When Dali comes to us...

 

 When I first spoke about this exhibition to my French friends on Thursday night, they all looked at me puzzled and kind of laughed wondering if we would have the privilege to see real painting or simple copy. 

 

But no, the foundation lead by a French guy (Bertrand XXX) made the effort, without extensive publicity though, to bring him to KAEC (the Economic City, another amazing project aiming to bring all companies and economic development together with a visionary infrastructure. They actually brought part of the collection that is usually exposed in Montmartre and have some copies sold on the spot, prices range from 1760 till 704000 euros but the good news is that anyone who wishes to spend his/her money nicely that way, will be supporting Saudi artists. That at least comforts you in doing a good spending, no? After all this is KSA!

 

Why didn't they do any publicity? Because, surprisingly enough, some journalists tend to attack any kind of new edge initiative that could come out. Nevertheless, it seems that one big local head did defend the exhibition and supported the action. Let's see if it really stays open till the 6th of April as predicted. Obviously, the most perturbing paintings didn't get exposed and some of the most explicit ones did not show any explanation. 

But still, how amazing to be able to watch this little exhibition, almost touch any object and get close to the paintings without having to bump in anyone, not have to pay and even have the best free food served. Such exposition in Paris would be overly-priced, you would have to wait in line to be able to observe any detail and you would definitely not have the amazing additional red sea view! 

La Venus au corps de girafe présente un tiroir ouvert soulevé par un petit socle. Initialement, chacun se demande ce que cela peut bien signifier... Le petit tiroir est en fait l'image du jardin secret que toute personne devrait s'assurer de conserver intact. Et le socle sur lequel il repose est une métaphore de l'appui et le soutien que lui a apporté sa femme durant toute sa vie.

How did I get there? Thanks to this amazingly passionate Saudi retired manager, Saleh, who decided to put his fortune at the art development service. He offered to take me there, although I didn't know him. But wait, I wasn't completely unconscious in accepting the offer, he was recommended to me by a colleague. Then, a friend of his came to pick me up and all of us met directly there. Driving with a nice conversation with Aiman, speaking about arts, musics, movies and books... watching the nice and dry landscape, humm nothing better to end the week-end.

The level of knowledge and thus the interesting conversation one can encounter here always surprises me and allows me to really appreciate this new destination. Aiman's dad Yahya lived five years in Italy where he got a scholarship to paint. Apparently he is a great painter but does not want to expose for others, he only concentrates on writing art critics as he feels that this is his duty. Interesting point of view but Inshallah, next year he will be the one to expose at KAEC! 

Saleh promised to send me more information on the art scene in Jeddah, can't wait to see more! And to conclude this great afternoon, Saleh kindly offered me a copy of his beautiful house that was destroyed in jeddah in the 70's and that was photographed by National Geographics in 1968... This land is full of surprises :-)

Well time to go to bed as last night was short and the week will be long again...