The Al-Namas International Sculpture Symposium recently concluded in Saudi Arabia's Asir region, bringing together ten distinguished Arab sculptors under the inspiring theme "Linear Rhythms." The event, which wrapped up on August 26, was organized by Al-Namas municipality with artistic direction from renowned Saudi sculptor Mohammed Al-Thaqafi, showcasing the governorate's ambitious vision to strengthen its visual identity and transform public spaces through contemporary art.

The symposium's theme drew deep inspiration from Al-Namas's breathtaking natural landscape, where dramatic mountain ridges and flowing cloud formations merge seamlessly into expansive horizons. This striking topography served as a natural guide for the participating artists' creative designs and interpretations, influencing their artistic vision throughout the creative process.

Ten accomplished sculptors from across the Arab world participated in this cultural exchange. Saudi Arabia was represented by Mohammed Al-Thaqafi, Ali Al-Tokhais, and Ebtesam Saleh, while international participants included Morocco's Ikram Kabbaj, the UAE's Azza Al-Qubaisi, Qatar's Mohammed Al-Ateeq, Oman's Yousuf Al-Rawahi, Sudan's Khalid Abdullah, Tunisia's Mohammed Bou Aziz, and Egypt's Omar Toussoun.

Working exclusively with locally sourced stone materials, these talented artists created impressive large-scale sculptural pieces that have now been permanently installed throughout Al-Namas's gardens and public areas. The artworks successfully blend modern creative expression with traditional Saudi heritage, creating a unique dialogue between contemporary art and cultural identity.

According to artistic director Al-Thaqafi, who spoke with Arab News, the symposium serves as a vital platform for celebrating visual culture while making art accessible to the broader community. He emphasized sculpture's crucial role in advancing visual literacy and urban beautification, explaining that the medium powerfully expresses local identity and spirit while transforming ordinary public areas into dynamic creative showcases of regional aesthetics and cultural heritage.

Al-Thaqafi noted the symposium's impressive growth in both scope and ambition each year, revealing Al-Namas's aspiration to establish itself as a major regional hub for public art. He expressed strong optimism that other Saudi cities will embrace similar artistic initiatives, spreading the cultural impact across the kingdom.

Participating artists offered enthusiastic praise for both the quality of artistic exchange and Al-Namas's exceptional natural setting. Egyptian sculptor Omar Toussoun described receiving the invitation as "one of the most prestigious moments" of his career, crediting the region's mountainous terrain, dramatic valleys, and captivating landscapes as major sources of inspiration for his work. Qatari artist Mohammed Al-Ateeq emphasized the remarkable strength of Gulf and Arab participation, explaining that the symposium provided artists with ideal working conditions necessary to bring their large-scale, ambitious artistic visions to life.

With its refreshingly cool climate, stunning scenic beauty, and growing cultural vibrancy, Al-Namas continues to strategically position itself as both an attractive tourism destination and an emerging cultural hub where contemporary art, natural beauty, and traditional heritage intersect harmoniously.