Saudi mixed media artist Fatima Al Nemer has introduced innovation to the world of carpets by transforming her art into a celebration of the folkloric image of Saudi women.
A native of the eastern region of al-Qatif, Al Nemer kicked off her career in 1999. Eight years ago, she branched out to carpet inscription where she sought to transfer her art. She specialized in interior design and balanced her life between her studies and artistic talent. Al Nemer first started experimenting with mixed media eight years ago and that prior to that she belonged to the school of classical art.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, she said that she was drawn to carpets because they are present in every home. A carpet is a fixture of a home, and oftentimes, it is a reflection of traditions and culture.
She added that she sought to reflect the rich Saudi heritage in her artworks to shed light on her culture.
“We boast a rich culture and beauty that can be portrayed in unique artworks,” she stated.
Al Nemer has displayed her works throughout the world, such as the Museum of Modern Arts of Sweden and Arab World Institute in Paris. She is now preparing to take part at an exhibition in the Louvre in Paris. One of her proudest moments is US First Lady Melania Trump acquiring one of artworks during her visit to Riyadh in 2017.
Carpets, said Al Nemer, are an expressive medium that recount the development of Islamic art throughout the ages. It is also a medium that allows coexistence with different cultures.
“We are proud of our Saudi culture,” she stressed.
Al Nemer said she tries to add details of the al-Qatif heritage in her art.
“I even tried to mix folkloric myths into my carpets,” she remarked.
On the image of women in her art, Al Nemer told Asharq Al-Awsat: “She always appears to be sending a message.”
She added that a lot of her artwork is a “story about searching for one’s self.”
Prominent in her art are images of women of al-Qatif from the 1950s whereby Al Nemer said she would derive inspiration from tales passed down by grandmothers over the generations.
