Riyadh: Among the many international artisans showcased at the Saudi International Handicrafts Week (Banan), Norwegian artist Sidse Hanum stands out as a figure whose reputation precedes her work. Her participation in Riyadh is more than a presence at a craft exhibition; it is a retelling of a journey that spans nearly five decades, beginning in Oslo and culminating today on a global stage made possible by the Heritage Commission through 'Banan,' the Kingdom's largest event dedicated to artisans and the preservation of their craft heritage.
According to Saudi Press Agency, as Hanum watches visitors move through the exhibition halls, she appears to be replaying the milestones of a long career that began in 1974 at the National College of Art and Design in Oslo. It was there that she first encountered clay, discovering it to be a material capable of unlocking imagination and offering limitless avenues for expression.
'I start every morning with clay, without deadlines or fixed working hours,' she said. 'Some pieces are born in a single day, while others demand a month of patience and attention. I stop only when I feel the work is truly complete, and it matters to me to tell the story of each piece and what it represents.'
Hanum's presence in the Kingdom highlights how 'Banan' has evolved far beyond a week-long craft event. It has become an international platform led by the Heritage Commission, one that honors creators, celebrates the value of craftsmanship, and elevates traditional crafts to their rightful status, an art form with memory, history, and a spirit that continues to breathe through every new work.