Safeya Binzager: “Scenes of a Matrimony” Reimagined in Light
- Claire Harkin
- Nov 25
- 2 min read
Working with the artwork of Safeya Binzager has been one of the most meaningful experiences of our involvement in this year’s Noor Riyadh Festival. Binzager’s contribution to Saudi art is immeasurable; her work documents and honours the traditions, narratives and emotional textures of Saudi women’s lives. Approaching her piece, Scenes of a Matrimony, required a sensitivity that matched the depth of her legacy.
Honouring a cultural icon
Safeya Binzager, who passed away in 2024, remains one of the most celebrated figures in Saudi contemporary art. Her work is rooted in heritage, memory and social history, and the responsibility of reinterpreting her painting in animated form was something we approached with care at every step. Our role was not to change or modernise her work, but to create a gentle extension of it – a way for audiences in the Historical Centre to encounter its detail, rhythm and meaning on a larger spatial canvas.
A respectful creative process
The animation process was led by Rob Currie of Visual Edge Media, whose approach combined visual clarity with deep artistic sensitivity. Together, we shaped the technical and creative framework, with our team coordinating the process, liaising with production partners and working to ensure the animated work appeared exactly as intended on site.
Crucially, the process was guided by curator Sara Almutlaq, whose thoughtful leadership ensured the animation remained firmly grounded in Binzager’s themes and visual language. Her insight into the artist’s practice helped us navigate decisions with confidence and respect, especially given that Safeya could not be directly involved.
The installation
Although the exhibition building in the Historical Centre is not formally named in festival materials, the context itself carried a strong sense of place. The architectural surroundings lent a quiet dignity to the work, allowing the animation to feel like a continuation of Safeya’s original vision rather than a departure from it.
Visitors encountered soft, layered movement, carefully timed to draw attention to the composition without overwhelming it. The palette and textures were kept faithful to the original piece, allowing the audience to step into the atmosphere of the artwork rather than observe it from a distance.
Extending the conversation: Venice Capsule Exhibition
Our work with Safeya’s legacy began earlier in the year, when we produced an animated piece for the Noor Riyadh Venice Capsule Exhibition. This provided an early opportunity to explore how her work translated into animated form, setting the tone for our larger contribution to the festival.
A privilege and a responsibility
The wider festival delivery was supported by the teams at Filmmaster and MEDIAPRO, whose calm professionalism helped ensure the work was presented exactly as intended within the Historical Centre. We’re grateful to everyone involved for the care they brought to this installation.
Working with a late artist’s legacy carries a particular weight. Safeya Binzager’s role in documenting Saudi cultural heritage makes that responsibility even more significant. We are deeply grateful to her estate and to the curatorial team for their trust in allowing us to develop this animation, and to play a small part in continuing the visibility of her work.
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