Al-Koumi, Sharbatly, and Qandil Open Dr. Abdul Halim Radwi Exhibition Featuring 30 Saudi Artists at Zai Gallery in Zamalek

Shalimar Sharbatly: “Abdul Halim Radwi Exhibition Reflects the Identity of Saudi Fine Art and Strengthens Cultural Bridges Between the Kingdom and Egypt”

On Sunday evening, the President of the Egyptian Artists Syndicate, Tariq Al-Koumi, Saudi artist Shalimar Sharbately, and art critic Hisham Qandil inaugurated an exhibition celebrating the works of the late pioneering Saudi artist Dr. Abdul Halim Radwi alongside a showcase of artworks by 30 prominent Saudi artists, at Zai Gallery in Zamalek, Cairo.

The opening ceremony witnessed a notable presence of artists, critics, and media representatives, including Fouad Al-Gharabli, Sami Al-Balshi, Walid Obeid, Atef Suleiman, and Atef Ahmed, besides numerous Egyptian and Saudi artists, highlighting the deep cultural and artistic exchange between the two countries.

The exhibition runs until December 28^th and features selected works by leading figures in Saudi fine art. Which include Bakr Sheikhoun, Ahmed Felmban, Abdulrahman Al-Sulaiman, Taha Al-Sabban, Abdullah Hamas, Samir Al-Dahham, Fahd Al-Hajilan, Shalimar Sharbatly, Abdullah Idrees, Ayman Yousri, Ola Hijazi, Mohamed Al-Ribat, Fahd Khalif, Mohamed Al-Ghamdi, Abdulrahman Al-Maghrabi, Riyadh Hamdoun, Mohamed Al-Shahri, Ihsan Burhan, Mohamed Al-Ablaan, Mohamed Al-Khubti, Saeed Al-Alawi, Abu Haris, Nahar Marzouk, Khalid Al-Amir, Ahmed Al-Khazmari, Abdullah Al-Zahrani, among others.

Saudi artist Shalimar Sharbatly emphasized during the opening that the exhibition of the late Dr. Abdul Halim Radwi represents a significant cultural and artistic milestone in the trajectory of Saudi fine art. She noted that Radwi was a pioneer who established an authentic visual identity combining heritage depth with a conscious openness to global artistic schools.

Sharbatly said: “Dr. Abdul Halim Radwi was not only an exceptional artist through his works, but also contributed to consolidating the status of Saudi fine art. He opened new horizons for future generations, affirming that art is a cultural language capable of expressing identity and belonging in a contemporary spirit.”

She added that the participation of this group of prominent Saudi artists reflects the richness and diversity of the Kingdom’s artistic experience, embodying an artistic journey that continues today through practices that express multiple visions and styles, highlighting the Kingdom’s growing artistic movement.

Sharbatly pointed out that hosting the exhibition in Cairo carries special significance, as Egypt has historically been and continues to be a central hub for Arab art. She stated: “This exhibition forms a cultural bridge between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, enhancing the presence of joint artistic dialogue and affirming the depth of cultural and historical ties between the two countries.”

She expressed that the exhibition contributes to strengthening cultural and artistic exchange and opens new avenues for cooperation between artists and art institutions in both countries, stressing that such initiatives are essential for supporting Arab art and showcasing its presence regionally and internationally.

Dr. Abdul Halim Radwi is considered one of the first generation of artists who helped establish the defining features of the Saudi art movement, leaving a lasting artistic and cultural imprint throughout his career. Known for his constant activity and belief in the role of fine art in enriching Saudi culture, he passed away in Jeddah after battling illness in recent years.

Radwi’s art drew inspiration from authenticity and the Arab-Islamic heritage while remaining openly receptive to global artistic movements. His works expressed a contemporary vision emphasizing identity and cultural specificity. His artistic journey evolved from the symbol of the horse, representing authenticity and the dynamism of life, to incorporating motifs of homes, people, and everyday life, while maintaining his distinctive artistic style until his final works.

This exhibition honors Dr. Abdul Halim Radwi’s legacy and celebrates the Saudi fine art movement and its pioneers, offering a creative space that bridges memory and contemporary presence, reflecting the Kingdom’s growing cultural momentum on the Arab and international art scene.