Princess Nauf bint Bandar Al-Saud
My Colors Are Part of My Personality
In a special interview, Princess Nauf referred to a major initiative under way to hold a pan-Arab arts exhibition in order to promote interaction among artists.
We should not imitate others when we have our own culture
Not only Saudi art, but Gulf art in general is going through a crisis.
Renowned painter-artist Princess Nauf bint Bandar Al-Saud has stressed the need for intensifying efforts to rescue the world of arts from the critical phase it is passing through. The following is the text of the interview:
Please tell us about yourself.
I launched my career a year ago, when I opened my own art gallery for exhibiting paintings. I attempted through this to participate in the art movement in the Kingdom and the Gulf in general. I also try to support cultural activities and not merely to sell paintings. One of my objectives is also to nurture creativity among the youth, and to support new artists, especially in view of the fact that art in the Kingdom still needs more time to achieve its goals. Regarding myself, I got interested in the arts at an early age. However, my own specialty is far removed from the arts; it is, in fact, hereditary illnesses. My interest in the arts began when I was still a teenager. At the time I painted in oil, and participated in a number of exhibitions.However, at the moment , I am trying to discover new methods used in the field.
What would you say about the style of painting or the school of art that you belong to?
I leave my feelings behind in determining the style of painting. The soul of the artist consists in what comes out in a painting. Even with different paintings and subject matter, you would still be able to know who painted it, even if you did not actually know his/her name. The distinctive style of painting would be obvious in the work. This is also true of my works in that I lean toward cultural and Islamic topics.
Were you influenced by any particular artist?
No, I was influenced by the painting, rather than the painter per se. I am keen to visit art exhibitions and museums in all the countries I visit. And what leaves an impression on me is those paintings.
How would you define your relationship with the brush?
It is a very close one; it is part of my personality. Art is a form of relaxation after a long day’s work. I am keen to paint; it is part of my daily life.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
One’s ideas are either natural, from a flash of inspiration, or from something that attracts one’s attention from daily life and then bobs up in one’s mind in a certain shape. Then I try to conceptualize that image or jot down the idea so that I can render that image to a large painting later on.
How would you evaluate your experience as a Saudi artist? And what, according to you, is missing in your artistic creations?
The thing that distinguishes a Saudi art is its talent. But Saudi art, especially for the new generation, is not getting any encouragement, as far as women are concerned. However, when I set up the Lahz exhibition gallery, I was keen to give an opportunity to younger women artists. This gives me great satisfaction, since I am giving them a chance to exhibit their talent.
How did the idea of your own exhibition hall get started?
It was due to my interest, generally speaking, in art exhibitions. The most pressing reason was that there were no permanent exhibitions during the year, and that some artists were having problems holding exhibitions. For these reasons, the idea of a hall appealed to me. Its role is not for hosting exhibitions only, but also to play a cultural role by hosting exhibitions on a continuing basis to develop artistic skills and uplift the level of Saudi art.
To what extent does the relationship between art and a businesswoman who runs an exhibition gallery come through in you?
I do not regard myself as a businesswoman. We have seen throughout life that art is not fit for business. What makes it distinctive is that it stems from the cultural and intellectual background of the society. As such, art reflects the progress and civility of nations. However, regarding material gain, it may not bethat profitable.
Is Saudi art in a crisis?
Not only Saudi art, but Gulf art in general is going through a crisis. A year ago I went on a tour of the Gulf and noticed that there were no academies for teaching the arts, in spite of the fact that there was a lot of moral support; which means that art has not gained a foothold in the culture of the society to the extent that it deserves. So we as artists are now striving to change the way society views art.
How was the response of artists to the activity of the exhibition hall?
The response was positive and beyond my expectation. One of the things that surprised me more than anything else was the extent of media attention it received. All this happened in just under one year. However, this is a first step, and we are looking forward to the future with hope and optimism.
Does Saudi art have a following?
Yes, it does have, even though on a relatively small scale. The number of artists is also increasing. It is expected that the art will witness a great following in the near future from all walks of life as the level of awareness of these artists also gets a boost.
What are the major artistic experiments you have conducted in the gallery?
All were daring steps and unprecedented, especially at the Gulf level. We have projected Saudi artists, which was in itself a form of cultural exchange between the states in the region. We also ran a number of art courses and workshops for children in conjunction with the activities of the hall, something I regard as a major achievement.
What about your experience in holding exhibitions at a pan-Arab level?
There are new measures in the offing, including bringing together the Gulf and the Arab world. We will be holding a Gulf exhibition in Arab capitals. This should promote cultural exchange among artists. This has already started with an exhibition held in
Is there any plan to hold Saudi exhibitions in Arab countries?
Yes, there is, especially as we have previously held an exhibition in 10 Arab countries which had a major impact. Soon a charity exhibition will be held to raise funds for artists from
How do you see the position of the Saudi women at present?
Saudi ladies have spent half a century of learning and working. However, greater effort is needed to overcome present obstacles. I am sure that we will overcome them, while of course, preserving the status of the man. Each one of them, the man and the woman, has fixed roles in developing society, but there has to be a balance, so that one side does not nullify the role of the other.
How do you explain the lack of support among Saudi ladies for investing in culture and the arts?
It has to do with the level of awareness. Women cannot put up money in a field they do not know much about. Because of this we have to try and increase their level of awareness, and also that of businessmen. There is currently some support from businessmen, but it is rather limited.
Saudi art is accused of not benefiting from its culture, or from world experience. What is your comment?
I deny this. I have seen Saudi artwork that surpasses many international counterparts, but it has not yet been recognized , and so, it is difficult to appraise the art properly. However, when this situation changes, each one will get what he or she deserves, and Saudi paintings will be appreciated as precious gems. A painting reflects the spiritualism of the artist and the society he or she hails from; it is the only thing that endures forever. There are examples in history which show how the cultures of people were immortalized through the arts. This is particularly so in our Islamic culture. Saudi art contains the elements of survival, whether it is in the form of colors, or its specific Saudi identity; and I hope it does not disappear. We do not imitate other’s experiences; we have our own distinct personality, and in any case art per se cannot be imitated , even though there might be similarities.
What does Saudi art need at present?
It needs renewal and greater opportunities for the younger artists to unleash their creative instincts. The veterans in the field have to help them to transmit their experience to the next generations.
To what extent has competition among artists benefited the arts in
It has largely supported the movement, but we must deal with competition in a positive way. That is, art is a cultural deposit and a cultural exchange, andso it is different from other fields. In the end we are all working toward developing the culture of a society.
How do you see the efforts of the government in supporting the movement?
These efforts are commendable, but they took a long time in coming. I think the government’s initiative needs to be more flexible so that it could help the art movement achieve its aims, especially in view of the fact that the Kingdom has a special place on the world stage, and in many fields. Because of this, the government departments in charge of culture and art have to be dynamic enough to keep up with the international boom the Kingdom is witnessing.
Does the success of the gallery have to do with your official and social status?
In the beginning maybe, but I don’t think this continues for long. If there were no continuity or ambition, there would be no success. Results speak for themselves rather than my name or my social status. If the public do not feel the exhibition gallery had any benefit, we would not be where we are today. The gallery’s standing is high at the moment, and we are looking forward to greater achievements in the near future
What do you think about the concept of private galleries? How much success has it had?
Commercial considerations are predominant in current galleries. The paintings are not appraised properly nor are the artists exposed properly. Also, there is lack of adequate support for them. As such, these galleries have not played a meaningful role in serving the art movement until now. The galleries have to pay greater attention to art, whether those specialized in the field or the connoisseurs of art. This will open up more opportunities for the artists which in turn will boost their confidence to exhibit their works.
Has the Saudi woman reached the world stage?
Frankly speaking, she has not yet. This is one of the aims of the gallery. It is trying to achieve this by exposing Saudi and Arab arts, and by highlighting unique beauty and Orientalism, so that we can reach the world stage. But this needs a degree of awareness and encouragement.
When do you yourself paint? And how do you prepare for it?
The night is my friend and my inspiration. I enter my studio, listen to soft music, and continue painting for about an hour or two. The first to view my work is my family, but only after I complete it.
This is because there is a special relation between myself and my paintings. I have covered many topics, especially the Quranic tale, and the beauty of women. Maybe , this has to do with the influence of my environment.
What is your philosophy behind the choice of colors?
I am inclined toward red and yellow. This is due to the warm environment I grew up in. There are others who think that my use of those colors has to do with my extrovert and synchronized personality. In any case, my work is not subject to the choice of colors. I leave things to my mood, but I do concede that colors reflect the personality of an artist, as does the painting itself.
Is a painting read first then felt?
I think that a painting is felt first then read. It has to stir your emotions first then you can try to understand or read it. If you don’t feel drawn toward it, then it won’t excite your emotions at all. Remember, a painting is first and foremost an expression of an artist’s feelings.
If an artist goes through stages, then where do
you stand now?
They say that each artist goes through many stages depending on his emotional and sensual status, even his age and cumulative experience. However, they reach a stage where their experiences come to rest, and that is when they choose to specialize and to belong. For me, I am currently at the Classical and Impressionist stage, and am glad to be there.
What do you think of group exhibitions? How far do they help an artist?
These exhibitions help an artist a great deal, especially if they tackle a specific theme, something which allows an artist to excel. There are also artists who do not paint a lot , so these exhibitions provide them a platform for expressing their creative urge.
What are the conditions for hosting an exhibition?
There are no conditions as such. I welcome all exhibitions, but I do emphasize the quality of paintings before agreeing to host them. I only seek to project Saudi, Gulf, and Arab art, and to get artists to know each other. That is why, this year will witness many participants and exhibitions in a number of Arab 
countries, including a combined exhibition under the title “Gulf colors” which will tour a number of Arab countries. It started in
What do you wish for Saudi women?
Let them realize their dreams with ease.
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