Paintings and artworks by Filipino artists based in Al Khobar hung alongside pieces by Saudi and other international creatives at Art Through the Spirit of a Nation, a three-day exhibition marking Saudi Arabia’s 96th National Day.
Among the Filipinos who exhibited were Jose Rex Navarrosa, Ysmael Raul Salanguste, Wellington Somera Jr., Marcelino Gallos Gado and Dan Abante Calisura. Their work was shown at Somerset Downtown Al Khobar from September 23 to 25.
Like the rest of the more than 20 participating artists, the Filipino contingent drew on this year’s National Day theme, “Our Pride Is Our Nature,” interpreting Saudi identity, culture, landscapes and everyday life through their own creative perspectives. The lineup also included artists from Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Malaysia and Romania.
For the Filipino community in the Eastern Province, the exhibit put the talent of Filipinos living and working in the Kingdom on public view, giving overseas workers a way to take part in celebrating their host country’s culture through their own art.
Filipino hands also shaped the event behind the scenes. Happy Sandscapes, a Filipina-run lifestyle digital platform and community group in Saudi Arabia, co-organized the exhibit as its marketing partner.
“We are a digital platform, but at our heart, we are a community that thrives on wonder,” the group said of its participation. Happy Sandscapes described the project as a chance to promote the artists and to bring people together through creativity, culture and shared experiences.
Filipino content creators and vloggers were tapped to document the exhibit and share it online. Visitors of several nationalities came through the gallery, among them families, students and community members.
M.Y. Holdings organized the exhibition, which also set aside space for young artists and students from Eastern Province schools, including Almajd International School, Al Hussan Schools and Wonder Minds.
