Saudi Artists Celebrate Imru Al-Qais: A Tribute to a Poetic Legend

Two Saudi Arabian artists, Wijdan Al-Jahwri and Meznah Jiffry, are shedding light on the verses of the legendary pre-Islamic poet Imru Al-Qais. Imru Al-Qais was born in the Najd region in 501 AD and left an indelible mark on the world of poetry until his death in Turkiye in 544 AD.

A Festival of Imru Al-Qais:

Wijdan Al-Jahwri and Meznah Jiffry are not only creating compelling paintings inspired by Imru Al-Qais’ poetry but also offering workshops that provide profound insights into the verses of this revered poet. These artistic endeavors are integral to the Imru Al-Qais Festival, an initiative launched by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture as a tribute to Arab Poetry Year 2023.

Interpreting Imru Al-Qais Through Art:

Jiffry’s artwork is an homage to one of Imru Al-Qais’ most famous poems, “Stop, friends! Let’s stay and weep at the thought of my love,” which is the first of the world-renowned “Al-Mu’allaqat,” or “The Suspended Odes.” She has visually depicted the woman’s beauty described by Al-Qais in this poem, emphasizing the interconnectedness of visual art and poetry.

Exploring Al-Qais’ Struggles:

In her artwork, Al-Jahwri has used various materials, including saffron, to symbolize the internal struggles faced by the eminent poet. She uniquely encapsulated the poet’s resilience, saying, “I wanted to express this part of his life with a piece of cloth that I took out of the frame to show how (he) overcame every struggle and problem he had.”

A Spectrum of Colors and Periods:

Al-Jahwri’s artwork employs different colors to represent distinct phases of Imru Al-Qais’ life. “I used sandy color to convey the early part of his life, childhood and upbringing,” she explained. The artists’ paintings were created during workshops, with participants encouraged to experiment with various paints and brushes.

A Holistic Celebration of Imru Al-Qais:

The Imru Al-Qais Festival offers more than just art and workshops. It comprehensively portrays the poet’s life, featuring musical performances, theatrical plays, and even a virtual reality display showcasing rare historical artifacts discovered in Al-Faw, the hometown of Al-Qais. The festival also hosts calligraphy, sculpture, handicrafts, and poetry-writing workshops.

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A Global Perspective on Poetry:

The Imru Al-Qais Festival is not only a celebration of a legendary poet but also an opportunity to explore the cultural richness of Saudi Arabia. Visitors from around the world are immersing themselves in the artistic and poetic heritage of the nation. Yujin, a South Korean student from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, expressed her delight, saying, “I was impressed by the play that I saw about Imru Al-Qais. I didn’t know much about the poetry during the Jahiliya (pre-Islamic) period, but through this festival, I was able to know that.” The festival bridges cultures and introduces the world to the timeless beauty of Imru Al-Qais’ poetry.