JEDDAH: Saudi artist Rehab Zakri has carved out a unique niche in the art world by delving into the rich culture and identity of southern Saudi Arabia.
The artist's impressionist works capture her passion for the tradition and have been shown in various exhibitions, including a solo exhibition in 2020.
The 24-year-old's work is a vibrant tapestry of colours that reflects the diverse natural landscapes of everyday life in the city of Jazan.
“My hometown, Jazan, is a treasure trove of heritage and natural wonders that inspire my soul. Immersed in the richness of nature, my artistic journey flourishes,” she told Arab News.
“Each stroke tells a story inspired by adventures with friends that took them to coffee plantations, the majestic Kahr Mountains and the tranquil Wadi Rajab.”
Zakris’ artistic journey began at a young age when her teacher encouraged her to enter a painting competition and her love for painting blossomed into a full-fledged passion.
Her talent shone through and she won first place in Jazan province and fourth place nationwide in a drawing and painting competition. This early recognition only strengthened her determination to further pursue her artistic dreams.
She chose Impressionist art because she wanted freedom of expression through color, away from precision and perfection.
Her paintings are rich in color and emotion, allowing her to communicate her feelings and thoughts in a visually appealing way.
“My artistic expression is based on the interplay of colours, weaving emotion and identity into every stroke, forging a deep connection between my art and myself,” she said.
Zakri has also created a space in her home where art comes to life, hosting art gatherings and workshops, and welcoming visitors to experience Jazan’s beauty and identity through her eyes.
“I have created a personal sanctuary in my home where every stroke of paint brings my work to life. It is a haven that I open to fellow art lovers,” she said.
“I welcome visitors from afar and offer them a glimpse into the essence and charm of Jazan. This city is deeply rooted in my artistic soul, seeping into my countless brushstrokes and embodied in its spirit and beauty in every painting I create.”
Her large-scale interactive artwork, “Generosity,” draws inspiration from Saudi Arabian culture and vividly depicts the elegance of the Najdi Majlis, symbolizing the hospitable nature of Saudi society. The piece was created to mark the Kingdom's National Day.
In this portrait of Jazani's mountain girl, she captures the essence of the Fayfa people and their rich cultural heritage. Fayfa village is known for its unique natural features and the warmth of its people. Surrounded by lush greenery and stunning mountain landscapes, Fayfa is rich in biodiversity and its vibrant flora and fauna adds to its charm.
Painted with meticulous attention to detail, the mountain maiden is depicted wearing traditional Jazani attire adorned with a wreath of roses and a straw hat, against a lush green backdrop. Zakri's portrait of the girl skillfully reflects the beauty of Jazan's natural surroundings.
Another painting, “Coffee Plantation”, captures the essence of the famous coffee plantations in the Bani Malik mountains of Jazan.
Zakri’s work has been included in various exhibitions, including his first solo exhibition supported by Jazan’s Culture and Arts Association, and has garnered widespread acclaim, with each piece representing a cherished moment.
“The painting that is most dear to my heart is the portrait of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,” she said. “The painting embodies the pride of Saudi Arabia and the crown prince's ambitious vision for a bright future.”
Describing her approach to the piece, she said: “I adopted an impressionist style, infusing it with vibrant colours and crisp lines to create a vivid, expressive depiction with a striking presence. The piece was purchased by Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Jazan Province.”
Her painting, titled “From Our Present to Our Future,” symbolizes the achievements of the Saudi people on the journey towards Vision 2030, and shows that dreams can come true if you believe in your capabilities.
Her advice to aspiring artists is straightforward: “Work hard, stay passionate, and be open to new experiences,” she says. “Don't be afraid to explore new things in the arts, and most importantly, enjoy the journey, even when you face difficulties.”
Keen to explore new opportunities in the art world, Zakri built a platform on Instagram to showcase his work and engage with the community.
