Wikipedia

Hmoud Al-Attawi

Hmoud Al-Attawi (Arabic: حمود العطاوي, born 1986) is a Saudi multidisciplinary artist, with a focus on mediums such as sculpture, installation art, printmaking, and photography. Al-Attawi's body of work delves into the intricate intersections of Saudi history, modern reality, and human behavior. Through his endeavors, he has navigated the narrative translation between traditional and new media, adding depth and resonance to his artistic expression.

Hmoud Al-Attawi
حمود العطاوي
Born1986 (age 37–38)[1]
Sajir, Saudi Arabia
NationalitySaudi Arabia
OccupationArtist
Years active2006—present
Notable work"Blind Ants", "Connection" (2019), "Al Nourhah Pillars" (2021), "Maze of Delusion"
Websitehmoudalattawi.com

Career

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Al-Attawi's artistic journey showcases a profound engagement with the evolving cultural landscape of Saudi Arabia. His work is a testament to the country's growing support for the creative arts (during the MBS era) and its embrace of artists who push the boundaries of conventional artistic norms. One of his notable achievements is being a recipient of the inaugural Misk Art Grant, an accolade that highlights his significant contributions to the contemporary art scene in Saudi Arabia. The artwork "Blind Ants"[2] stands as a prime example of Al-Attawi's innovative approach to artistic expression, reflecting his commitment to exploring new avenues of creativity within the realm of Saudi culture and beyond.[3][4]

Al-Attawi's portfolio is marked by thought-provoking pieces that delve into profound themes and societal narratives. "Connection" (2019), is a striking embodiment of this approach, as it intricately weaves together sacred symbolism and modern technology. Through a series of small plastic pieces that count and record dhikr, reminiscent of Islamic prayer beads, the artwork draws parallels to Michelangelo's The Creation of Adam. This piece serves as a profound exploration of the interplay between spiritual devotion and technological innovation, contributing to the ongoing discourse within contemporary art.[5]

A key aspect of Al-Attawi's artistic narrative lies in his engagement with Saudi cultural heritage and his dedication to preserving historical legacies. The artwork "Al Nourhah Pillars" (2021), featured at the Diriyah Biennale,[6][7] exemplifies this commitment. Situated within the broader context of the exhibition's thematic exploration, the piece stands as a testament to Al-Attawi's contribution to discussions surrounding societal transformation and historical continuity in Saudi Arabia.[8]

Al-Attawi's work extends beyond the realm of aesthetics, as he masterfully uses his art to engage with complex societal issues. "Maze of Delusion"[9][10][11][12] is a striking testament to this approach, where approximately 800 cement barriers, originally symbols of defense against terrorist threats, are employed to convey Riyadh's historical narrative and transformation within the context of contemporary art. This thought-provoking installation reflects Al-Attawi's nuanced perspective on the societal impact of terrorism and ideological conflicts.[13]

Al-Attawi's artistic prowess extends to his transformation of everyday elements of Saudi life into intricate and meaningful artistic expressions. His deep connection to the desert landscape and his commitment to social engagement result in works that resonate with cultural significance while offering a fresh perspective on contemporary art. "Dwelling" (December, 2020), an exhibition in which Al-Attawi featured as a key artist, exemplifies his ability to encapsulate the dynamism and evolving narrative of Arab societies within his creative vision.[14]

In 2016, Al-Attawi co-founded Wasm Studio, an artistic and cultural community hub based in Riyadh, with contemporary saudi artist Saad Howede.[15]

References

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  1. ^ "Contemporary Art Saudi Artist".
  2. ^ Al-Fayfi, Ziad (May 10, 2021). "تحسس عقلك… قد يكون مقيدا بـ"النمل الأعمى"" [Explore your mind... it may be confined by the 'Blind Ant.']. www.independentarabia.com (in Arabic).
  3. ^ Swan, Melania (January 8, 2021). "Artists in Saudi Arabia Gain New Recognition and Support". www.al-fanarmedia.org. The winners of the inaugural prizes are Hmoud AlAttawi, Alaa AlGhufaili, Saad AlHowede, Muhannad Shono and Ayman Zedani, chosen from a field of more than 60 applicants.
  4. ^ Al-Tamimi, Maysoun (January 7, 2021). "إطلاق النسخة الأولى من المنح الفنية بمعرض مكوث" [Launching the first edition of artistic grants at the Mukooth Exhibition]. www.hiamag.com (in Arabic). Hia.
  5. ^ Bhullar, Dilpreet (July 12, 2022). "The exhibition 'Re-Composing' reorients the conventional meaning of identity". www.stirworld.com. STIRworld. The ring as a sign of relationship and connection is of sacred connection in Islam. In a similar vein, the work Connection by Hmoud Al Attawi extends the discussion from the space of holy veneration to ideals of simplicity.
  6. ^ Bailey, Stephanie (January 12, 2022). "At Diriyah Biennale, Chinese History Meets a Saudi Future". www.ocula.com. Their rising forms recall the seven earthen columns by Hmoud Al Attawi honouring the contributions of Saudi women through history on the grounds of At-Turaif as an off-site Biennale work, as well as the tan costumes worn by 12 women who performed Marwah AlMugait's subtly confrontational opening night performance This Sea is Mine (2021), which blended Palestinian, South African, and Arab chants and movements.
  7. ^ "Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale announces participating artists for its inaugural edition 11 December 2021 – 11 March 2022 "Feeling the Stones" Curated by Philip Tinari" (PDF). Diriyah Biennale Foundation.
  8. ^ "At Diriyah Biennale, Chinese History Meets a Saudi Future". January 12, 2022. Archived from the original on January 19, 2022.
  9. ^ Al-Kalawi, Nourhan (October 5, 2020). "فنان سعودي يصمم متاهة بأكثر من 800 حاجز خرساني.. ما حكايتها؟" [A Saudi artist designs a maze with more than 800 concrete barriers. What's his story?]. arabic.cnn.com (in Arabic).
  10. ^ Al-Fawaz, Nadia (September 30, 2020). "ما هي "متاهة الضلال" التي أشاد بها وزير الثقافة السعودي؟" [What is the "labyrinth of delusion" praised by the Saudi Minister of Culture?]. www.alarabiya.net (in Arabic).
  11. ^ "فنان سعودى يصمم "متاهة الضلال" بأكثر من 800 حاجز خرسانى.. صور" [A Saudi artist designs the "Labyrinth of Delusion" with more than 800 concrete barriers..Images]. www.youm7.com (in Arabic). October 13, 2020.
  12. ^ Al-Attawi, Hmoud (September 30, 2020). تفاعلكم متاهة الضلال.. إشادة واسعة بعمل فني فريد لفنان سعودي [Your Interaction Labyrinth of Misguidance... Extensive Praise for a Unique Artwork by a Saudi Artist] (Television production) (in Arabic). Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Al Arabiya.
  13. ^ Al-fifi, Ziad (September 29, 2020). ""متاهة الضلال": فنان سعودي يحكي قصة الإرهاب بـ "حواجز الخرسان"" ["Labyrinth of Delusion": Saudi Artist Tells Terror Story with "Khorasan Barriers"]. www.independentarabia.com (in Arabic).
  14. ^ Mushakhas, Abir. ""قيد الإنشاء"... قصة المجتمعات العربية ومعنى الهوية" [«Under construction»...The story of Arab societies and the meaning of identity]. www.aawsat.com (in Arabic).
  15. ^ Alturki, Nada (September 22, 2022). "How Saudi Arabia became home to a flourishing creative scene". Howede is the co-founder of Wasm Studio, a creative art space, along with fellow artist Hmoud Al-Attawi.
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