Saudi Painter Faeez al-Harthi Merges Arabic and Islamic Cultures on Al Arabiya’s ‘Nawafeth’

Al Arabiya News Channel launched its sixth episode of ‘Nawafeth’ (Arabic for ‘Windows’) series on Wednesday which features fine artists from the Arab World. The series is to release 100 episodes that will showcase profiles of the artists working in different art forms.

Faeez al-Harthi or Abu Haris, as he is commonly known, was born in the village of Misan nestled in the south. He lived there for two weeks before moving to Jabal al-Mudafe in Mecca to live and spend his childhood. Despite only living in the village of Misan for two weeks, a touch of influence from his small place of birth can be seen depicted in his paintings.

Saudi artist Faeez al-Harthi

Harthi has managed to make a name for himself as one of the most prominent artists in Mecca and Saudi Arabia. He managed to employ Arabic calligraphy in classical paintings to produce works that amalgamate abstract art with the Arab and Islamic cultures. The influence of Islamic architecture is very obvious in his paintings.

“It left an aesthetical impact on my works of art. It was eye-opening to extract the beauty of this place. People believe I got my popularity because of my well-liked personality.”

Harthi’s hardest obstacle to overcome was to create engaging paintings using only black and white colors
“Everything I learnt and mastered has become my possession,” he said.

What is unusual about Harthi is that he did not start painting from a very early age like so many professional artists do. His talent in painting was established when he was somewhat older.

Despite this fact, Harthi was able to carve a niche for himself in the world of art. However, he has a single wish left. “I wish people could reflect on every single detail of the painting and this is what I do.”