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Shattering expectations: Saudi artist’s journey into glass art

The intricate details that appear when glass breaks inspired Saudi artist Aseel Al-Maghlouth to create shapes and visuals. (Supplied)
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The intricate details that appear when glass breaks inspired Saudi artist Aseel Al-Maghlouth to create shapes and visuals. (Supplied)
Shattering expectations: Saudi artist’s journey into glass art
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Aseel Al-Maghlouth has gained significant recognition on social media, where his works are widely admired. (Supplied)
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Updated 22 December 2024

Shattering expectations: Saudi artist’s journey into glass art

The intricate details that appear when glass breaks inspired Saudi artist Aseel Al-Maghlouth to create shapes and visuals.
  • Aseel Al-Maghlouth breaks glass to break through in the local art scene

RIYADH: Saudi artist Aseel Al-Maghlouth is hammering a niche for himself by using glass as his canvas.

He stumbled upon the technique while working on his graduation project in mechanical engineering. “I discovered the potential to employ broken glass to create distinctive artistic designs,” he told Arab News.

The intricate details that appear when glass breaks inspired him to create shapes and visuals and developed a technique that reflected his artistic vision.




Al-Maghlouth turns broken glass into stunning art, showcasing the beauty in fragility and redefining artistic norms. (Supplied)

Al-Maghlouth had a love for drawing from a young age, but it was not until he discovered his ability to express ideas in unconventional ways that his true passion for art crystallized.

“I have always drawn inspiration from the surrounding nature and the intricate details of daily life,” he said. This connection to his environment, combined with his experiences in exploring artworks, helped shape his unique style.

He finds beauty in the mundane and translates that into his creations, often using glass to convey emotions and narratives that might resonate with viewers.

HIGHLIGHT

By embracing the fragility of glass and transforming it into something beautiful, Saudi artist Aseel Al-Maghlouth challenges perceptions of what art can be.

Al-Maghlouth has gained significant recognition on social media, where his works are widely admired.

This newfound fame has allowed him to sell his works and create custom pieces for clients, including various artists and celebrities. “Creating for such esteemed individuals is an honor, and it motivates me to push my artistic boundaries,” he said.




"Each painting has its own place and story that distinguishes it.” (Supplied)

“The best work I own is the painting of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Frankly, I consider it the most valuable painting I have ever owned, but I refuse to sell it because it was a special gift from me to the crown prince,” he said.

“I have received many offers but I refuse to sell it. As for the rest of my paintings, I prefer not to mention the prices because the value of art for me is not limited to a number. Each painting has its own place and story that distinguishes it.”

One of the greatest challenges Al-Maghlouth faced as an artist was transforming his creations into messages that resonated with his audience. “The biggest challenge was ensuring that my art conveyed a clear idea,” he said.

I want to highlight the beauty of arts in our Saudi culture and connect it with Saudi Vision 2030.

Aseel Al-Maghlouth, Saudi artist

Through experimentation with the nature of glass fractures and the control of his technique, he minimized errors and created pieces that told meaningful stories.

Each strike of the hammer is deliberate, aimed at producing not just a fragment but a narrative that can be interpreted and appreciated by those who view it.

“I want to highlight the beauty of arts in our Saudi culture and connect it with Saudi Vision 2030,” he added, emphasizing the importance of cultural representation in his work.

Al-Maghlouth’s vision for the future is ambitious. He aspires to participate in international exhibitions, representing ֱ on a global stage. “I dream of organizing a personal exhibition in Riyadh to showcase my works and exchange inspiration with other artists,” he said.

For emerging artists, Al-Maghlouth has simple yet profound advice: “Don’t be afraid of trial and error. Each piece of art reflects a part of you.”

He encourages newcomers to continue developing and learning from every experience, and emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges.

His journey is testament to the idea that creativity flourishes in an environment where risks are taken and failures viewed as stepping stones rather than obstacles.

Al-Maghlouth’s work serves as a reminder that art can emerge from the most unexpected materials and methods, encouraging others to explore their creativity without constraints.

By embracing the fragility of glass and transforming it into something beautiful, he challenges perceptions of what art can be.

Al-Maghlouth remains committed to honoring the stories behind each piece, proving that even the most broken fragments can come together to create something truly extraordinary.


Riyadh’s International Translation Forum connects people through linguistics

Riyadh’s International Translation Forum connects people through linguistics
Updated 07 November 2025

Riyadh’s International Translation Forum connects people through linguistics

Riyadh’s International Translation Forum connects people through linguistics
  • Event features translators, experts, academics, students from all over Kingdom

RIYADH: The International Translation Forum is taking place in Riyadh this week, highlighting the role of translation in bringing people closer and building solid foundations for civilized societies.

Organized by the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, the forum — which boasts the theme “From ֱ, We Translate the Future” — concludes on Nov. 8 at the King Fahd Cultural Center.

Hailah Alkhalaf, the general manager of translation at the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, said: “We believe … that translation is not merely word-for-word equivalence. It’s not just translating a text from one language to another. When we translate, we translate a whole culture, whether it’s our own or others.

“It’s essential that we focus on human connection: that is why this year we hosted a gala dinner with the Culinary Commission in the Ministry of Culture. Also, in the final ceremony, there’s going to be a collaboration with the Music Commission. All of this is what translation is all about: human connection.”

The forum features translators, experts, academics, and students from all over the Kingdom. They are hosting panel sessions and offering workshops related to the subject of the future of translation and its technical and practical applications in ֱ.

Among the participants at the event is Haifa Aldaihani, a 21-year-old student of language and translation at Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University. She explained why she chose to study language and translation, telling Arab News: “(It’s) a flexible field, since I am willing to pursue the diplomacy field in the future, especially in international relations.”

Her previous experience of living abroad influenced her decision, and she added: “My many years of living abroad have cemented my purpose of becoming a future representative of ֱ, which is why I love translation. I love connecting with people from various backgrounds.”

Shahad bin Ghumaijan, a 23-year-old student at the same university, said that her interest in communication and languages was what motivated her to study languages and translation.

She said: “I love languages and communication. It helps connect people and cultures.”

Both students are part of the Translators Club, a student body that began in 2023 to develop translation skills through events, workshops, and teamwork.

Amira Aldossary, a participant from Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, is a member of the Languages Club at PNU and explained the link between translation and its importance in sustainable development.

She said: “Today we are talking about languages ​​that have disappeared or are beginning to disappear, so we can convey their voice through translation and make this a bridge between us and them.”

She added that sustainability in languages could be achieved through providing equal opportunities.

Knowledge exchange featured at the event and one platform for it proved to be panel discussions.

Mashael Jasser Al-Jasser, a lecturer in the translation department at PNU, elaborated on her participation in one of the panels on the first day of the forum.

She said: “I’m very honored to be the moderator for the first session. I had a panel discussion titled ‘Challenges and Opportunities and Crisis Translation.’ We talked about training translators (and) how to be ready in crisis situations.

“We’re trying to raise awareness about crisis translation. I’ve been trying to raise awareness in ֱ and the Arab world about this field. I was lucky enough to have the panel discussion on the first day.”

The International Translation Forum is not only a gathering of experts, but an integrated experience that reflects the Kingdom’s role in shaping the future of multiple languages.