THE splendid evening was hosted by Martin R. Quinn, US Consul General, along with Sami Saleh Nawar, the General Director of Culture and Tourism at the Jeddah Municipality. “This is a part of a cultural collaboration that will use art in its many forms to highlight the hard work that goes in building and maintaining a nation,” said Quinn in a welcoming speech. The exhibition was an extension of the “Picturing America” exhibition - held in the second half of April - that aimed to promote development of cultural exchange in Jeddah. “Plans of cultural exchange programs with other countries are underway and are highly anticipated. It is great to see people enthusiastic about it,” remarked Nawar, as an acknowledgment of the previous exhibition's success. The event was a rejuvenating change for many of the attendees. “It is refreshing to see cultural understanding and (the) efforts taken by the US Consulate to spread word of the making of a nation by its pioneers who worked hard and sacrificed to achieve the status they now enjoy,” said Sawsan Al-Meney, an official at the Endowment, Propagation and Guidance department at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. “We, as the Saudi nation, need to clarify misconceptions about Islam all over the world. The Saudi people have to take the necessary steps to mix with other cultures,” she stressed. The art gallery displayed a crackling firework display of creativity, intricate details, colors and messages. Many of the selected images captured and conveyed crucial details from stories of the great pioneers, and provided an opportunity for guests to learn more about the people and events that have shaped America. However, it was Arab and Islamic art that significantly made its presence known. “This is the best way to protect, showcase and create mutual understanding of their culture and what the Saudi national identity and heritage stands for,” added Al-Meney. The local featured artists earned their share of the spotlight by displaying the historic beauty of Jeddah. “My painting is a cultural, traditional and documentary painting of my childhood home. Old Jeddah has such a natural charm. The design of the buildings is continually a source of inspiration,” said Amnah Yaghmour, a fine arts designer. Participants Rooa Mansori's and Logan Qashlan's art also featured images of Old Jeddah. These buildings are unfortunately beyond repair so they are being demolished, and Yaghmour is not too happy with the idea. “The buildings are historical and represent old architecture. They are themselves a piece of art. It is a pity to lose such things,” she stated. Saudi identity was also prevalent in a beautiful piece of wooden artwork completed through the sheer patience and hard work of artist Thoraia Haidar. Wood shavings were used to create the outlines and the contrasting light and dark areas surrounding the Shahadah and the sword, which she shaped using her fingers and glue. Two works of art stood out as they pulled the viewer back to the past. Hend Mashoor Baeshen's “Al-Shoqdof” related the old method of transportation that used camels and how they were fixed with seats for women. “Glimpses from the past always remind us of how easy we have it now,” said Barakah Al-Sibiany, whose work “The Tent” represented the Bedouin lifestyle. An explosion of colors and glitter grabbed attention as an offbeat piece of artwork showed off paper clips, keys, coins, safety pins amongst other nicknacks. “This piece - “Bric and Brac Menageris” - was done because I do not like throwing anything away,” confessed Yasmeen Khayat. She re-used much of the material that she has owned for a long time. Maha Al-Qamdy's work of art also struck an interesting note. Her creation “Unity of Mankind” was indeed a beautiful blend of the colors blue - representing the sea - and brown for the earth. In the center was a verse from the Quran. It was a clear-cut message of the need for unity, peace and harmony within the world. Comparing and contrasting cultural patterns of various different cultural groups through the works of art is one way to bridge cultural gaps. Art helps to remove these boundaries and share in beliefs, values, norms, and social practices, and this exhibition certainly aimed to do that.
