RIYADH: A virtual charity auction featuring calligraphic art inspired by the Saudi 90th National Day is being hosted in Riyadh by the Kingdom’s pavilion at Expo Dubai. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @arabnews.lifestyle All proceeds from the sale will be donated to the Saudi Society of Autism Families charity and eight pieces by Saudi-born artist Nugamshi can be viewed at the Lakum Artspace exhibit in Riyadh until Dec. 24. A spokesperson for the expo’s Saudi pavilion told Arab News: “The event highlights incredible Saudi talents and showcases the country’s leading artistic and cultural personalities as well as its enduring tradition of calligraphy.” Nugamshi based his art on the colors and words of the Saudi national anthem and used a broom, paint, and putty material to create depictions of words such as sky, glory, pride, my country, and king. He said: “There are layers to calligraphy, there is a concept, movement, and the actual word and its meaning. There is no right, there is no wrong, it is all movement.” The artist videos all of his creations and added: “You won’t fully understand the art until you see the movement that goes behind it.” Alongside the artwork, a specially commissioned video to mark the country’s 90th National Day shows Saudi opera singer Sawsan Al-Bahiti performing a rendition of the Kingdom’s national anthem as Nugamshi creates his pieces. “The film depicts the collaborative rendition by a calligraphist and singer of the country’s national anthem in their own unique styles. We selected Nugamshi as the Saudi artist in the video for his unique contemporary style that also remains true to tradition,” the pavilion spokesperson said. “The Society of Autism Families was a perfect fit as the beneficiary of an event that celebrates the aspirations and milestones of our country.”