Among those who paid tribute was Swiss curator and art critic Hans Ulrich Obrist, who shared a handwritten note from Binzagr, written in 2022, that simply stated: “If you have the will, you will.” These words reflect Binzagr’s own life—a life defined by perseverance, creativity, and dedication to her art.

Born in Jeddah’s Harat Al-Sham neighborhood in 1940, Binzagr had the rare opportunity to see the world at a time when such experiences were uncommon for Saudi and Arab women. At seven, her family relocated to Egypt, where she completed her education before moving to England for finishing school. In 1976, she graduated from the prestigious St Martin’s School of Art in London with a degree in drawing and graphics.

In 1968, Binzagr made history alongside fellow artist Mounirah Mosly by holding Saudi Arabia’s first art exhibition for women at the Dar at-Tarbiyah al-Haditha School in Jeddah.

This groundbreaking event was the beginning of a prolific career that saw her works displayed across the globe—from Jeddah to Geneva, from Riyadh to Paris.

Binzagr was more than just a talented painter; she was a dedicated chronicler of Saudi life and culture. Her paintings portrayed everything from traditional wedding ceremonies to children’s games, and her architectural pieces captured the essence of old Jeddah. As Saudi Arabia modernized, Binzagr’s art served as a poignant reminder of the country’s rich cultural heritage.

One of her most famous works, the 1969 painting “Al Zabun,” is often referred to as “The Mona Lisa of Hijaz.” The artwork depicts a woman wearing a bright yellow gown, adorned with intricate details that echo Saudi traditions. Darat Safeya Binzagr, the cultural center founded by the artist, describes the painting in great detail, noting the symbolic elements of the woman’s attire, including silver, gold, or diamond buttons and her intricately braided hair.

The artist’s influence extended far beyond her own canvases. In 2000, she established Darat Safeya Binzagr, a cultural center in Jeddah that has educated countless aspiring artists.

This institution, founded on Binzagr’s generosity and commitment to fostering creativity, has become a cornerstone for Saudi art education.

One former student, artist Daniah Alsaleh, reflected on Binzagr’s mentorship, saying: “I had the privilege of studying at Safeya Binzagr’s atelier from the early 2000s until around 2008. Safeya created a unique space where students could immerse themselves in the principles of drawing and painting, something that was quite rare at the time. Her passion extended beyond art—she was a dedicated collector of traditional Saudi costumes, tea cups, and various artifacts, and had a remarkable eye for beauty.”

Alsaleh continued: “Safeya also opened her extensive art library to the public, fostering a sense of community and education. I am incredibly grateful for the impact she had on my artistic journey. Safeya was a true pioneer, dedicated to both art and education, and her contributions will continue to inspire many.”

Binzagr’s remarkable career and her enduring influence on Saudi art will be remembered for generations. From her intricate depictions of Saudi life to her dedication to education, she leaves behind a legacy that celebrates the beauty of her homeland’s traditions.

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Among the exhibitions, “Khamseen” stands out as the most expansive, according to Alexandra Roy, Sotheby’s Head of Sale, Modern and Contemporary Middle East. This showcase, created in collaboration with Jeddah’s Hafez Gallery and its founder, Qaswra Hafez, presents a diverse array of works spanning from the 1960s to the present, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, prints, and installations. “We’ve known Qaswra Hafez for a long time, and this has been a project that he’s been thinking about doing for a while,” Roy shared. “It’s very much overdue.

There have been some amazing shows in London on Saudi visual culture, and of course, a lot is happening in the Kingdom right now. It’s an amazing moment to be part of that.”

The exhibition is part of Sotheby’s ongoing involvement with Saudi Arabia’s art scene, having previously participated in the Kingdom’s two art biennales. “We have 60 artists represented, and it’s the first time some of these works have ever been seen. We go back to circa 1965, and it’s been difficult to source works from as early as that, but we really wanted to show work from the pioneers,” Roy explained. She emphasized that “Khamseen” is just an introductory exhibition, expressing hope that it will lead to deeper explorations in the future.

Another highlight of “Hafla” is the collaboration with UK luxury brand Asprey and Saudi jewelry house Nuun, founded by Princess Nourah Alfaisal. This partnership has produced a capsule collection of handbags inspired by Saudi Arabia’s five major regions. “We’ve been in touch with Princess Nourah for a number of years. She’s such an interesting personality who has a wide variety of personal projects,” said Sophie Stevens, Director and Jewelry Specialist MENA for Sotheby’s. “She’s a very, very prominent figure in the Saudi cultural scene. She was enormously excited when she heard about this exhibition because it’s a great platform to speak about those initiatives.”

The luxury segment of “Hafla” also includes a collaboration with A2Z, founded by Abdulrahman Al-Zayani, recognized as the Gulf’s leading jewelry and art advisor.

“We’re taking over the Sotheby’s salon space on New Bond Street, and we’re going to be exhibiting about 140 pieces that are inspired by Eastern design or have some kind of connection,” Stevens explained.

The final component of “Hafla” is the display of 28 Qur’anic and calligraphic works from the Bashir Mohamed Family Collection. These pieces, ranging from the 9th century to the contemporary era, showcase the evolution of Islamic script and regional identity. Frankie Keyworth, an Islamic and Indian art specialist, highlighted a bifolio from the Blue Qur’an and an illuminated firman from the reign of Suleyman the Magnificent as particularly noteworthy. Keyworth said, “We’ve seen individual leaves from the (Blue Qur’an) come to auction or appear in exhibitions, but having a bifolio is really exciting because it truly shows its scale and just how impressive it was.”

The timing of “Hafla” is significant, as it comes during a period of civil unrest in the UK, driven largely by right-wing groups promoting Islamophobia. Although planned well in advance, the event offers a timely opportunity for cultural exchange and understanding by celebrating Middle Eastern culture. “I think it’s hugely important and a very impactful way to open up greater exchanges and cultural understanding,” Stevens remarked, emphasizing the value of the educational initiatives that accompany the exhibitions.

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Manga Productions, a subsidiary of the Misk Foundation, has been actively supporting the creative arts industry in Saudi Arabia through various initiatives. The Manga Industry program, consisting of three phases and two competitions, is a crucial step toward recognizing and evaluating the skills of talented artists.

The program’s initial phase involves three workshops focusing on enhancing creativity in drawing, designing comic characters, and expressing emotions through anime and manga characters. These workshops provide participants with essential tools and techniques to improve their artistic abilities.

The second phase, a comprehensive six-week training program, delves deep into the intricacies of manga design and character drawing. The primary objective of this phase is to encourage participants to bring their imaginations to life through captivating comic storytelling. Through expert guidance and hands-on training, artists will learn the art of visual storytelling and develop their unique style.

The final stage of the Manga Industry program offers an exciting opportunity for the most promising artists. The finalists who qualify for this stage will be granted scholarships to pursue their studies in Japan, where they will receive training from renowned manga artists. This invaluable experience will provide them with a broader perspective on manga art and expose them to the rich manga culture in Japan.

Additionally, the program includes two virtual competitions aimed at enriching creative content. Participants can showcase their skills by adapting popular Saudi cultural proverbs and poems into manga style. These competitions encourage innovation and celebrate the fusion of traditional Saudi culture with the dynamic world of manga art.

The Manga Industry program is expected to play a vital role in fostering the art scene in Saudi Arabia. By providing aspiring artists with comprehensive training, exposure to international manga artists, and platforms to showcase their talent, the program aims to elevate the manga industry within the Kingdom and contribute to the growth of the creative arts sector.

With the Manga Industry program in full swing, Saudi Arabia is set to witness a surge of artistic talent and creativity in the world of manga. Aspiring artists now have a unique opportunity to develop their skills, express their ideas, and contribute to the vibrant art scene in the Kingdom.

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