Safeya Binzagr, a leading female artist from Saudi Arabia, passed away recently at the age of 84. The art community, including institutions, fellow artists, cultural experts, and former students, quickly came forward to honor her legacy.
The esteemed Swiss curator and art critic Hans Ulrich Olbrist shared a handwritten note from Binzagr that read, “If you have the will, you will.” This phrase reflects her perseverance and commitment to her craft, earning her the affectionate title of “the mother of Saudi art.”
Born in 1940 in Jeddah’s Harat Al-Sham neighborhood, Binzagr formed a deep-rooted connection with her upbringing. At a time when travel for Saudi and Arab women was uncommon, she had the chance to explore beyond her homeland. When she was seven, her family moved to Egypt, where she completed her education through high school.
Although Cairo was distant from her cherished Jeddah, its streets evoked a sense of home for her. As articulated by her cultural center, Darat Safeya Binzagr, her memories of Jeddah filled her with nostalgia for the warmth and rich customs of its people.
Binzagr’s artistic journey also included pivotal experiences in England. After her schooling in Egypt, she attended a finishing school before earning a degree in drawing and graphics from London’s St Martin’s School of Art in 1976.
The year 1968 marked a significant turning point in her career, as she and fellow artist Mounirah Mosly became among the first women to publicly exhibit their work in Saudi Arabia at the Dar at-Tarbiyah al-Haditha School in Jeddah.
Throughout the following decades, from the 1970s through the 1980s, Binzagr showcased her work in numerous cities including Jeddah, Dharan, Madinah, London, Paris, and Geneva. Her art remained celebrated in later years as well; at the Diriyah Biennale in Riyadh, for example, her vibrant drawings of women in traditional Saudi attire captivated audiences.
Binzagr’s artwork mainly revolved around depicting Saudi culture, everyday life, and architectural heritage. She portrayed various scenes, from wedding festivities to pilgrims at the Holy Kaaba, capturing the essence of her surroundings while preserving the traditions that were being overshadowed by modernization.
One of her most remarkable pieces is “Al Zabun,” a 1969 portrait of a woman in a bright yellow gown against an ornate background, often referred to as “The Arab Mona Lisa.” The title reflects the traditional attire of the woman depicted in the painting.
In addition to her artistic contributions, Binzagr established her cultural center in Jeddah in 2000, providing countless students the opportunity to explore art and education, reflecting her commitment to nurturing future generations.
A former student, artist Daniah Alsaleh, reflected on her experience at Binzagr’s atelier, noting the unique space she created for students to learn drawing and painting principles. Alsaleh praised Binzagr not just for her artistic guidance but also for her passion for collecting traditional Saudi artifacts and opening her art library to the public, fostering a sense of community.
“Safeya was a true pioneer, dedicated to both art and education, and her contributions will continue to inspire many.”
