Author Description

When Mohamed Said Farsi became Mayor of Jeddah in 1972, at a pivotal moment in the Saudi Arabian city's history, he set himself the task of not only creating a modern city, but also to include in the concept a plan for public art. Works were commissioned from world famous artists in a variety of media, including bronze, steel, concrete, marble and stone. Other sculptures were made by artists of the region from historical artifacts and recycled scrap metal, some from cars and planes. This book allows the world a glimpse into a city not easily visited and shows Saudi Arabia as a place of vision and innovation in the arts. Jeddah has grown since 1972 and now, in 2013, some 24 major pieces are being restored and re sited by the Abdul Latif Jameel Foundation and the Municipality of Jeddah in a new Open Air Museum on the sea front, known as the Corniche. As well as telling the story of the restoration and relocation of the 24 sculptures, this book also examines the history of this transformative moment in Jeddah.