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Organized by the Saudi Art Council for the sixth year in a row, the contemporary exhibition "Al-‘Obour" will open its doors for art lovers and fans on  Wednesday February 6thin Jeddah with the participation of 25 artists from Saudi Arabia, Gulf and Europe.

The announcement was made during a press conference held by the Saudi Art Council on Sunday evening at the Council's headquarters in Jeddah. The Conference was attended by members of the Saudi Art Council, large number of artists and art enthusiasts from inside and outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as well as media representatives and key sponsors.

The exhibition will hold activities in two areas, the headquarters of the Council under the title Al ‘Obour (The Crossing) and the historic Area of Jeddah under the title «Legends».

"It is not the first time that we host artists from the GCC," said Eissa Bougary, council member and the mediator of the press conference.

In his opening speech, Bougary expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Saudi, GCC and European artists who are enriching this year’s exhibition, and extended warm thanks to the sponsors and media who made Al ‘Obour exhibition a true landmark in the art seen in Saudi Arabia. 

"The participation of this unique group of Saudi artists representing three generations has provided valuable artistic and enriching experiences. We are proud of their valuable contributions to the Saudi art scene,” Said Bougary.

For his part, Hamza Serafi, a member of the Saudi Art Council, said the importance of this year's session is the collaboration of three generations of artists, which will lead to more creativity and achieve cultural consolidation among all of them.

He also added in his speech that "Al ‘Obour" exhibition will feature many activities, “This year’s edition will feature lectures, workshops, seminars in addition to field trips to the historical area of Jeddah where the functions of “Legends” are taking place.”

He pointed out that the Council provides an excellent opportunity to share ideas and artistic visions, noting that such creating a platform for artistic sharing will enrich the artistic movement in Saudi and lead to the emergence of more young talents.

Serafi added that the exhibition will continue over the next three months, “Many international figures interested in contemporary art have been invited throughout the Middle East and Europe.”

The exhibition's curator, Dr. Effat Fadag, explained that Al ‘Obour exhibition brings together three generation of Artists; The pioneers, the emerging, and the new generation, in an attempt to build bridges of artistic communication between all of them. The exhibition seeks to introduce the public especially the young generation to the creativity of contemporary art in the Kingdom.

Dr. Fadag explained that, "the main theme of the exhibition addresses the concept of crossing in its different artistic manifestations according to the vision of each artist."

Speaking on the occasion, Abdullah Najia, Head of Global Wealth Management Saudi Arabia, UBS, said, “This year's innovative program and thought-provoking themes reflect our own drive as a firm to bring people together, open conversations and celebrate what makes us human.”

He pointed out that they are proud to promote and showcase the thriving art community in Saudi Arabia and the region which is a part of their commitment to communities wherever they live and work.

Al ‘Obour Exhibition is made possible by the support and sponsorship of Al Mansouria Foundation, UBS, Van Cleef & Arpels, Midwam, Tamer Group, BWM Mohammed Yousef Naghi Motors, Quintessentially, German Consulate in Jeddah, French Consulate in Jeddah, Al Kabli Holding, Hilton Hotel, Medd Coffee, Spark, Blank Studio.