By Yasmin Darwish

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It was a full house this past Tuesday night at Athr Gallery for their 3^rd annual Young Saudi Artist exhibition.

Athr Gallery

The gallery put out an open call in February to all artists in Saudi Arabia from the ages of 30 year old and younger. There were over one hundred applications sent in, and out of them, the top 18 artists were chosen to participate in this years YSA exhibition. Those artists included are Heba Abed, Nada Ashy, Dana Awartani, Rawaa Baksh, Huda Beydoun, Abdullah Boogis, Hind Al Ghalayini, Abdulaziz Al Harbi, Nora Al Issa, Noorah Kareem, Maha Khalawi, Rami Al Qthami, Ghada Al Rabea, Ahmed Rubat, Omama Al Sadiq, Batool Al Shomrani, Mohanna Tayeb, and Ayman Zedani.

Artist Huda Beydoun

Huda Beydoun’s artwork “Tagged & Documented”

Artist Dana Awartani

This year, the exhibition focused on identity, limitations of freedom, and youth’s most influential element; change, driven by their unreserved sense of curiosity. These expressions are accomplished through diverse mediums, from acrylic on canvas paintings and ink on paper, to intricate installations and video art.

Nada Ashy’s “Origami” madeof recycled paper.

Installation Art

The artwork really was quite extraordinary and so creative. Ghada Al –Rabea created this mosaic below made entirely of candy wrappers. Take a closer look…

Ghada Al-Rabea

Ghada Al-Rabea close up

And Ayman Zedani created a pop-up shop at the entrance of the gallery. Visitors were able to purchase artworks, pillows, iPhone covers, bags and more with Ayman Zedani’s fresh designs.

Ayman Zedani’s Pop-Up Shop

Ayman Zedani

This exhibition demonstrates the continuity and growth of the Saudi art scene, showing that it is expanding, flourishing, and here to stay. YSA 2011, 2012, and 2013 have been indicators that there is a surplus of passionate Saudi artists and art lovers who are determined to pave the way for the future of Saudi art.

The exhibition will stay on display at Athr Gallery until May 9th.