MAKKAH: A Saudi artist in his forties, breathes life into the past by designing creative models of buildings, highlighting the ancient Saudi lifestyle, shedding light on multiple aspects of the historic makeup of the Kingdom.
Jassem Al-Busandah, started his career in Al-Ahsa, and aims to go international to share the diversity of Saudi Arabia’s culture. “It was at the primary stage when my artistic personality first appeared, namely in the art education class, which I enjoyed the most. It was full of colour, beauty and artistic pieces. I was excited to start this journey, full of passion and challenges,” Al-Busandah told Arab News.
“At the very early stage, I realized that I was attracted to this field as soon as I laid my eyes on the coloured modelling material (plasticine). Whenever I went with my parents to the beach, I grabbed the opportunity to model clay and build house models, and also used tree leaves for decoration.” Whenever at home, Al-Busandah used cardboard to build houses. His family who saw Al-Busandah artistic talent growing daily as he practiced, greatly encouraged him. “I have developed my hobby with time, and I started using gypsum, pressed wood and clay,” said Al-Busandah.
“The models I formed go through different stages, mainly the old mud houses. First, I detail the house from an artistic point of view, then I cover it with burlap (a type of fabric). I mix white cement with gypsum to be added to the model, then I leave it [in the sun] for several hours. After drying, I add colours and effects to the model, which comes out vivid and full of fine details.”
In Al-Busandah’s opinion, he has been able to take forward and disseminate the philosophy of the simple ancient Saudi lifestyle, or “the good old days,” where Saudis lived in one neighbourhood and were brought together by solidarity, familiarity, love and mutual reinforcement.
The artist also has a museum in Al-Ahsa, where tourists and students learn about the Kingdom’s heritage in general and of Al-Ahsa in particular. “The most prominent artistic models I have formed are the Sahood Fort, Masmak Fortress, the Ibrahim Palace, and the famous and popular Qaisariah Souq,” said the artist.
“I feel extremely happy whenever I see the reaction of the visitors at the museum, especially Saudis who come from different areas of the Kingdom. Some of them would break into tears when they see their past embodied, while some express their close relation to this era comprising their birth, childhood, and early youth stage,” he said further.
“I have translated this cultural momentum into an incubating and attractive cultural environment with which many Saudis find their relations with the most prominent life events they have lived.
“My artistic experience is inspired by my view of these old and popular models and houses, as I try to build a miniature city consisting of these houses lined up next to each other to present this attracting architectural pattern with a different print,” he added.
He further said that he wants to open an international exhibition, showcasing different landmarks of the Kingdom, where foreign visitors can find what they are looking for and be introduced to the rich cultural diversity of the Kingdom.
