Latest news with #MasahaResidency
Leaders
09-07-2025
- General
- Leaders
Saudi Artist Sarah Al-Johani Rebuilds Heritage Through Feminine Lens at Masaha
Sarah Al-Johani, a contemporary artist from Yanbu Al-Nakhl, showcases her evocative work at the ninth cycle of Masaha Residency. Her project, titled When Clay is Excited, draws inspiration from her expertise in restoring traditional mud houses. 'The reason I chose this name is because of my background in building and restoring traditional houses with mud,' Al-Johani explained. She highlights her restoration projects in Al-Ula's old city and a Riyadh palace, connecting her art to Saudi Arabia's architectural heritage. Her work merges physical structures with emotional narratives, creating a unique artistic dialogue. Saudi artist Sarah Al-Johani at Masaha Residency Restoration as a Metaphor Al-Johani's art reflects diverse restoration philosophies, which she parallels with family dynamics. 'One orientation says we completely demolish and rebuild the mud house for strength,' she noted, describing a school of thought prioritizing durability. Conversely, another approach focuses on preservation, maintaining traces of the original structure, she elaborated, 'We preserve what is there, supporting remaining walls against erosion and rain.' A third perspective blends old and new, highlighting contrasts. Al-Johani sees these methods mirroring family relationships, where one adapts, preserves, or sometimes abandons ties for growth. Crafting Feminine Leadership Her studio, adorned with mud and golden frames from Bin Qasim, embodies her innovative vision. 'I took old, fractured frames and rewrote their story on my new roof,' she said, symbolizing renewal. Al-Johani's work challenges the proverb 'the father is the roof of the house.' She explained, 'The roof distributes loads on walls; a fallen wall increases pressure on others.' This metaphor underscores parental roles in balancing family strengths. By building her roof with feminine aesthetics, she advocates for women to embrace leadership uniquely, stating, 'I am telling a woman to complete the family's missing part, but don't turn into a man.' Al-Johani's installation at Masaha Residency redefines traditional concepts through a feminine lens, blending heritage with modernity. Her thoughtful integration of architecture and family dynamics resonates deeply with Saudi audiences. 'I chose to build my roof in a very feminine way that looks like Sarah Al-Johani,' she asserted, emphasizing individuality. Her work invites viewers to reflect on preservation, change, and leadership, cementing her role as a trailblazer in Saudi contemporary art. Short link : Post Views: 74
Leaders
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Leaders
INTERVIEW: Turkish Artist Bridges Dreams and Sustainability at Masaha
The ninth cycle of the three-month Masaha Residency is taking place at Riyadh's Prince Faisal bin Fahd Arts Hall from 20 April to 12 July, 2025. This program fostered research, public dialogue, and artistic experimentation among participants. Residents benefited from weekly mentorship, masterclasses, historical site visits, and a final group showcase funded by the Misk Art Institute. Cycle 9 welcomed thirteen international and Saudi artists who explored the theme 'At the Edge of Knowing' through art and public programming. This residency encourages innovative approaches to address pressing global issues, particularly climate change. Among the talented participants is Ayca Ceylan, a Turkish artist whose work exemplifies the residency's mission to foster creativity while raising awareness about ecological challenges. Turkish artist Ayca Ceylan at Masaha Ayca Ceylan: An Artist with a Vision Ayca Ceylan describes herself as a 'co-performance artist and environmental writer.' She emphasizes the importance of understanding how 'ecology, technology, and metallurgy create collective healing and sustainable futures.' Ceylan's artistic practice revolves around using art as a tool for awareness, especially in the context of climate change. She believes that art can effectively communicate critical messages about our environment. Ceylan's innovative projects include AI-generated video pieces and educational texts. She also creates charity-printed sea shells, which showcase her research and creativity. One of her most notable projects, titled 'sandland, oracle codes of the ancient feature,' draws inspiration from her dreams. Ceylan views dreams as powerful vehicles for artistic expression, stating, 'As an artist, I always believe that dreams are a powerful tool for creation.' Turkish artist Ayca Ceylan at Masaha The Power of Dreams in Art Ceylan's artistic journey is deeply intertwined with her dreams. She explains, 'Every morning I pray and meditate, and I think about these dreams and hidden messages inside.' This psychological connection to her dreams informs her performances and installations. In her work, she explores the themes of nature and the unconscious mind, creating a profound dialogue between the two. In her performance, Ceylan recites evocative lines: 'I'm the daughter of the crescent dunes, voice of stations, vessel of coats, and revolt through with me on the scents.' These powerful words reflect her deep connection to the natural world and her commitment to environmental advocacy. Ceylan's performances invite audiences to engage with the themes of ecology and sustainability on a personal level. A Call to Action Ayca Ceylan's participation in Masaha Residency highlights the vital role of artists in addressing climate change. Through her innovative projects and performances, she encourages audiences to reflect on their relationship with nature. Ceylan's work serves as a reminder that art can inspire change and foster awareness about pressing environmental issues. As she eloquently states, 'Art sometimes could be a really useful tool to bring awareness about this topic.' In a world facing significant ecological challenges, Ceylan's vision and creativity shine brightly, offering hope for a sustainable future. Short link : Post Views: 88
Leaders
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Art Ignites Forgiveness: James Wagstaff's Vision Unveiled at Masaha
James Wagstaff, a British artist residing in the Middle East for 15 years, explores the emotional landscape of forgiveness through art at Masaha Residency's ninth cycle. The residency, held 20 April through 12 July in Riyadh's Prince Faisal bin Fahd Arts Hall, fosters creative dialogue among international and Saudi artists. Notably, Wagstaff's exhibition centers on forgiveness and personal transformation. British artist James Wagstaff Everyday Objects, Profound Meanings Wagstaff utilizes everyday objects like glasses, knives, rocks, and sand. These materials represent complex emotions tied to forgiveness and unforgiveness. 'I have been looking at forgiveness as my topic, looking at how forgiveness affects us in our bodies,' he stated during the exhibition's opening. Indeed, he probes both emotional and physical impacts of forgiveness and its absence. 'What will it cost us to forgive? Or what will it cost us to not forgive?' This central question drives his compelling artistic inquiry. He aims to help people visualize the emotions linked to unforgiveness, including anger, bitterness, hatred, and the desire for revenge. A striking example of his interactive approach involves rocks on the floor. Wagstaff explains, 'Imagine, I think a lot of people have this as an image of unforgiving. This is like carrying a rock around with us, dragging it or carrying it.' He effectively illustrates the immense energy expended daily by holding onto grievances. 'Imagine how much energy that takes every single day, how much better for us just to let go of it and drop this thing that we're carrying,' he urged. Fostering Dialogue and a Brighter Future The exhibition actively encourages vital dialogue among family, friends, and communities about the profound topic of forgiveness. Wagstaff firmly believes in its transformative power. 'Imagine if we could be better at forgiving each other and letting go, it would make the world a more beautiful place,' he asserts, articulating a shared global desire. He further emphasizes that this positive change begins with individual decisions. 'It starts with us making a decision to forgive and release those that have done often really painful and difficult things for us.' Wagstaff's exhibition offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore personal experiences and their broader communal implications. He concludes, 'In the space, I explore things that have happened to me and also give others the opportunity to explore things that have happened to them and in their communities.' This exhibition undoubtedly provides a powerful platform for healing and understanding through art. The Masaha Residency Cycle 9 spans three months, offering studio space, mentorship, workshops, and cultural site visits. It highlights how creative expression can transform community understanding, bridging past grievances through shared artistic experience. Short link : Post Views: 72
