RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is keen to develop bilateral relations with India, particularly in the field of art and culture, said Princess Adela Bint Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz, Chairperson, Consultative Committee of National Museum in Riyadh. Princess Adela made these remarks at a joint press conference with Suneeta Ahmad, wife of Indian Ambassador to Riyadh, Talmiz Ahmad, Tuesday. The press conference was held to announce the opening of “Reflections: Women in Art” exhibition to be held here at the National Museum from April 30. The exhibition will continue till May 27. The event has been jointly organized by the Consultative Committee of the National Museum and the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. “Indian culture is very rich. It has made an impact on many other cultures including the Saudi culture. I am happy to be part of this program and look forward to similar events in future,” said Princess Adela. The Saudi artists will benefit a lot through such events, said Princess Adela referring to the forthcoming art exhibition. “I am sure we would like to make further collaboration with India in the field of art. We will love to have such type of collaboration,” said Princess Adela. About 54 female artists, 36 Saudis and 18 Indians, will display their works at the five-week art exhibition, organized for the first time in collaboration with the two countries. Princess Adela said the young Saudi women are creative and have huge potential. “I think we have reputed Saudi artists, who have already participated in different art exhibitions both at the national and international levels. Some of the Saudi artists are highly qualified while others have a huge potential to prove their forte in the field of art,” she said. “Our duty is to help them (young Saudi artists) and offer them opportunity to showcase their talents. We encourage them to meet and learn about other schools of art that could help them achieve higher standards,” said Princess Adela. Suneeta Ahmad said among the 18 Indian women artists 15 are coming from different parts of India and three are non-resident Indians (NRIs) based in Riyadh. “Among 15 artists coming from India some are even from small villages of India,” she said. She said the Indian women artists will display different types of artwork that include paintings, water color, acrylic, sculpture, metal, wood and resin and marble. She said on the sidelines of the event some of the India artists will deliver lectures and hold live demonstration of their artwork. “One of the Indian woman artists will have live demonstration of her glassworks in workshops for Saudi university students,” she said. Shareefa Al-Sudairy, a well-known Saudi artist will also participate in the exhibition. “This is the first-ever event organized jointly by Saudi Arabia and India. We also look forward to organizing joint events in various forms of art that include poetry and literature,” she said. The Indian artists are scheduled to address workshops organized for students at King Saud University and Princess Noura Bint Abdulrahman Women University in Riyadh.
