JEDDAH: Joel Alessandra, the renowned French comic book artist, recently traveled across Saudi Arabia to portray the nation’s rich cultural heritage through his unique artistic lens. Known for his innovative use of coffee and watercolors in his drawings, Alessandra’s visit was organized by the French Embassy and the Alliance Francaise Saudi Arabia. His journey took him to Riyadh, Alkhobar, and AlUla, but it was Jeddah’s old town, Al-Balad, that captivated him the most.
“This part of the city of Jeddah is the one that inspired me the most. You can feel the atmosphere of a time when pilgrims stopped here; there is a fervent activity and an atmosphere of a centuries-old tradition that is still palpable,” Alessandra shared with Arab News. The ancient architecture, with its patina-covered walls and intricate doorways, provided a rich source of inspiration for his sketches.
Alessandra’s drawings aimed to capture the essence of Al-Balad’s vibrant past and present. He also held a live performance in Jeddah, where he recreated scenes from Al-Balad, offering spectators a glimpse into his artistic process. “The subject was an improvised walk in Al-Balad, based on my sketches from the afternoon. I reproduced them in watercolor on the screen—scenes of life in the street, buildings from past centuries, mosque minarets from the neighborhoods you pass through,” he explained.
Travel as a Source of Inspiration
For Alessandra, travel is a constant source of inspiration. His experiences across Africa have shaped his artistic style, and he believes that “it is the atmosphere and the people of a country that shape my way of drawing. My real inspiration is taken on the ground.” Reflecting on his recent visit to the Kingdom, he expressed amazement at Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning cultural scene and the enthusiasm for artistic expression among its youth.
While Alessandra’s sketches convey a deep appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage, he avoids explicit messages in his work. “I just want to convey the emotion felt in front of all the incredible and immensely rich cultural, architectural, and historical heritage. I am lucky to know how to draw and show this emotion through my sketchbooks and my books. I hope that my readers will also be sensitive to it,” he said.
Awe-Inspiring AlUla
Alessandra was particularly struck by AlUla, describing it as an unforgettable experience. “It would be difficult to forget the fascination AlUla had on me. The Nabataean tombs, just imagining a vibrant life there, in the middle of the desert, at this ancient time, is simply incredible. Also imagining that the Roman Empire pushed its armies so far from Italy is inconceivable,” he said. He also found inspiration in the old town of AlUla, with its shaded and covered streets, calling it “a paradise to inspire designers.”
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Last year, Alessandra ventured out to sketch in the streets of AlUla with female students from a local art school. “This moment is engraved in my memory as these students were attentive and wanted to produce and learn how to draw their environment. I’m not sure I’ve ever encountered such a desire among young people in other countries,” he remarked.
Innovative Techniques and Workshops
Alessandra’s innovative use of coffee as a medium adds depth and richness to his artwork, capturing the nuances of skin tones and desert landscapes. During his stay in Jeddah, he conducted workshops focusing on the Francophonie, bringing together students from various schools to collaborate on a work of fiction through text and drawings.
In one project, French school students collaborated on a storybook exploring a fictionalized journey of the Muslim traveler Ibn Battuta in modern-day Arabia. Through writing and drawing, students reimagined Ibn Battuta’s adventures, blending elements of history and fantasy. “The quest for a key to access the door of time and allow Ibn Battuta to return to his century—it was very amusing to see how the young people translated this graphically,” Alessandra said.
Advice for Aspiring Artists
Reflecting on his growth as an artist, Alessandra emphasized the importance of constant practice. To aspiring artists, he offered this advice: “Draw, draw, and draw some more. Always have a drawing pad in your pocket and train your hand and mind every chance you get. While waiting for the bus, at the cafe, during TV commercials, take advantage of every free moment to scribble in this notebook. There are no issues, just a few lines for practice,” he added.
Joel Alessandra’s journey through Saudi Arabia and his captivating portrayals of its history and culture have offered a fresh perspective on the Kingdom’s rich heritage. Through his unique artistic vision and techniques, Alessandra continues to bridge cultures and inspire both local and global audiences.
