Jeddah Arts 21,39 Launch its 3rd Annual Central Exhibition ‘Earth and Ever After’

 21,39, a non-profit initiative organized by The Saudi Art Council, has opened its third annual Central Exhibition, commencing a week-long programme of launching art and associated events running from February to May.

Titled ‘Earth and Ever After’ the exhibition is inspired by two Quranic verses:

 “From this dust We created you, and in this We shall put you back, and from this, We shall raise you up once again.” (20,55). 

And Allah has made the Earth a spread for you, so that you may go about its broad ways” (71,20).

The exhibition is curated by The Saudi Art Council members Mona Khazindar and Hamza Serafi. It is being held at the Gold Moor Mall, Gate 2 in Al Zahra District. 

Commenting, Mona Khazindar said: “This exhibition invites you to reflect on humanity’s relationship with the Earth, to explore whether it is reconciled with each artist’s own personal bond and how an artist’s environment is inextricably bound to his sense of identity and roots.”

The next day, 11 February, Al Hangar exhibition is being held in Al Balad, while at Serafi Mega Mall there are two exhibitions; a contemporary art and project spaces exhibition at Athr Gallery, and an exhibition at Tasami Gallery.

On 12 February, there is a preview of ‘In Praise of Hands’ hosted by Van Cleef & Arpels at the jeweler’s boutique in Jameel Square. Van Cleef & Arpels is one of the main sponsors of this year’s 21,39 programme. 

Three events will take place on 13 February; at Athr Gallery in Al Balad there is Al Mangour: Loved and Beloved exhibition, which is artist and designer Ahmad Sami Angawi’s first solo exhibition in collaboration with Athr. The exhibition highlights the beauty of Mangour, a forgotten Hijazi craft, through the documentation and analysis of the creation process of the Mangour. 

Also on 13 February, there will be ‘The Everlasting Now’ exhibition which is an Emy Kat Solo exhibition, curated by Hamza Serafi, who said: “21,39 is the highlight of the year for art lovers in Jeddah and presents a unique opportunity to showcase the work of today’s most talented artists in cooperation with the leading art galleries in Jeddah.” 

The third event on 13 February is the 21,39 Symposium which takes place at the Noor Taibah Hall. The welcoming note will be given by Mohammed Hafiz, Vice-Chairman of the Saudi Art Council and will feature renowned artists from around the world as well as local Saudi artists discussing various topics. Diplomats and   ministers from abroad will participate in panel discussions that will converse in art issues and topics. 

“The Saudi Art Council is a group of local art enthusiasts who contribute to the local community through the promotion of art and culture in Jeddah,” explained Mr. Hafiz. “By organizing 21,39 we are enabling contemporary artists to present their creations to a wider audience than they would otherwise reach, while giving Jeddah’s art enthusiasts a whole week in which to enjoy and celebrate the universal language of art.”

On the 16th of February, the Moneirah Mosley exhibition will be held at the Hafiz Gallery at Bougainvillea on King Abdulaziz Road.

21,39 2016 looks forward to repeating last year’s success when more than  5000 students, boys and girls, from 200 schools were given guided tours of the Main Exhibition. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. 250 people signed up to 15 free workshops and talks designed to give an accessible and lively insight into the visual art scene.

The strategic program partner of The Saudi Art Council for 21,39 Jeddah Arts is UBS. The main sponsor of the 3rd Edition of the program is Van Cleef & Arpels, Mercedes and Al Mansouria Foundation for Culture & Creativity, with Design Magazine being the media partner and Saudia Airlines being the official carrier. The associate sponsors are Tamer Group, Quintessentially Group and Silver Spoon.