In a celebration of culture, community, and artistic expression, the renowned Saudi artist Manal AlDowayan brings her compelling narratives to life through two distinctive exhibitions in the enchanting landscape of AlUla’s Wadi AlFann, the Valley of the Arts.
Titled “Oasis of Stories” and “Their Love Is Like All Loves, Their Death Is Like All Deaths,” these exhibitions mark a significant moment in the burgeoning art scene of Saudi Arabia, reflecting not only AlDowayan’s artistic prowess but also the rich tapestry of narratives woven by the people of AlUla.
The first exhibition, “Oasis of Stories,” currently on display in the AlJadidah Arts District as part of the AlUla Arts Festival 2024 until March 23, serves as a homage to the vibrant heritage and daily lives of AlUla’s residents. AlDowayan’s meticulous drawings, born from workshops attended by 700 participants from diverse walks of life, encapsulate the essence of the region’s cultural metamorphosis and collective identity. Through these intimate renderings, AlDowayan offers a glimpse into the realities, dreams, and aspirations of the local community, ensuring their narratives endure as a part of AlUla’s artistic legacy.
Moreover, “Oasis of Stories” foreshadows AlDowayan’s ambitious desert installation, slated for completion in 2026, wherein the tales and drawings of AlUla’s inhabitants will be immortalized within the labyrinthine walls of the Old Town, bridging the past with the present in a monumental testament to cultural continuity.
Speaking about her immersive experience within the community, Manal AlDowayan expressed her commitment to fostering a space for the contemporary inhabitants of AlUla to share their stories, emphasizing the importance of preserving these narratives for future generations.
Wadi AlFann’s lead curator, Iwona Blazwick, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the significance of integrating modern artistic expressions into AlUla’s timeless desert landscape. Blazwick emphasized the valley’s rich history, spanning millennia of human presence evidenced by intricate rock art and petroglyphs while envisioning a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation in the forthcoming artistic commissions.
In parallel, AlDowayan’s second exhibition, “Their Love Is Like All Loves, Their Death Is Like All Deaths,” presented in collaboration with the Sabrina Amrani Gallery, explores themes of ruin and heritage inspired by the ancient tombs of AlUla. Through sculptural works, drawings, and intricately woven Sadu textiles, AlDowayan invites viewers on a contemplative journey through time, where echoes of the past intertwine with the present.
With a keen focus on community engagement and inclusivity, AlDowayan’s exhibitions serve as catalysts for cultural dialogue and artistic expression, embodying Saudi Arabia’s transformative moment in the realm of public art. As the Kingdom embraces a vision where art becomes ingrained in its communities, AlDowayan’s visionary approach sets a precedent for a vibrant and inclusive cultural landscape, where every voice finds resonance and every story is cherished.