Saudi efforts to promote youth development are paying dividends on the international stage

RIYADH: Nada Al-Rimi stands in front of a clay block for more than seven hours, turning it into a work of art, sculpting eyes, nose and other facial features. She won’t stop until it looks right.

The Saudi Arabian sculptor started his career out of curiosity and a desire to try something new.

„When I finished my first sculpture, I had a greater sense of joy and accomplishment than the feelings I get when I paint,” Al-Rimi told Arab News.

„Then I made another sculpture that replicated my features, and when I did that, I knew I could carve anything,” he added.

Since she was a child, Al-Rimi enjoyed drawing and playing with dough, which her mother taught her how to make things with.

“When I want to relive those childhood days, I start sculpting with clay,” Al-Rimi added: “I used to play with play dough a lot, and I still remember my mother teaching me how to make a flower. „

Her family noticed a significant change in her behavior once she returned to art and encouraged them to continue on that path and develop a career. As a result, she enrolled in classes and workshops to work with clay as a medium.

Al-Rimi has exhibited his unconventional artwork in more than seven galleries, but believes it is still not a popular art form among locals. „Sculptors are rare in Saudi, and it deserves more recognition from the locals. Fortunately, it is supported by the kingdom, but still, it is not popular among the locals,” he said.

Sculptors are rare in Saudi and deserve more recognition from the locals. Fortunately it is supported by the kingdom, but still, it is still not popular among the locals.

Nada Al ReimiSaudi sculptor

According to Al-Rimi, art has the unique ability to help a person connect with themselves and overcome any psychological barriers that may arise from overthinking. For this reason, he feels that art and mental health are related, and he often pours his feelings into his sculptures.

„I envisioned and sculpted a character I call Angry Man. He has the characteristics of an angry boy and he symbolizes how I felt at that moment. I named him after an angry experience.

In 2020, Al-Rimi was certified by the Canadian American Board of Professional Practice as a painting and sculpture instructor and has taught several classes in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Sculpting requires dedication and time, as a session can last up to seven hours, while a sculpture takes two to three sessions. One of his favorite works is his King Salman sculpture.

„The sculpture of King Salman took me three sessions and over 21 hours to complete and I consider it one of my best works so far,” he said.

Al-Rimi wants more light to be shed on the sculptural display. She hopes that one day her sculptures will be exhibited in the circles and squares of the kingdom.

„I hope to one day create a sculpture that will be recognized as one of the modern art of our century and will go down in the history books.”

He added: “The Kingdom is deeply concerned with every aspect of the art as they introduced Tuaik sculpture in 2020, offering workshops and classes for sculptors. Opening the gateway to greater expression through sculpture is a great boost.

The Duaik Sculpture Seminar promotes Riyadh as a cultural hub in Saudi Arabia and brings together local and foreign artists to create public artworks in a live environment to raise awareness abroad.