Ibrahim Al-Milad: Turki Al-Sheikh's invitation revives the hopes of the Qatif artist
In an inspiring human and artistic story that embodies the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to its creative talents, Saudi visual artist Ibrahim Al-Milad, known in his circles as "Abu Khalil," revealed a dramatic transformation in his career and psychological state following a formal and public invitation from Advisor Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority. This invitation was not merely a fleeting gesture, but rather a lifeline that rescued the artist in his sixties from a spiral of frustration that had lasted for decades.
Shocking confessions: “I saw myself as a failure.”
With rare courage and self-reflection, artist Ibrahim Al-Milad confessed to Al-Youm newspaper that he spent many years classifying himself as a "failure." Al-Milad attributed this harsh self-judgment to his inability to achieve his artistic dreams, which had been with him since childhood. Harsh life circumstances and family responsibilities forced him to work in the fire department in Qatif Governorate for many years, compelling him to abandon his first passion for colors and brushes, postponing his ambitions indefinitely until he felt he had missed his chance.
Turning point: A tweet that revived the spirit
The turning point came when social media users circulated a spontaneous video of the artist, Al-Milad, in which he bitterly lamented his missed opportunities, saying, "I couldn't do anything." This clip, which touched the hearts of many, reached the ears of Advisor Turki Al-Sheikh, who immediately responded via his official accounts, extending an open invitation to meet "Uncle Ibrahim" upon his return to Riyadh. Al-Milad confirmed that this initiative was like a "new birth certificate," restoring his shattered self-confidence and pulling him out of the stifling isolation of retirement.
Cultural context: Folk art and heritage of the Eastern Province
Ibrahim Al-Milad is one of the most prominent figures in naïve art in Qatif Governorate. He has transformed the area surrounding his traditional home into a vibrant open-air museum, drawing inspiration from the local environment and the folk heritage of the Eastern Province. His work is particularly significant within the context of the cultural movement underway in the Kingdom as part of Vision 2030, which places great emphasis on preserving national identity and promoting visual arts in all their forms. Highlighting Al-Milad's work reflects an official trend of recognizing self-taught artists who have documented the memory of their place through their own efforts, despite limited resources.
Dimensions of the call and its future impact
The significance of the invitation extended by the head of the General Entertainment Authority extends beyond the artist's personal standing; it carries broader implications, confirming that the official institution in Saudi Arabia is actively seeking and supporting talent across all regions. Observers believe this support will pave the way for artist Al-Milad to realize his long-held ambitions, as he now aspires to represent the Kingdom in local and international biennials and exhibitions, using Riyadh as the platform for his second launch. Al-Milad has stated that the notion of "failure" has completely vanished, replaced by a deep-seated belief that the nation does not forget its creative sons and daughters, and that dreams are achievable regardless of age.
