Riyadh’s Art Scene Shines Bright with Alia Ahmad’s Vibrant Canvases
At the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale in Riyadh, a masterpiece titled “Alwasm” by Saudi artist Alia Ahmad steals the spotlight. This 2023 painting, inspired by Wadi Hanifah in the Najd region of Riyadh, captivates guests with its warm tones and lively hues. The canvas, commissioned for the event, depicts the period between October and December, a time of cooler weather and relief from the desert heat.
Ahmad, a 28-year-old painter based in Riyadh, has been making waves since graduating from London’s Royal College of Art in 2020. Her abstract expressionist canvases, showcasing the natural and urban landscapes of Saudi Arabia, have garnered international acclaim. Ahmad views her paintings as “social spaces” and “blueprints.”
Alia Ahmad’s ‘Malga—The Place In Which We Gather,’ fetched a staggering $128,786 at auction this year. (Courtesy of Phillips)
“These paintings represent my version of the landscape,” Ahmad tells Arab News. She incorporates elements that may not be found in reality, such as birds and unique color palettes, reflecting her imaginative perspective. Ahmad believes the desert landscape is rich and vibrant, contrary to common perceptions.
Ahmad recently held her first solo exhibition in Europe, titled “Terhal Gheim (The Voyage of the Clouds)” at White Cube in Paris. She made headlines in March when her painting “Malga — The Place in Which We Gather” sold for four times its estimate at a London auction, fetching £101,600 (approximately SAR475,825).
Ahmad’s works showcased at London’s Albion Juene Gallery. (Gilbert McCarragher)
In May, her solo exhibition “Thought to Image” opened at Albion Jeune in London, running until June 12. The show features Ahmad’s captivating abstract landscapes inspired by traditional textiles and Arabic calligraphy.
Ahmad draws inspiration from textiles and her childhood love for creating stick-figure cartoons. Her paintings are a fusion of Saudi Arabia’s natural beauty, culture, and heritage, especially the region of Najd.
Her art resonates with viewers worldwide, offering a glimpse into Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage and sparking curiosity about the country’s cultural evolution. Ahmad’s paintings blend futuristic elements with the beauty of Arabian culture, creating vibrant abstract worlds that reflect everyday reality.
As Ahmad aptly puts it: “They are all playful paintings, and I ensure that each work and exhibition retains an aspect of curiosity.”