Arab artists: Ali meshes Italian technique with traditional subjects

Ali al-Ruzaiza is a Saudi Arabian artist, born and raised in a village in the Al-Wahim region. He explores his interest for Najd culture in all his paintings and his work. He was inspired by it and even loosely based his work on the traditional Najd design at an early age.

Saudi artist Ali al-Ruzaiza

Ruzaiza was educated in the art field in schools in the capital Riyadh before travelling to Italy, where he studied in Rome between 1974-1979.

There, he broadened his artistic perception while examining Italian artists, their works, methods and techniques.

Upon returning to Saudi Arabia, Ruzaiza developed new creations inspired by his time spent immersed in Italy and its art, while combining traditional elements of Najd.

Najd, “highland” in Arabic, is a plateau characterized by oasis settlements and has been traditionally occupied by Bedouins.

“Najd architecture has a permanent clay color. I always had to plate the clay with gold. The work was really gratifying,” he said.

In his own opinion, he believes that his work is never finished, saying there is always more paint to be made. His oil paintings have ended up in the Al-Mansouria collection, in an art exhibition called “Edge of Arabia” which was taken to be exhibited in London and it has also ended up with several world leaders. His most important work might be considered to be a house which he has been continuously building in Riyadh.

Ruzaiza is always supportive of a new generation of artists and their independent spirit and is very much admired in Riyadh.

To read more and view Ali al-Ruzaiza’s art please follow the link:
http://enawafeth.alarabiya.net/content/his-paintings-are-najds-box-secrets#