In celebration of Foundation Day, a Saudi child not exceeding 14 years of age, created a unique map of Saudi Arabia using camel hair. The child's father, Ali Al-Shahrani, assisted him in executing the artwork, which is called "The Century Painting." It features a world-class map of Saudi Arabia made with the natural colors of camel hair, embodying the history of glory.
Ali Al-Shahrani stated that the artwork is considered one of the most valuable paintings worldwide, as it is crafted from pure camel hair and shaped in the "Triangle of Glory" theme—foundation, documentation, and vision. The piece reflects the Year of the Camel, echoing our cultural and civilizational history.
The painting measures 1.60 m x 1.20 m and took 10 months to complete. Following the collaboration with a professional artist to draw the map, they laid the foundation for the artwork while paying close attention to the details, which required multiple stages for production. The process began with field surveys in the desert and camel markets, as well as butcheries to collect camel hides. They removed fat and treated the skins with salt for a month, followed by sterilization with ash, initial washing, drying, and preparing the hair, which took several months. They completed the stage with sterilization using ethanol and Betadine to achieve final washing and drying, exposing it to the sun and trimming the excess and impurities.
After that, they glued the hair to wood, cut the wood with a laser, marked the placements for the hair, and secured it to the wood. The frame of the artwork was made from the camel's agal, a rope that ties the camel's legs, conveying the message that the borders of Saudi Arabia are protected and safe.
Ali Al-Shahrani continued, "My son Yazid participated in all stages to ensure the idea was perfected, driven by his love for art and drawing, along with his passion for national initiatives. He benefitted from the experiences of the elders in the family, who explained many important aspects of camel hides, their tanning, and the precise handling required to properly assemble the fur and artistically position it on the canvas, away from impurities."
He added, "Yazid is a middle school student, always eager to introduce new ideas that serve the nation. He has presented numerous concepts and initiatives, including 'Darb Al-Afiya' and 'Aseer Agricultural Facades,' along with various slogans such as 'Success and Prosperity, I am Moderate,' among many others."
He concluded by saying, "What my son has achieved as a national work, despite its high cost, is merely a drop in the ocean of patriotism. The artwork was showcased on Saudi Media Day to celebrate our beloved nation for which we strive endlessly."
