibition at the Espace Galerie Europia in Paris for the Syrian people “who are struggling for freedom,” said the gallery owner Nada. Ola Hejazi represented Saudi Arabia in the exhibition, which saw works from the Arab and European worlds, including Algeria, England, France, Jordan, Palestine, Switzerland and Turkey. Hejazi had the privilege of having her paintings displayed along with the works of such artists as Ashley, Dia Batal, Mustapha Boutadjine, Denis Eyer-oggier, Veronique de Guitarre, Danielle Loisel, Ernest Pignon-Ernest, Mona Saudi, Hamid Tibouchi and Ismail Yildrim. Hejazi, speaking to Saudi Gazette about her relationship with literature and art, said she was born with these in her blood. “I am from a family deeply interested in poetry and literature. The study of criticism of the Arabic language helped me to taste the poem,” she said. In 2007, she came into greater awareness of the poet as an artist in the poems of the late Mahmoud Darwish, a multi-awarded author considered Palestine's national poet. Hejazi said she rendered some quality of his poems into paintings and posters. “At the opening gallery (Freedom), I felt sorry that Mahmoud Darwish couldn't be there physically. But when I looked at the paintings, I realized that his spirit did not leave but remained in the hearts of lovers of his art,” she said. She also said her participation in the exhibition that espouses freedom, with important artists from various countries, helped to show her Saudi identity. Hejazi previously held an exhibition billed “More than Red” in 2007 in the City of Lights and is preparing to mount another solo exhibition in the same city soon. — SG __
