Unique art of Al-Qatt Al-Asiri of Saudi Arabia introduced in Hanoi
WVR - The art of Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, a female traditional interior wall decoration of Saudi Arabia, was introduced in an event held by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Hanoi on August 22.
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| On August 22, 2023, the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia held an event to introduce the art of Al-Qatt Al-Asiri – a female traditional interior wall decoration of Saudi Arabia. (Photo: Nguyen Hong) |
The event was attended by various female representatives of Vietnamese ministries and agencies, female Heads of international organizations, Spouses of Ambassadors, Chargé d'affaires in Vietnam and many female journalists representing media agencies operating in Hanoi.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Hiba Mostafa S. Mahros - Spouse of the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Vietnam said that the event aims to introduce the unique art of Al-Qatt Al-Asiri of Saudi Arabia, which has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible cultural heritage in 9 December 2017.
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| Dr. Hiba Mostafa S. Mahros - Spouse of the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Vietnam introduces the unique art of Al-Qatt Al-Asiri of Saudi Arabia to participants at the event. (Photo: Nguyen Hong) |
Al-Qatt Al-Asiri art is one of the most important folk arts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is an ancient heritage art with rich aesthetic and plastic values and considered a main element in the identity of the Asir region in southern Saudi Arabia. It was based on the creativity of the women of the Asir region, who used to use it to decorate the interior walls of their houses specifically the living rooms.
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| Participants at the event are very interested in the unique art. (Photo: Nguyen Hong) |
"In the past, while the man assumed the responsibility of building and maintaining the house from the outside, the lady of the house took over decorating the interior walls, where she drew harmonious shapes on the walls of the room with bright and attractive colors. She also invited her female relatives of various age groups to help draw and color the motifs and shapes, thus the art contributes to enhancing the social bonding and solidarity among the female community in the region," the Spouse of Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Vietnam said.
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| Unique art of Al-Qatt Al-Asiri of Saudi Arabia attracts young 'artist". (Photo: Nguyen Hong) |
According to the Spouse, Al-Qatt art consists of several patterns, including geometric shapes, and symbols that are formed in layers, each of which has its own symbolism and aesthetic and cultural significance, as they symbolise people, religion and elements of the environment. Among profound motifs and details in Al- Qatt art there are bride and Bridesmaid symbolizing the female with happiness feelings, Al Banat representing femininity, growth, and the role of women in the community, Khatamah showing unity, harmony, and the infinite nature of God's creation; Amshat symbolizing the idea of equality, unity and harmony among people; etc.
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| Al-Qatt art consists of several patterns, including geometric shapes, and symbols that are formed in layers, each of which has its own symbolism and aesthetic and cultural significance. (Photo: Nguyen Hong) |
After creating the outlined shapes, colors are used to complete the design. The talent of the Asiri woman is manifested in mixing primary colors (red, yellow, black, and blue) with secondary colors to show the magnificence and aesthetics of the Al-Qatt Al-Asiri art. All materials and tools used, in the past to create this art were extracted from natural surroundings and gathered by the women themselves, picking plants and rocks together to create pigments, using hair of goats tail and branches as painting tools.
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| The talent of the Asiri woman is manifested in mixing primary colors (red, yellow, black, and blue) with secondary colors to show the magnificence and aesthetics of the Al-Qatt Al-Asiri art. (Photo: Nguyen Hong) |
This indicates the delicate artistic and aesthetic sense, which is implanted in the instinct of Saudi women in general and Asir women in particular. They start by using a material that is composed of a mix derived from gypsum found in the surrounding mountains and apply it to the walls to create a white surface for working upon.
The black colour is made by charcoal. Iron-rich stones crushed and mixed with plant mucilage create the red colour. The color blue is extracted from a substance called "indigo" or "indigo dye” which is derived from a plant. Yellow can be obtained from turmeric root while green comes from fresh grass and plants around the village. And from there wonderful paintings are created.
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| Many leading modern-day architects and interior designers have been inspired by Al-Qatt in their works. (Photo: Nguyen Hong) |
While women typically practiced the decorative art, today both male and female artists, architects, and interior designers practise Al-Qatt on a range of surfaces, including clothing, accessories and furniture. Many leading modern-day architects and interior designers have been inspired by Al-Qatt in their works.
At the event, the guests had the opportunity to experience the art of Al-Qatt Al-Asiri through drawing and coloring typical Al-Qatt motifs. The event offered the guests interesting experiences about the unique Saudi traditional art with rich aesthetic values, and helped them to learn more about the cultural beauty and lifestyle of the Saudi people.
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| The event offered the guests interesting experiences about the unique Saudi traditional art with rich aesthetic values, and helped them to learn more about the cultural beauty and lifestyle of the Saudi people. (Photo: Nguyen Hong) |
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