Alula presents Two Exhibitions for Manal AlDowayan: Oasis of Stories and Their Love is Like All Loves

2024

Manal has inaugurated two exhibitions in AlUla. Within a five-minute walk, visitors can experience a solo showcase of her recent artistic endeavours alongside the outcomes of participatory workshops conducted with the AlUla community for her upcoming land art work  "Oasis of Stories" for Wadi Alfann.

 

Her exhibition titled "Their Love is Like All Loves, Their Death is Like All Deaths," originally showcased at Sabrina Amrani Gallery (Madrid, Spain), has embarked on its inaugural itinerary and relocated to the heart of AlUla. This marks the first instance of an international gallery hosting a commercial show within the town. Through sculptures and drawings across various mediums, Manal explores the theme of ruin, drawing inspiration from the engravings and architectural motifs of AlUla's ancient tombs. For more information, visit: link

 

"Oasis of Stories: Manal AlDowayan and the People of AlUla," curated by Iwona Blazwick, features drawings from over 1,000 community participants. This exhibition marks a significant milestone in AlDowayan's ongoing project, the permanent large-scale desert installation titled "Oasis of Stories" for Wadi AlFann, scheduled for completion in 2026. Inspired by the intricate passages and walls of AlUla's Old Town, the installation will integrate drawings and stories from the workshops, inscribed onto its walls, enabling AlUla residents to make their mark on the artwork.