RIYADH: A Riyadh-based woman artist has painted a portrait of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and dedicated it on Thursday to members of the public on the occasion of the 86th National Day.
Rajeena Niaz, a versatile painter, painted the portrait in oil, in which King Salman is sitting outfitted in the traditional thobe and bisht, with a keffiyeh headdress, against a light blue backdrop.
Niaz, who has had the distinction of make more than 100 world-class paintings besides being a member of the jury in different painting competitions, hopes to present the painting to King Salman as a gift, if she gets a chance. “King Salman, who has amazing qualities as a human being, is a king of people besides being a statesman and a great visionary,” said Niaz, adding that she decided to make the king’s painting immediately after the death of late King Abdullah, when King Salman ascended the throne.
“In fact, I made the oil painting of the king because such paintings can be maintained and preserved, provided that basic care and attention is given to their preservation,” said Niaz, who has won several awards and commendations for her paintings, pencil sketches and mixed-media art.
Her colorful paintings reflect her philosophical vision in abstract art and her sense for painting. Her painting of King Salman has become the talk of the town after it was put on display here. “I basically made the portrait because King Salman is my ideal, and his righteous spirit, determination to support Islam, his philanthropic works for mankind, and his efforts to combat terrorism have greatly influenced me.”
She said that King Salman was governor of Riyadh for nearly five decades during a period of significant change.
“When he became governor in 1963, the capital city had only 200,000 inhabitants, and today it has a population of more than 7 million … King Salman presided over this remarkable transformation that has made Riyadh a world-class city,” she added.
Also thanking the king for hosting 10 million expatriates of different nationalities, who consider the Kingdom as their second home, she noted. “I am happy to dedicate this painting as the Kingdom is celebrating its 86th National Day.”
Niaz, a self-educated artist and painter, acknowledges her debt and skills to the great masters from Asia and the Arab world. She plans to organize a solo exhibition of her works in near future.
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