Exhibition Overview
Hafez Gallery in Jeddah is currently hosting an exhibition titled 'Between Mist and Meridian,' which delves into themes of memory, identity, and belonging through the distinct artistic practices of three Arab artists spanning different generations and geographies. The exhibition features works by Hakim Al-Akel, the late Abdelsattar Al-Mussa, and Thuraya Al-Baqsami, and will run from June 30 to August 1 at the gallery's Al-Rawdah space.
Gallery Founder's Vision
Gallery founder Qaswra Hafez told Arab News: 'Our mission is to champion modern and contemporary Arab art by presenting exhibitions that deepen its discourse and celebrate its enduring relevance.' He further explained that the exhibition brings together three pioneering artists whose shared academic foundation in Moscow gave rise to distinct visual languages shaped by memory, place, and lived experience.
Intergenerational Dialogue
Hafez emphasized how the exhibition highlights the way personal histories become part of broader cultural narratives, adding that the works together 'offer a dialogue across generations on identity, belonging and the lasting power of memory.' The exhibition serves as a platform for intergenerational exchange, with each artist contributing a unique perspective.
Thuraya Al-Baqsami: Feminism and Cultural Memory
For Kuwaiti artist Thuraya Al-Baqsami, the female figure remains central to her artistic and literary practice. 'In my artwork, woman is the main subject because I believe women carry many symbols such as maternity, land, love and challenge,' she said. 'All my writing and paintings are about women, human rights and freedom of expression.' Al-Baqsami noted that her work is deeply rooted in both personal conviction and cultural memory. 'I was always a feminist. I did a lot of artwork about women's rights in society, politics and life. It is not only about Gulf folklore; it is about tradition in our life, and the memories I carry from childhood in Kuwait.' She described herself as a storyteller across mediums, expressing narratives through writing, color, and subject matter.
Hakim Al-Akel: Place and Myth
Yemeni artist Hakim Al-Akel shared his perspective on the exhibition, stating that 'an exhibition is a space where souls breathe and eras converge.' He reflected on his evolving relationship with place: 'In the beginning, I used to paint the place, and now the place paints me,' indicating a shift from documenting landscapes to expressing their deeper essence. Al-Akel emphasized the importance of observation and myth in his work: 'Observation is the body, and myth is the soul. A painting cannot live without one.' He highlighted the role of observation alongside memory, folklore, and imagination in shaping his visual language. Al-Akel also described the exhibition as a form of intergenerational dialogue: 'Art is a single flowing river, and though the faces on its banks change, the water continues to carry the same existential questions.'
Abdelsattar Al-Mussa: Archival Layers
The late Abdelsattar Al-Mussa's contribution to the exhibition is represented through black-and-white pieces from the 1980s that preserve the quiet dignity of everyday life. These works offer an archival layer to the exhibition's broader reflection on memory and identity, adding a historical dimension to the contemporary dialogue.
Conclusion
'Between Mist and Meridian' at Hafez Gallery in Jeddah brings together three generations of Arab artists, offering a rich exploration of memory, identity, and belonging. Through their distinct practices, the artists create a dialogue that transcends time and place, inviting viewers to reflect on the enduring power of art to connect personal histories with broader cultural narratives.
