ISLAMABAD: Artists from Saudi Arabia reintroduced the use of thread and yarn firmly into the realm of art in an exhibition held at Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) on Tuesday.

The exhibition, ‘Weaving threads’, comprises artwork by Nouf Beydoun, Raeda Ashour, Nojoud Al Sudairi and Nora Al Issa, and will continue for a week.

The PNCA in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Culture and the Saudi embassy in Islamabad arranged the display.

The works presented by these artists is sensual as well as intellectual, buoyant and even joyful with intricacies.

While the smaller works feel like jewels, the large scale pieces command some space.

A visitor described the exhibition and the art pieces as sculptors working in the medium of textiles.

Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki highlighted the importance and historical strength of cultural relations between his country and Pakistan.

PNCA Director General Fouzia Saeed appreciated the Saudi cultural ministry and highlighted the role of artists in building the social fabric of societies and bridging cultures.

It’s a unique exhibition where all the artists are Saudi women.

This is a first for Pakistan. These artists represent emerging freedoms for Saudi women and help women in developing new links with the global art world, the organisers said.

Visitors found the displays vibrant and joyful with attractive colours and textures jumping off the designs and geometric shapes.

“Their art gives pleasure to the eye and the mind and to the touch if only we were allowed to touch,” said a visitor.

Another art lover, Amina Khan, also wanted to feel the braid and nub, and feel the tightness and looseness and differences between soft and wiry weavings. And her friend described the artists as one with original vision.

The artworks were hung on walls, displayed on stands and there were also a few installations.

Published in Dawn, March 11th, 2020