Jordanian American artist and activist Meedo Creisat is on a mission to transform recycling into art in Saudi Arabia, with a belief that there are “no limits” to creating beauty from waste.
Creisat, born in Jordan and raised in the US, works as an interior designer in Jeddah but prefers to label himself an “activist by passion,” with his specialty lying in making recycled art through a process known as upcycling. He has taken part in art exhibitions around the world, including in the Kingdom. He also moved to Bristol, England, and took part in a select educational program offered by the UN.
Creisat began crafting beautiful structures from an early age. He now uses materials that others throw away to make sculptures, paintings, and furniture. The event was organized by the Saudi Environment Society at the Saudi Arabian Society for Art and Culture. He said that the Kingdom has faced huge issues with waste and that his initiative aims to promote eco-friendly behaviors to tackle the problem. He created environmentally friendly installations for the trails, including furniture, shelters, and enclosures using locally sourced, reclaimed materials.
From May to July 2021, Creisat further explored the potential of reclaimed materials in his solo Meedo/Redo art exhibit at the Qaf Gallery in Jeddah.
The exhibit featured numerous artworks made from reclaimed shipping pallets, motor oil cans, site-specific lighting, and furniture pieces to create a fully immersive environment that encouraged visitors to reflect on themes of consumerism, waste, ecology, and recycling.
Saudi interior designer and art activist Dima Al-Rifai, a member of the House of Arts, played a major role in organizing Creisat’s exhibition and spreading the message of the House of Arts to all people.
In addition to donating waste items and materials to artists, members of the House of Arts also contributed to an open music night on the sideline of Creisat’s exhibition.
His exhibition featured local singers such as Lucy & Andy, DJ Barrystrew, Golda, Diem & Andy, Farhan, Abdulaziz, Zeo_Bas, The Pineapples, and Walter & Andy.
