Exploring the Kingdom’s Cultural Tapestry
As we approach Saudi Arabia’s National Day on September 23, a date that celebrates the unification of Najd and Hijaz into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932, the air is thick with national pride. Streets are adorned with the green and white of the Saudi flag, and the energy is electric as people come together to honor the heritage of a nation that has undergone remarkable transformation. For me, this cultural celebration has been more than just a festive observation — it’s been a source of profound artistic inspiration.
As an artist, my journey through Saudi Arabia has been an exploration not only of its rich cultural landscape but also of the deeper nuances that define its identity. The impact of Saudi culture on my work has been nothing short of transformative. Artists are like sponges, constantly absorbing the world around us, and Saudi Arabia has left an indelible mark on my creative process.
One of the most striking lessons I’ve learned from Saudi culture is the art of allegory. In Europe, where art often seeks to shock or provoke, the approach in Saudi Arabia is more nuanced and more sophisticated. There is a subtlety in the way messages are conveyed, a respect for tradition and decorum that challenges the artist to find new ways to influence and connect with audiences. This shift in perspective has enriched my work, pushing me to explore the boundaries of expression in ways I hadn’t previously considered.
Another profound influence has been the Saudi appreciation for greenery and nature. What many of us in other parts of the world take for granted is deeply cherished here. This reverence for the natural world inspired my diptych “Desert Turns to Forest”, which explores the delicate balance between the arid landscapes and the lush oases that dot the Kingdom. The AlAhsa oasis, AlUla, and Diriyah—each with its own unique character and history — have been particularly influential in my recent works. Diriyah, in particular, struck me as a place where history, tradition, and futurism coexist in a way that feels both timeless and forward-looking.
Saudi culture teaches us to appreciate and deeply respect traditions and heritage, to cherish and preserve them even amidst rapid development and modernization. This lesson has been central to my work, especially in projects that seek to fuse art with cultural heritage. Last year, I had the privilege of collaborating with Saudi fashion designer Yousef Akbar with my multifaceted Cosmodreams series. The result, the “Ethereal Echoes” duo exhibition, was a unique fusion of art, fashion, and heritage — a testament to the profound impact Saudi Arabia has had on my creative journey.
This year, Cosmodreams will participate in HIA HUB with a new Fashion project that continues to explore the intersection of art and technology. We’ll be showcasing how large-scale paintings can be transformed into wearable art, with the Moon Fashion show featuring not just traditional paintings and sculptures but also cutting-edge lenticular printed holograms. It’s a project that embodies the spirit of exploration and innovation that I have come to associate with Saudi Arabia.
In closing, I want to express my deep respect and admiration for Saudi Arabia — a place that has opened my eyes to new ways of seeing the world. I remain fully open to new experiences and discoveries and hope to encourage others to explore and enjoy new places and cultures with the same passion and curiosity that drives my work.