The Saudi Arabian artist Safeya Binzagr marked a significant milestone in the art world in 1968 when she held her first exhibition at a girls’ school in the coastal city of Jeddah. This groundbreaking event was monumental as it represented the first time a woman showcased her art publicly in the kingdom. The exhibition attracted a distinguished audience that included Saudi royals, diplomats, and intellectuals, highlighting her status as an emerging artist. However, due to societal restrictions, Ms. Binzagr was unable to attend the event in person.
“I was not there physically, but I was there in spirit,” Ms. Binzagr later reflected, recalling how she observed the gathering from an upper floor. This poignant moment underscored her experience as a female artist: celebrated yet largely unseen, her work was at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning art scene, even as she remained behind the curtain.
Despite the cultural constraints of Saudi society, Ms. Binzagr remained steadfast in her commitment to celebrating her heritage. She played a pivotal role in advancing the representation of women in Saudi Arabian art by initiating classes and establishing one of the first art museums in the country. Her contributions were recognized by many, including Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, a prominent Emirati writer and art collector, who described her as “one of the most consequential artists of the Arab world of the 20th century.”
As Al Qassemi noted, while “you couldn’t show photographs of women” in Saudi Arabia, Ms. Binzagr ingeniously understood that “you could depict them in paintings.” This innovative approach allowed her to navigate the artistic landscape while honoring her identity and culture.
Ms. Binzagr (pronounced bin-ZAH-gur) passed away on September 12 in Jeddah, at the age of 84, as confirmed by her family. Unfortunately, no additional details about her passing were provided.
In the context of Saudi Arabia, Ms. Binzagr’s artwork is regarded as one of the earliest endeavors to preserve the nation’s heritage through the medium of art. “I love history,” she expressed in a video interview earlier this year. “Why not write it with my brush?” This statement encapsulates her passion and dedication to documenting her culture and history through her creative expression.
