The Evolution and Impact of Saudi Art | Mohammed Hafiz of ATHR

We talk to Mohammed Hafiz, the founder of ATHR Gallery and Foundation, about his journey in the art world, the evolution of Saudi contemporary art, and the founding of ATHR Gallery and the Saudi Art Council. Hafiz shares personal stories from his first experiences with art, the creation of ATHR, and the "Edge of Arabia" exhibition. He discusses the development of the Saudi art scene, its impact on the global stage, and the role of major initiatives like the Islamic Biennale and certain art weeks across the Middle East. Hafiz also provides insights into the challenges and opportunities within the art industry, highlighting the importance of being agile and responsive to dynamic cultural developments.

00:00 Introducing Mohammed Hafiz and His Unique Approach to Art
02:30 Hafiz's Early Encounters with Art
05:19 The Birth of ATHR Gallery
08:55 Challenges and Successes in the Art World
17:42 The Evolution of the Saudi Art Scene
21:30 The Role of Jeddah and the Saudi Art Council
28:10 The Life of an Artist: Challenges and Realities
32:29 The Struggles of Becoming a Full-Time Artist
33:28 Contemporary Art Trends and Public Interest
34:46 Building Saudi Arabia's Art Ecosystem
37:39 Global Art Competitions and Collaborations
41:14 Economic Impact of Creative Industries
46:49 The Future Vision for Saudi Art
57:19 Exploring Art in the Arab World

Mohammed Hafiz (b. 1975, Jeddah) is a prominent advocate for Saudi art, known for transforming the perception of contemporary Saudi art locally and internationally. He supported Edge of Arabia’s touring exhibitions (2008–2014) and curated its first major Jeddah show in 2012. In 2009, he co-founded ATHR with Hamza Serafi—now one of the Kingdom’s leading contemporary art spaces, with a strong educational mission. In 2014, he helped establish the Saudi Art Council and served as Vice Chairman, launching the annual 21,39 Jeddah Arts exhibitions (2014–2022), showcasing Saudi modern and contemporary art. Hafiz was CEO of Al Sawani Group (2005–2020) and currently sits on the boards of Madina Art Center, Misk Art Institute, and Dar Al Fikr Schools. 

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Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 https://spoti.fi/47I59ns

Hosted by: 
Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb

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