Abdulredha Al-Saegh’s paintings are an artist’s reflections on Kuwait’s storied past. His brushstrokes create the country’s historic landmarks and traditions, evoking nostalgia among the spectators about the past. “A work of art ought to convey a universal message. And as such, it must be simple and everyone must be able to grasp it without any difficulty. It must be an easy language with a great concept,” Saegh told Kuwait Times as he shared his artistic vision.
A visual artist, an art trainer and an art education teacher, Saegh has participated in several painting exhibitions inside and outside Kuwait. He specializes in organizing art exhibitions and art gallery shows. Saegh did a live painting demonstration of his sublime art recently, displaying Kuwait’s opulent cultural heritage at the Kuwait Embassy in Brussels on the occasion of the National Day celebrations. Kuwait’s Ambassador to Belgium Nawaf Nafie Al-Enezi expressed his gratitude to Saegh for his contribution to the National Day reception at the embassy.
His artwork titled “History of Glory” encapsulates Kuwait’s rich cultural legacy and dwells deep into the country’s historical past. “As an artist, it is my duty to convey the image of our heritage and the historical legacy of our country to the new generation in an attractive albeit modern way,” Saegh commented on his painting on Kuwaiti heritage which he completed during the live demonstration.
Bold hues
“My paintings seek to combine the history of the past with the beauty of the present and future so that these bold hues can captivate audiences worldwide. The role of art is to send a global message, and this is the modernity that is sought to be achieved today through artistic works,” Saegh said.
He mostly works on canvas using oil as the medium, although he uses acrylic occasionally. Although his works epitomize the richness of Kuwaiti heritage and tradition, he chooses to experiment with contemporary styles often bordering on impressionism or even abstract techniques. Here, he seeks to achieve a fine balance between tradition and modernity.
Saegh’s artistic renderings of Kuwait’s renowned landmarks evoke an aesthetic that is at once contemporary and yet rooted in tradition. “This impressionistic style helps me transcend my works beyond time and space to reflect the true sense and vibrancy of our rich heritage,” he said. His works are eloquent and robust as they mirror the country’s cultural past even while employing the mode of the contemporary. “For instance the painting titled ‘Ships of Giving’ seeks to convey a message that all our children must know the history of Kuwait and the path of goodness”, he noted.
Kuwaiti visual artist Abdulredha Al-Saegh’s painting ‘History of Glory’ truly encapsulates Kuwait’s rich cultural legacy and dwells deep into the country’s historic past. His impressionistic style helps him transcend his works beyond time and space, reflecting the true sense and vibrancy of Kuwait’s heritage.
