Saudi artist Abdullah Hammas is a pioneer, a national success story, and a role model for aspiring artists.
Born in 1952, Hammas’s family moved around to different cities from Tabuk in the north, then onto Abha, and Riyadh, before finally settling in Jeddah. His natural affinity for the arts was evident early on, and he credits his father for encouraging him and buying him coloring books and crayons from a young age. Hammas graduated from the Institute of Art Education in 1973 and then embarked on his career as an artist. He shared his love for art as a prep-school art teacher for 31 years and has also held several senior positions, including two presidencies in the Society of Culture and Arts in Jeddah and General Executive of the House of the Artists of Fine Art. Hammas has held an impressive 36 personal exhibitions within and outside the Kingdom.
All artists are products of their environment, according to Hammas. The artist’s first home in the south of Saudi Arabia exuded nature and greenery, and colorful folk art. This was a stark contrast to the arid, dusty landscape of his next residence in Tabuk. In fact, Hammas’ first painting after moving to Tabuk featured a one-toned military tank. To this day however, it is the Asiri, or southern influences, that remain predominant in his artwork.
Hammas describes his art as symbolic abstract, depicting the real word in abstract symbols. The Al Mansouria Foundation, a Saudi non-profit committed to culture and education, credited him to be among the first painters to have pushed the limits of traditional and decorative painting and also to have embarked on an abstract quest to link colours and materials to his homeland.
Although Hammas was supported by his family and also encouraged by many of his teachers, there were certainly times of disappointment. His first show, 48 years ago, was held in Zahrat Al Sharg, one of the most prestigious hotels in Riyadh at that time. The determined artist put his heart and soul into the exhibition and all of his artwork was on display. Despite his efforts, not one piece of his work sold, and the manager of the hotel even excused him from paying for his drink.
“Persevere” is Hammas’s message to the younger generations. “Don’t give up or succumb to setbacks or criticism.” Hammas believes his country needs more art. “The Saudi culture and religion need not only more documentation, but elevation as well. Art can achieve this,” says Hammas. In the artist’s time, it was difficult to find good materials, paint, and canvases in Saudi Arabia. Today, materials are easily sourced and everything from making, selling, and buying art is easier. Thus, he tells young artists that they have no excuse not to continue their work.
Hammas sold his first piece of artwork for 150 SAR. Recently, he purchased it back for hundreds of thousands of riyal. Hammas is actively locating and re-purchasing many pieces of his original artwork to display in his museum in Jeddah, a venue that will be free for the public.
Hammas’ artwork is a representation of his country as he sees it. The materialization of his vision depicts Saudi Arabia and its culture to his fellow countrymen and the international community alike. Furthermore, his story and passion for the art inspires a younger generation of Saudi artists poised to make their own mark.
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