This year, the prestigious Rawabi Holding Award was handed to Saudi-born, London-based artist Lulwah Al-Homoud for her years of artistic contributions towards promoting cultural relations between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. At the event which took place in London’s Institute of Directors, Al-Homoud received her award from Abdulaziz Al-Turki, chairman of Rawabi Holding, in the presence of Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Abdul Aziz, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the UK.
The Saudi-British Society hosted and welcomed dignitaries and members of the media. Speaking at the event was Sir William Patey, Saudi-British Society chairman and former UK ambassador to Saudi Arabia, who highlighted the importance of “further strengthening Saudi-British friendship through cultural initiatives.”
Saudi artist Lulwah Al-Homoud recently became the recipient of the Rawabi Holding Award for promoting Saudi-British cultural relations in an award ceremony held in the presence of the Saudi ambassador to the UK. pic.twitter.com/HtLhenF7oP
— About Her (@AboutHerOFCL) March 5, 2020
Speaking to Arab News, Al-Homoud explained that she was “humbled and honored to be presented with the award,” and that “it came as a complete surprise.” She also said that with her craft she always works on what she believes in and she had “never worked toward an award or to be recognized.”
Over the years, Al-Homoud has created iconic works that have played a vital part in introducing Saudi art to the world. Renowned for the use of Arabic letters, the Saudi female artist stands out with complex abstract patterns on paper using geometric forms and mixed media. Many of her pieces have been acquired by renowned galleries and museums such as the British Museum, and featured in namesake auction houses like Sotheby’s, Christie’s, and Bonhams.
Born in Riyadh, Al-Homoud studied sociology at King Saud University and she then obtained an MA from the Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. Al-Homoud has trained with Pakistani calligrapher Rasheed Butt. She takes inspiration from Egyptian calligrapher Ahmed Moustafa. Throughout her rich career, she has been a co-curator and has had her works exhibited across the globe, in China, Korea, New York City, Paris, Germany, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Bahrain and Beirut.
