The collaboration between The Brief and Cool Ink for the launch event of “Le Comptoir de Nicole” at the Jeddah Yacht Club was a captivating fusion of art and gastronomy. This three-day event, commencing with an exclusive seated dinner on the first night, featured carefully selected works by local artists, enriching the ambiance of the restaurant.
In the first room, artist Nahla Al Mutlaq’s creations took center stage. Her four pieces celebrated traditional Saudi attire with a contemporary twist. The first two depicted Saudi women painted over the fabric of traditional clothing, while the third and fourth showcased intricate reliefs of traditional men’s shoes, known as ‘naal,’ adorned with representations of sand and painted in vibrant red hues.
Moving into the next room, the spotlight shifted to Faisal Alkheriji‘s artwork. His piece, “Sharazad,” from a series of figurative cubic works, portrayed the essence of a Saudi woman using a rich palette of vibrant colors.
The main dining area, the heart of the event, featured three pieces by Ameerah Maryna. These artworks, adorned with diamond dust, portrayed horses and were originally displayed at the annual Saudi Cup. Each horse in the series was named after one of the 99 names of Allah, creating a captivating spiritual connection.
In this space, an abstract piece by Hutlan complemented the equine theme. Meanwhile, the hallway showcased two unique art pieces – one by Hutlan and another by the collaborative effort of artists from Ghazla Studio. The latter, working with tuft and mirrors, added an interactive dimension by placing a mirror reflecting Hutlan’s work. This arrangement offered viewers a captivating journey through the artistic expression, guiding them from room to room and setting the stage for the final dinner setup.
This collaboration not only introduced the culinary delights of “Le Comptoire de Nicole” but also immersed guests in a visual feast of local artistic talent. The carefully curated art pieces, spanning traditional themes to abstract expressions, added layers of cultural richness to the overall dining experience, making the event a harmonious celebration of Saudi heritage and contemporary artistic expression.