Renaissance Inspiration in Contemporary Art: Nada Halabi’s “Dreams Unveiled”
RIYADH: The talented Saudi artist, Nada Halabi, is showcasing her mesmerizing collection titled “Dreams Unveiled” at Ahlam Gallery in Riyadh from June 4-15.
“There’s a lot of dreams in these paintings,” Halabi shared with Arab News. “So, it’s like all the years accumulated with time and all my dreams, like sometimes I wake up at 5:00 a.m. and write down what I see, and when I wake up again, I paint.”
The Fusion of Renaissance and Contemporary: Halabi’s Artistic Vision
Some of her pieces draw inspiration from the Renaissance era, a period of European cultural, artistic, political, and economic “rebirth” after the Middle Ages.
“I enjoy combining Renaissance art with a contemporary touch of flair, and I chose Renaissance characters because I believe their style at that era was exceptional, and they were the true artists, so I transformed some of them into contemporary art,” Halabi explained.
Influences and Inspirations: Halabi’s Creative Process
Halabi’s artistic journey is influenced by her travels to various museums and historic places, finding inspiration in the beauty of different cultures.
“I get a lot of inspiration from travel, so when I go to Europe, I love to visit old and contemporary museums to get ideas. Then, when I return to Saudi Arabia, I just paint nonstop because everything is so new on my mind,” she expressed.
A Personal Touch: Halabi’s Time-Consuming Process
Halabi’s works reflect her meticulous and time-consuming process, where she immerses herself in her art, constantly refining and reworking until she achieves her desired outcome.
“I lose myself while painting, and sometimes I paint something, then paint something over the top of it if I’m not content, until I’m happy with the end result,” she shared.
Global Recognition: Halabi’s Artistic Journey
Having studied fine art at the Academie Libanaise de Beaux Arts in Lebanon and further honed her skills in London and Los Angeles, Halabi has garnered clients of all ages, including art collectors and museum owners.
She has exhibited her work in galleries across the Middle East, showcasing her unique vision and talent to a diverse audience.
Exploring Identity: Halabi’s Tribute to Lebanon
In her current exhibition, Halabi pays homage to Lebanon with a section featuring newspapers and the neon words “Disconnected Roots.”
This artwork symbolizes the interconnected yet fragmented nature of countries due to political conflicts, reflecting Halabi’s deeply personal and thought-provoking exploration of identity and belonging.