Saudi artist Abdul Nasser Gharem Ajlan is carving a niche or himself in the Saudi art scene by combining the traditional elements of art with technological innovations to reflect this rapidly changing world. “Culture, heritage, tradition and religion form the core of my work and are directly influenced by the growth of technology in all of it's current expressions and directions,” explains Ajlan, when I met with him in his studio in Riyadh's Sulemania district where he showed me a broad range of his recent work. Ajlan also maintains a studio in Abha and in Dammam. His creations sparkle with clarity, depicting realistic visions of inner emotions and moods, and he claims that “all the elements in my art come from routine life.” “The colors that I select for my work depend on my thoughts. I select the most effective colors to express grief, joy and pain,” Ajlan remarked. Indeed, viewers of Ajlan's art are introduced and directed into the world of highly personal emotions through symbols and visions of a unique world as perceived by the artist himself. The viewer will discover visions of technology directly and indirectly, simultaneously. Ajlan is inspired from the general public and viewers of his artwork as he studies and researches the meaning, purpose and mode of expression. As a contemporary artist, he touches upon the world of international art. “I have great admiration for (the work of) Marshall Duchan and Greef Crowns,” he confessed. Ajlan has embarked on a new project where he is studying and researching the ways in which man survives through newly-discovered technical techniques via visual interpretations of the world and of mankind's activities worldwide. “Flora and Fauna” is the title of this new series of art works by Ajlan, which he explained would essentially be about survival. Ajlan does not feel that he falls into any particular school of art, but rather learns by himself from observing the techniques and expressions of other artists. “My skills come from using the Internet and watching TV,” he remarked. “My community, environment and inner feelings provide the structure for my artwork.” Born in Khamis Musshayt, Ajlan is relatively young - compared to his contemporaries - at the age of 36 years, and still lives in his hometown, although he travels frequently between Jeddah and Riyadh for work purposes.
