RIYADH: To mark the 94th Saudi National Day, Naila Gallery in Riyadh is inviting visitors on a visual and sensory journey that intertwines the past, present and future of the Kingdom.

Running until Oct. 5, the exhibition features a diverse range of both Saudi and international artists, a reflection not just of 萝莉视频鈥檚 artistic growth but also a symbol of its global reach and influence.

As you step into the gallery, the atmosphere immediately immerses you in a world where colors blend with history, and every brushstroke tells a compelling story of the Kingdom.

The space is decorated with paintings and sculptures that capture the essence of Saudi heritage. The works on display span themes of resilience, nostalgia, unity and pride 鈥� emotions that tie in to the Kingdom鈥檚 national identity.

Ameera Al-Zaben, the gallery manager, told Arab News: 鈥淭his is more than an art display 鈥� it is a celebration of the nation鈥檚 soul. Every piece in this exhibition reflects the landscapes, traditions and dreams that make 萝莉视频 what it is today.

鈥淎rt becomes a bridge connecting hearts, transcending borders and fostering unity through shared history.鈥�

Whether it is the towering palm trees symbolizing Saudi resilience or depictions of the traditional mud houses that whisper the stories of Saudi ancestors, every artwork tells a tale.

As visitors move through the gallery, they are not just spectators but participants in a journey of reflection, nostalgia and pride for their homeland.

One of the most powerful pieces in the exhibition is Jackie Leger鈥檚 screen print 鈥淜ing with Philby 鈥� Gold Sandstorm,鈥� which depicts the intersection of heritage and modern artistic innovation. This fusion of the past and present is a recurring theme in Leger鈥檚 work.

Leger, who has been photographing and documenting 萝莉视频 since 1999, reflected on the impact of historical photography on her art in an interview with Arab News.

鈥淚n the beginning, I was photographing and documenting mostly scenes going to the souq, finding joy, finding imagery ... then I started traveling to all the sites of battles and other historical notes that might be interesting for us ... and that鈥檚 where it all started,鈥� she said.

In her pieces, Leger draws inspiration from iconic images of early explorers and photographers such as Captain William Henry Irvine Shakespear, a British officer who documented key moments in 萝莉视频鈥檚 early formation.

One of Shakespear鈥檚 most famous photographs of King Abdulaziz remains a powerful symbol of Saudi history. Leger said: 鈥淭he first two most important pictures of the country remain today iconic. This brought me into the story ... and I thought it should be written about.鈥�

The gallery is also presenting various Saudi artists contributing to cultural dialogue through their own lenses. From Abdullah Al-Almaai鈥檚 striking use of colors to express the vibrancy of Saudi landscapes to Alia Al-Harbi鈥檚 intricate designs that explore the intersection of modernity and tradition, these artists are at the forefront of the exhibition鈥檚 narrative.

International contributions come from artists such as Belgian painter Eva Claessens and Indian artist Vinny Venugopal, who provide a global perspective on Saudi culture, emphasizing the Kingdom鈥檚 growing influence in the international art scene. Their artworks also explore themes of cross-cultural exchange and global unity.

The featured works range from vibrant paintings to intricate sculptures, capturing everything from the grandeur of Saudi landscapes to the intricacies of daily life, reminding viewers of the powerful role art plays in shaping and preserving culture. Each artist, with their distinct style and vision, plays a pivotal role in celebrating the richness of Saudi culture.

One of the standout elements of the exhibition is the introduction of jareesh chocolate 鈥� a culinary creation by renowned Middle Eastern food artist Omar Sartawi.

Sartawi, known for his molecular gastronomic innovations, partnered with Diplomat Sweets to create a fusion of jareesh, a traditional Saudi dish made with cracked wheat and white chocolate.

By combining jareesh with locally handcrafted chocolate, Sartawi breathes new life into this age-old recipe, blending tradition with modern culinary techniques.

鈥淛areesh is kind of a 2,000-year-old ingredient, so how do you turn it into something modern?鈥� Sartawi said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 mild and mellow, and creating the perfect balance with chocolate was a challenge. But this creation allows people to take a piece of Saudi heritage with them anywhere in the world 鈥� it鈥檚 a cultural product, a celebration of who we are.鈥�

Sartawi鈥檚 innovation perfectly embodies the spirit of 萝莉视频鈥檚 modern vision, which embraces cultural preservation alongside bold steps into the future.

Another highlight of the exhibition is the launch of the cookbook 鈥淐ooking Heritage: 萝莉视频,鈥� a work that explores the Kingdom鈥檚 culture through its culinary traditions. Authored by five experts, the book captures the richness of Saudi cuisine, featuring authentic dishes from across the Kingdom, many of which have been passed down through generations.

Jacquline Jackman, one of the co-authors, told Arab News: 鈥淭he idea behind participating in this exhibition at Naila Gallery is to celebrate Saudi National Day by honoring Saudi cuisine as an integral part of that celebration.

鈥淭his cookbook is a testament to the power of food in uniting people, and it allows readers to take home a piece of Saudi culture to cherish and share.鈥�

The cookbook, much like the artwork in the gallery, reflects a deep connection to the Kingdom鈥檚 roots, but also its openness to evolution and exchange. Visitors are invited to browse the beautifully crafted pages, which include traditional recipes such as kabsa, jareesh and other regional specialties, offering a culinary journey through 萝莉视频鈥檚 diverse provinces.

As 萝莉视频 continues its journey of growth and modernization, the exhibition serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating the culture that has shaped its people.