黑料社区

Riyadh-based UK artist Simon Mortimer delves into Saudi pop culture聽

Riyadh-based UK artist Simon Mortimer delves into Saudi pop culture聽
A recent work in Mortimer's studio. (Supplied)
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Updated 06 September 2024

Riyadh-based UK artist Simon Mortimer delves into Saudi pop culture聽

Riyadh-based UK artist Simon Mortimer delves into Saudi pop culture聽
  • Simon Mortimer鈥檚 mixed-media works exploring Arabic imagery and language are currently on show in Doha聽

RIYADH: Inside his apartment in Riyadh, British artist Simon Mortimer experiments with images that explore 黑料社区鈥檚 current period of transformation. His vibrant creations are filled with references to contemporary Saudi culture through high and low art, with an abundance of Arabic influences.聽聽

In one of the artist鈥檚 recent works, a realistic painting of a typewriter on light blue, gray and yellow background is encircled by various signs and symbols from everyday Saudi culture, including an evocative Saudi-based multinational Sharbatly fruit label showing a young boy wearing a red hat. At the top of the work is what appears to be a phrase from another advertisement in Arabic, translating to 鈥淔or those who don鈥檛 know.鈥 On the left-hand side of the typewriter, which Mortimer explains represents the idea of communication, is a cartoon-like depiction of a red falcon with its beak nestled ever so slightly on the machine and a small yellow crown over its head.聽




Simon Mortimer. (Supplied)

Mortimer, currently working in Riyadh as an art teacher, is showing works in a new exhibition at the Media Majlis Museum (mm: museum) at Qatar鈥檚 Northwestern University titled 鈥淭he limits of my language are the limits of my world.鈥 It鈥檚 a mixed-media exhibition exploring the Arabic language, its historical and contemporary context and questions surrounding its future existence. It runs until Dec. 5.聽

Many of Mortimer鈥檚 recent works incorporate Arabic writing and the imagery he selects is often repeated throughout his works (the falcon, the Sharbatly logo, coffee pots, and more). He doesn鈥檛 speak Arabic, but he says he is 鈥渇ascinated by the forms of the letters, the culture and the language鈥 and likes to use words with meanings that reflect the subject matter of his pieces.聽

鈥淚 love to explore the popular culture of a place,鈥 he tells Arab News. 鈥淵ou immediately see these interesting images, logos and adverts. I love the visuals and the aesthetics, and I often don鈥檛 understand what they mean, especially when the labels are in Arabic, so I go onto Google Translate to get a better sense of the meaning.鈥澛




'Learn' by Simon Mortimer. (Supplied)

Mortimer moved to Riyadh around a year ago from Doha, where he lived for five years. In the Qatari capital he was an artist-in-residence at the Fire Station, one of Qatar鈥檚 leading contemporary art spaces. He has lived in a number of other countries, including the Philippines, Greece and Spain, and has exhibited his work in the UK, Greece, Indonesia, the Philippines and Qatar.聽

鈥淚 love being a foreigner,鈥 he says. 鈥淚 love living in different countries and exploring local popular culture. It is interesting whatever country I am in,鈥 explains Mortimer. 鈥淓veryday images are combined with text, and the ambiguity that this can lead to reflects the misunderstandings that sometimes arise when living in, or learning about, other countries and cultures.聽




'No Limits' triptych by Simon Mortimer. (Supplied)

鈥淚 enjoy layering and creating texture with a wide range of media, as well as challenging the concept of 鈥榟igh鈥 and 鈥榣ow鈥 art; traditional ways of mark-making such as oil paint and etching are brought together in the same artwork with modern media such as spray paint and marker pen,鈥 he continues.聽

Mortimer鈥檚 creative process involves literal and metaphorical layers. He incorporates images and references from Saudi pop-culture, as well as Arabic script, and then merges them in a mixture of traditional oil painting, acrylic, stencils, photocopies, and spray paint. In essence, Mortimer鈥檚 works offer the reflections of a non-Arab on present-day Saudi society, as well as his desire to better understand Saudi contemporary culture.聽




'Right to Left' by Simon Mortimer. (Supplied)

The new exhibition in Doha invites visitors to explore and celebrate Arabic鈥檚 rich history and influence of the Arabic language and to reflect on its place in the future. It revolves around four key themes: 鈥淎lways another side?鈥 which introduces Arabic and its complexities, challenging negative connotations of the language through beautiful representations; 鈥淎n influential and powerful language?鈥 exploring how Arabic has shaped politics, science, religion and culture worldwide; 鈥淒oes media representation matter?鈥 examining the portrayal of Arabic in the media; and the final theme: 鈥淚s Arabic a language of the future?鈥 exploring efforts to preserve and protect the language in a world where the ubiquity and dominance of English 鈥斺痯articularly in the digital realm, poses challenges.聽

Mortimer鈥檚 works in the show explore these themes from the viewpoint of a non-Arabic speaker.聽 They incorporate images from contemporary Arabian society 鈥 particularly drawing from his recent experiences in Saudi and Qatar 鈥 and Arabic proverbs to explore language, multiculturalism, and education from the perspective of a non-speaker.聽




'Round Puff' by Simon Mortimer. (Supplied)

Incorporating local imagery and language into his work allows Mortimer to聽immerse himself more fully in local culture 鈥 and learn something of the language. He says he also learns from, and is inspired by, the Saudi high school students he is teaching.聽聽

鈥淭hey tell me about the cartoons and the sports they watch and introduce me to popular culture in Saudi and discuss the changes taking place in the Kingdom,鈥 he says. 鈥淚鈥檝e learned so much through them.鈥澛


Em Sherif Art Foundation reimagines global restaurants as cultural hubs

Em Sherif Art Foundation reimagines global restaurants as cultural hubs
Updated 29 June 2025

Em Sherif Art Foundation reimagines global restaurants as cultural hubs

Em Sherif Art Foundation reimagines global restaurants as cultural hubs

DUBAI: With 24 outposts around the world, the minds behind Lebanese restaurant Em Sherif are keenly aware of their responsibility when it comes to sharing the country鈥檚 culinary culture with international audiences.

Now, they are taking things one step further with the launch of the Em Sherif Art Foundation that aims to provide increased visibility for artists through restaurants 鈥 in Doha, Monaco, London, Paris and Dubai, among other cities 鈥 which are being reimagined as cultural hubs.

Earlier this year, the Em Sherif Cafe in Paris showcased the work of Lebanese photographer Ziad Antar, and part of the initiative sees diners at all Em Sherif locations presented with three menus 鈥 a food menu, a drinks menu and an art menu 鈥 inviting guests to engage with the evolving story of contemporary Lebanese art.

'Kiev' (2024) by Ziad Antar at Em Sherif Cafe in Paris. (Supplied)

Em Sherif CEO and co-founder of the art foundation, Dani Chakour, spoke to Arab News about the cultural initiative.

鈥淭he art menu is not intended for commercial or financial purposes. Rather, it serves as a curated catalogue that showcases the artworks currently on display,鈥 he said.

The decision to focus exclusively on Lebanese artists was intentional, Chakour added.

'Potato Portraits' (2025) by Ziad Antar at Em Sherif Cafe in  Paris. (Supplied)

鈥淚n Lebanon, it is often the private sector that drives meaningful cultural and artistic initiatives, as government support for the arts remains limited. Through this foundation, we aim to be an added value for our artists, helping them gain the visibility and recognition they deserve on a global scale.

鈥淲e need active public-sector involvement: We need more art fairs, modern infrastructure, supportive tariffs and dedicated museums. Without this foundational support, our artists will continue to be overlooked, despite their remarkable talent,鈥 he said.

Chakour, who has a personal collection of more than 600 artworks, spotlighted celebrated names in the international art industry who he says benefited from working abroad.

鈥淗uguette Caland, Gibran Khalil Gibran, Etel Adnan, Mona Hatoum, Walid Raad, Yvette Ashkar, Amin Maalouf, they are some of Lebanon鈥檚 most celebrated names. But what do they all have in common? They each spent the majority of their careers abroad, in environments that offered the right ecosystems 鈥 this is not a reflection of a lack of talent in Lebanon. On the contrary, it鈥檚 a reflection of what鈥檚 missing structurally; the institutional support, the infrastructure, the public funding, the museums, the cultural policies and the global exposure.

鈥淎t Em Sherif Art Foundation, we鈥檙e driven by a mission to help bridge that gap 鈥 to create opportunities within and beyond Lebanon so that our artists don鈥檛 need to leave home in order to rise,鈥 Chakour said, noting that showcases by artists Christine Safa, Willy Aractengi, Ayman Baalbaki, Hussein Madi and Bibi Zogbe will be hosted in the coming months.


Palestinian solidarity takes center stage at Glastonbury

Palestinian solidarity takes center stage at Glastonbury
Updated 29 June 2025

Palestinian solidarity takes center stage at Glastonbury

Palestinian solidarity takes center stage at Glastonbury

DUBAI: Glastonbury Festival 2025 is making headlines not just for its music, but for the powerful pro-Palestinian messages echoing across its stages and crowds.

Irish rap group Kneecap drew one of the festival鈥檚 largest crowds at the West Holts Stage. Dozens of Palestinian flags flew in the crowd as the show opened with an audio montage of news clips referring to the band鈥檚 critics and legal woes.

Mo Chara of Irish rap group Kneecap wearing a keffiyeh at Glastonbury festival. (AFP)

Between high-energy numbers that had fans forming a large mosh pit, the band members 鈥 sporting keffiyehs 鈥 led the audience in chants of 鈥淔ree Palestine鈥 and 鈥淔ree Mo Chara.鈥 They also aimed an expletive-laden chant at UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has said he didn鈥檛 think it was 鈥渁ppropriate鈥 for Kneecap to play Glastonbury.

One member wore a T-shirt emblazoned with 鈥淲e Are All Palestine Action,鈥 referencing the direct-action network that targets arms factories supplying Israel.

Earlier that day, punk duo Bob Vylan also stirred controversy with a performance that included the chant 鈥淒eath to the IDF.鈥 The statement has prompted a police investigation and sparked a broader debate over the limits of free speech in live performance.

Across the festival, Palestinian flags were visible in every direction 鈥 raised by artists, waved in the crowd, and printed on T-shirts and posters. Activist installations, including a projection mapping Gaza鈥檚 destruction, drew foot traffic near the Apocalypse Museum area, while several artists circulated an open letter calling for an immediate ceasefire.


Amira Al-Zuhair walks for AWGE in Paris

Amira Al-Zuhair walks for AWGE in Paris
Updated 29 June 2025

Amira Al-Zuhair walks for AWGE in Paris

Amira Al-Zuhair walks for AWGE in Paris

DUBAI/PARIS: Saudi French model Amira Al-Zuhair hit the runway at the AWGE show as part of Paris Men's Fashion Week.

The 24-year-old model showed off an ensemble featuring a trench coat  layered over a white vest and tartan-style miniskirt by A$AP Rocky鈥檚 label.

Amira Al-Zuhair hit the runway at the AWGE show. (Getty Images)

Rapper-designer A$AP Rocky鈥檚 second fashion show was attended by his long-term partner Rihanna, who sat front row with their son Riot. His sophomore collection, titled 鈥淥bligatory Clothing,鈥 was just (about) how you take the simple uniform or the purpose of a uniform, and how people correlate that to profession, lifestyle and everything,鈥 Rocky said after the show, according to WWD.

The show was a riot of color, with its precision tailoring praised by a number of fashion critics.

Rihanna sat front row with her son Riot. (Getty Images)

It came as colors ran wild and silhouettes softened at Paris Men's Fashion Week, which ended Sunday, as designers brought a rare breath of fresh air to a gloomy fashion climate.

Despite the economic turbulence affecting the luxury sector, this Fashion Week was a 鈥渟hot of creativity that felt incredibly good,鈥 Alice Feillard, men's buying director at Galeries Lafayette, told AFP.

The Spring/Summer 2026 season 鈥渋s much more creative than the previous ones, which were a bit duller鈥, said Adrien Communier, the fashion editor at GQ France.

Both experts observed a more relaxed vibe, with Feillard pointing to 鈥済ood humor鈥 and 鈥渙ptimism,鈥 while Communier noted a 鈥渓ighter mood.鈥

鈥淲ith so many debuts, there was a sense of renewal. And so, I found that people were more curious,鈥 he added.

After a notable women's show in March, Julian Klausner made waves Thursday with his first menswear show for Dries Van Noten, while Jonathan Anderson's long-awaited debut at Dior drew applause on Friday.

A renewed burst of creativity lit up the runways, most visibly through bold color choices. Brown tones and pastels made way for a richer, more saturated palette for next summer.

Saint Laurent opened the week with violet, navy, orange and moss green, while Pharrell Williams at Louis Vuitton channeled Indian motifs and hues.

Dries Van Noten made a splash with bold fuchsia and blood red, while Kenzo exploded with candy pink, aquatic blue and chick yellow.

 


Hourglass Cosmetics expands into 黑料社区 with vegan, purpose-driven line

Hourglass Cosmetics expands into 黑料社区 with vegan, purpose-driven line
Updated 28 June 2025

Hourglass Cosmetics expands into 黑料社区 with vegan, purpose-driven line

Hourglass Cosmetics expands into 黑料社区 with vegan, purpose-driven line

DUBAI: A little while ago, I attended a masterclass for Hourglass Cosmetics in Dubai. As someone who does not wear much makeup 鈥 I do not own foundation or even basic tools 鈥 I was curious to see whether this much-talked-about brand could change my mind. 

As the class unfolded and the makeup artist demonstrated how to create their signature 鈥渄ewy鈥 look, I wondered: Is this brand for someone like me? After the session, I browsed the range, got shade-matched, and tested a few brushes. A few days later, I received a curated selection of cult favourites: the Airbrush Primer, Skin Tint, a clump-free mascara, a richly pigmented liquid blush, a volumising glossy balm, and other treats.

I decided to put it all to the test. The results surprised me. I did not look overly made up 鈥 my sun spots were still visible beneath the tint 鈥 but my skin looked fresh, and my cheeks had that light, rosy flush you usually only get from a good mood or better lighting. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The next test was longevity. I applied the entire routine at 5 a.m. before a flight to Rome. By 11 p.m. local time, my friends were amazed that my makeup was still intact. It was time for a purge 鈥 ditch the old products and restock with what really worked. So I decided to learn more about the Hourglass brand; its philosophy, iconic products and their foray into the Gulf Cooperation Council region, especially 黑料社区. 

Founded by beauty entrepreneur Carisa Janes in 2004, Hourglass was born to challenge the traditional idea of luxury beauty. 鈥淔rom the outset, my vision was to merge innovation with integrity,鈥 Janes tells Arab News. 鈥淚 wanted to prove that you don鈥檛 have to compromise on ethics to experience exceptional quality.鈥 

This philosophy has been at the heart of Hourglass since day one, setting them apart in an industry that, at the time, was not prioritizing cruelty-free beauty at a luxury level. The brand quickly carved a niche for itself by combining high-performance formulations with a cruelty-free philosophy 鈥 something rarely seen in luxury beauty at the time 鈥 and eventually made the bold move to go fully vegan. 鈥淎t the time, luxury beauty was so often synonymous with indulgence, with little consideration for animal welfare. I could not accept that performance had to come at the cost of compassion.鈥 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Every product they create is designed to push boundaries, both in innovation and impact. The Unlocked Collection, for instance, is rooted in the brand鈥檚 commitment to animal welfare, with 5 percent of net profits supporting the Nonhuman Rights Project鈥檚 work to secure fundamental rights for animals. 鈥淭he collection embodies the fusion of luxury and performance, offering high-impact, radiant formulas that feel as indulgent as they are purposeful,鈥 Janes said.

Equally groundbreaking is the Ambient Lighting Collection, inspired by the transformative power of light. 鈥淚 wanted to develop powders that could recreate the most flattering lighting effects 鈥 whether it is the soft glow of candlelight or the diffused radiance of golden hour,鈥 she says. The result was a finely milled, photoluminescent formula that enhances the complexion in an almost ethereal way 鈥 subtle yet transformative, and now one of Hourglass鈥檚 most iconic innovations. 

A staple among celebrity makeup artists and celebrities alike, the brand is now fast extending its presence within the GCC, especially the UAE and 黑料社区. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Janes said the Kingdom 鈥渋s an incredibly exciting market. There鈥檚 a distinct appreciation for artistry, luxury, and innovation 鈥 qualities that are intrinsic to Hourglass.鈥 

As Saudi consumers increasingly seek brands that align with their values, Hourglass鈥檚 cruelty-free, vegan philosophy feels especially timely. Janes notes that Hourglass has seen strong momentum across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and the expansion into 黑料社区 is a natural step in their global strategy. 

鈥淭he Kingdom represents a key market in our global expansion, with a beauty industry that continues to grow at a remarkable pace,鈥 she said.

Janes鈥 ultimate vision for Hourglass is to redefine luxury beauty for the future 鈥 to prove that artistry, innovation and ethics can coexist at the highest level. 鈥淚 hope that when people think of Hourglass, they don鈥檛 just see a brand, but a movement 鈥 one that proves luxury can be transformative, not just for those who wear it, but for the world at large.鈥 


Sofia Carson wears Elie Saab at Biarritz Film Festival

Sofia Carson wears Elie Saab at Biarritz Film Festival
Updated 28 June 2025

Sofia Carson wears Elie Saab at Biarritz Film Festival

Sofia Carson wears Elie Saab at Biarritz Film Festival

DUBAI: American actor and singer Sofia Carson attended the third Nouvelles Vagues International Biarritz Film Festival this week, wearing a black ensemble by Lebanese designer Elie Saab.

Her outfit featured a long-sleeved dress with a bow-tied collar and layered ruffle detailing along the sleeves and bodice. The skirt was tiered and embellished with black sequins and sheer mesh panels, creating a structured silhouette with varied textures. She completed the look with black pointed-toe heels and diamond earrings.

Held annually in the southwestern coastal town of Biarritz, the festival highlights emerging voices in global cinema and focuses on innovation in storytelling.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Carson appeared on the red carpet alongside other guests and filmmakers as the festival launched its week-long program of screenings, panels, and industry discussions.

She later shared photos from the event on Instagram, writing: 鈥淗onored to be a part of a jury of extraordinary young artists, filmmakers, directors, lovers of cinema. Merci @festivalnouvellesvagues for celebrating the power, responsibility, and artistry of youth in cinema.鈥

Carson has long been a fan of Saab鈥檚 designs. Earlier this month she showcased multiple looks by the couturier during Netflix-related events.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

In the lead-up to Netflix Tudum 2025: The Live Event, the platform鈥檚 global celebration of fandom and storytelling, Carson wore a white ensemble featuring a tailored blazer, wide-leg trousers and a matching shirt.

On a separate occasion she wore an all-black outfit composed of wide-leg trousers and a sheer top with cape-like sleeves, tied at the neck with a long scarf. Both outfits were from Saab鈥檚 Ready-to-Wear Pre-Fall 2025 Collection.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

She appeared in one of the designer鈥檚 ensembles in March while promoting her latest project, 鈥淭he Life List.鈥 She also wore a green dress from the designer鈥檚 Ready-to-Wear Fall/Winter 2023鈥2024 Collection during an appearance on 鈥淐BS Mornings鈥 in New York. The look featured an oversized floral embellishment at the neck in shades of yellow and white, styled with deep green knee-high boots and a matching bag.

Later that same week, she wore another look by the designer, a black dress with a fitted silhouette and structured shoulders. She styled it with long leather gloves, sheer black stockings and pointed-toe pumps.