Any work of art will speak for itself and to anyone who looks at it. Every piece will have a story to tell — and in Riyadh, expat artists aim to express theirs.
Artistic expression knows no boundaries. Even if the following artists are miles away from their home countries, they remain inspired by the world around them which compels them to imagine, create, and paint their way into people’s hearts and minds. Let’s get to know a few of the up and coming artists in the growing expat art community here in Riyadh.
Maru Prats
Barcelona, Spain
“The beauty of life always surprises me, painting is my way to say ‘Thank You’.
Even with a Masters degree in Economy under her belt, Maru always knew that painting was her real passion. Born in Barcelona, she was enthusiastic about art at an early age. She started with painting figurative themes with oil but is now painting abstract works in acrylic. Her first solo exhibition was in the headquarters of the United Nations in Vienna and recently, at the Naila Art Gallery in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She has lived in various parts of Europe such as Brussels, Milan, Vienna, and in 2016, she added Saudi Arabia to her list.
Maru continues to pursue her love for painting in Riyadh with a group of international female artists called “Synergy.”
Who are your influences when it comes to art?
At the beginning, I was influenced by the impressionist and I worked with thick strokes and bold colors, now I like to experiment and try different modern techniques but color remains a mark that identifies my work. Living in Riyadh, the beauty of the Arab desert and culture has become a great source of inspiration, as well.
Coral Reef by Maru Prats.
What are the challenges you face as an artist, and how do you overcome them?
The very first challenge when I was in high school was to find the time and the place to paint. Now that I have time, space, and peace of mind to focus on my painting, the real challenge is to go out of my comfort zone and risk trying new things.
If you were to explain the importance of art in society, what would you say is its significance?
Art is a global language, like music, it goes across borders and unites people. It communicates beauty, harmony, strength or power which are understandable by all cultures alike.
Website: www.maruprats.com
Instagram: @maru_prats
Facebook: Maru Prats Paintings
Marina Khayrullina
Moscow, Russia
“Art is a conversation with yourself where you can paint your world as you love it and feel it from the inside.”
Marina chose to pursue art academically in Russia – where they have rich traditions on art dating back from centuries ago – but she first discovered art as a family activity. She was taught how to draw along with her sister during their childhood days but has then built her career in oil painting using different techniques and tools; sometimes she would also experiment on other mediums such as silk painting, modeling with clay, and epoxy resin art. She started living in Riyadh in 2009 and has since exhibited her works locally and internationally with the group, “Synergy.”
Who are your influences when it comes to art?
The first person who affected my life in art was my father. He talked me into making art. Without his help and influence, I would not reach anything now.
While living in Saudi Arabia, I was always impressed with Saudi culture, especially their calligraphy. It was something that truly fascinated me and I would wish to incorporate something similar to my work, but I realized it was not so simple at all.
Floating Rehma Mosque by Marina Khayrullina.
What are the challenges you face as an artist, and how do you overcome them?
Often, people ask me about my educational background. It is true that professional education is necessary for a successful career. It was not easy to find time for a full-value academic program in one of the Russian art institutions. Nevertheless, with the support of my family, I will graduate and I can proudly announce that “Yes, I am a professional artist with a full academic art education.”
If you were to explain the importance of art in society, what would you say is its significance?
Art develops culture in any person and teaches them to think. Artists skillfully use paints, filling their canvases with the acquired knowledge. Everyone can start drawing for pleasure, self-knowledge. Art is a conversation with yourself where you can paint your world as you love it and feel it from the inside. Art allows you to relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of work.
Instagram: Exhibitions @khayrullinamarina
Paintings by me @artmarketksa
Art classes @ARTinKSA
Facebook: @artinKSA
WhatsApp: 0598253223
Leslie Ann Fiestan
Ilocos Sur, Philippines
“Art conveys a message, tells a story. It entices, inspires, motivates, and even honors.”
Surrounded by a family full of creatives (painters, crafters, graphic designers), Leslie was destined to live in the art world. Drawing was her first love but then started to explore other mediums such as charcoal, pastels, watercolor, acrylic, and most recently is oil painting. She considers herself a self-taught artist with a focus on mixed media. She moved to Riyadh at a very young age and has considered the city as her home over the last 30 years. She has exhibited her work with The Women’s Skills Bureau in Naila Art Gallery, Mawhub Art Gallery, International Zervas Art Club and for an upcoming one, the Adham Art Center in Jeddah.
Who are your influences when it comes to art?
I love realism and the ones I look up to would be the favorites: da Vinci, Raphael, Michaelangelo, then there’s Caravaggio, Bouguereau and art nouveau Alphonse Mucha. For Filipino artists, they would be Fernando Amorsolo, Ben Cab, and Vicente Manansala.
The Boat Carver by Leslie Fiestan.
What are the challenges you face as an artist, and how do you overcome them?
Initially, living in Saudi Arabia and as an expat, it was hard for me to gain exposure and showcase my work. I’m very thankful that in recent years, Saudi has given opportunities for women, especially expat women, to take part in activities that show their potential.
Another challenge I’ve faced as an artist is parting with our work when it’s sold. Commissions are different, but artwork that you’ve conceived, your idea, your design, especially when it becomes your favorite or if it has some sentimental value, it’s hard to let those go. We’ve put our heart, soul and time into those original pieces. I usually place a higher value on my favorite pieces.
If you were to explain the importance of art in society, what would you say is its significance?
Art is everywhere and everything we see, hear, and touch. From architecture, to the clothes we wear, food, entertainment (music, TV, theater) even mother nature. It’s been around for ages as a form of communication since art is universal. It evokes various emotions. Art conveys a message, tells a story. It entices, inspires, motivates, and even honors. Without art, our world would be boring and lifeless.
Website: https://lesfiestan.wixsite.com/lescreate
Email: just.les.art@gmail.com
Instagram and Facebook: @just.les.art
Hassa Ahmed
Pakistan/Saudi Arabia
“Art influences society by translating experiences, by changing people’s opinion, by encouraging values.”
At a young age, Hassa naturally developed an eye for composition by observing light, shadows, and the vibrancy of colors around her. She was immersed in participating in art competitions in school and won many prizes out of it. At the moment, she is experimenting with several mediums such as oil on canvas, gouache, and Tempera but claims that her passion lies mostly in acrylic as a realist painter. Her early works involved those in her school and workplace, but her first official art exhibit was the Mawhub Art Gallery wherein she sold out all of her artworks. Born and raised in Riyadh, her upcoming series of paintings are inspired by the streets of this city.
Who are your influences when it comes to art?
I am influenced by the work of other artists who appeal to my own aesthetic proclivities. These include mostly the self-taught artists I found on social media.
I relate to them on a personal level as they never went to any art school like me to create the magnificent work they’ve done. Some of the names include Andreea Berinda, Chuck Black, Lena Danya and many more.
Riyadh by Hassa Ahmed.
What are the challenges you face as an artist, and how do you overcome them?
As a realism artist, I am never satisfied with my piece of work. I love to capture details from real life and add it into my paintings but sometimes I fail because it can never be perfect. There is no such thing as perfect.
When I find myself overthinking, I give myself a break for some time. I read, spend some time exploring, and come back with a different mindset which leads me to see the drawbacks I had.
If you were to explain the importance of art in society, what would you say is its significance?
Art is a form of communication. There are different languages spoken around the world and we might not understand many of them but art is a universal form of language. It allows people from different cultures and different times to communicate with each other. Art is also often a vehicle for social change.
Email: hassaharts@gmail.com
WhatsApp: 00966592138476
Instagram: @hassa_arts
