RIYADH: Abdulhadi Abdullah describes art as “the magic of creating something out of nothing.” He recalls creating a colorful drawing as a child that delighted his friends — a moment that ignited a lifelong passion for creativity, and a belief that inspiration can be found everywhere.
Two notable paintings by the Saudi artist vividly illustrate his approach to cultural storytelling. In “Edge of the Universe,” he depicts a man seated on a patterned surface, surrounded by stylized camels and hoding a bowl of camel milk — a symbol of hospitality. The inspiration for this work struck him during a visit to a traditional marketplace, where the vibrant colors and sounds enveloped him. As he painted, he envisioned the stories of countless lives intertwined in the bustling market.
In “Edge of the Universe,” Abdulhadi Abdullah depicts a man seated on a patterned surface, surrounded by stylized camels and hoding a bowl of
camel milk — a symbol of hospitality. (Supplied)
“The geometric background of vivid squares adds a contemporary, mosaic-like effect. By merging traditional symbols with modern colors and clean lines, the painting conveys a deep longing for the past, reflecting warmth, pride, and an enduring connection to heritage and shared cultural memory,” the artist’s statement reads.
In “Saint of the People,” a man sits serenely on a chair, a halo casting a soft glow above him. (Supplied)
In the second artwork, “Saint of the People,” a man sits serenely on a chair, a halo casting a soft glow above him. Abdullah recalls exploring an old, abandoned building and feeling a powerful urge to capture that moment. The bright blues and yellows in this painting contrast sharply with the dark silhouette of another figure, reflecting a journey of introspection and discovery.
“He appears as a saint — ancient and wise,” Abdullah writes of the figure in the painting. “But in the shadows, he hides a devilish truth. Many believe his thoughts are pure, yet in reality they are the complete opposite.”
As an art teacher, the 36-year-old finds inspiration in his students too. He cites a moment during a class when a young girl presented her artwork — a simple drawing of her family. The innocence and joy in her creative expression struck him deeply. “Each mind holds a different universe,” he says. His students’ drawings, filled with raw emotion and uninhibited color choices, often spark ideas for his own work.
Heritage also plays a pivotal role in Abdullah’s work. He says that heritage has its “own color” — a tone that carries memory, rhythm, and soul. And he tries to translate this heritage into new shades that have never been used before. He fondly recalls conversations with his grandmother about their ancestry and the colors that defined their culture. Abdullah reshapes these traditional colors through his own lens, honoring his roots in a contemporary setting.
Before beginning any artwork, Abdulhadi Abdullah engages in field research, often visiting ‘forgotten’ places. (Supplied)
Before beginning any artwork, Abdullah engages in field research, often visiting ‘forgotten’ places. “These visits are like treasure hunts,” he says. He observes colors, light behaviors, and spatial relationships and uses them to form “conceptual sketches” in his mind.
At the core of Abdullah’s artistic philosophy is a commitment to spreading joy. “I want my art to inspire happiness,” he says.
Abdullah is not just an artist; he is a storyteller, educator, and cultural ambassador. His vibrant artistic style and commitment to spreading joy through his work reflect a deep understanding of the transformative power of art. From the lively markets of Riyadh to the quiet corners of forgotten gardens, his journey invites us all to celebrate the beauty of our shared human experience.
