JEDDAH — BMG Foundation, a Saudi-based non-governmental organization, has partnered with the Italian Consulate in Jeddah to host an exhibition featuring the works of Italian photographer Teresa Emanuele, and exhibited by Saudi art specialist and curator Dalya Islam. Held under BMG Foundation's “Diplomacy of Art” initiative, the exhibition will be held in Jeddah from March 5-14 at the cultural section of the Consulate General of Italy. Open to visitors from 5:00pm-10:00pm, the show will also host an associated education programs for adults, teenagers and children. Programs will include a guided tour of the exhibition with adequate time to explore and photograph the surroundings followed by an interactive chat session with Teresa. All participants will be offered a printed and framed picture of their favorite artwork as a souvenir. Basil Al Ghalayini, Chairman, BMG Foundation, said: “Diplomacy of Art was conceived to highlight the similarities between cultures through art. In recognizing such commonalities, we also encourage a colorful exchange between international and Saudi Arabian artists.” Simone Petroni, Italian Consul General to Saudi Arabia, said: “More than ever it is now important to highlight the common grounds of our civilizations to challenge the stereotypes that perpetuate prejudice and discrimination against each other. Contemporary art is a very useful tool towards this end. For this reason, we warmly welcome initiatives such as the Diplomacy of Art that aim to spread understanding and respect for every culture's values and traditions.” Teresa Emanuele has participated in photography festivals as far as Moscow and held solo exhibitions in Rome and Venice. Her works have been featured at the 54th edition of Venice Biennale in the Roman pavilion. Emanuele has also exhibited her signature kinetic installations known as shadowboxes where the shadows are animated by a simple, delicate mechanism hidden in the frame.The exhibition ‘QVOD VIDES, TOTVM'is organized as part of a fund-raising campaign for BMG Foundation's ‘Safe Driving' campaign in Saudi Arabia, which seeks to reverse the incidence of death toll from road accidents in the country, the highest worldwide. — SG
