Shifting Sands: A Battle Song

2024
  • Multimedia installation, Tussar silk, ink, acrylic paint. Dimensions variable. Sound, multichannel, 41’38”
  • I intend to present an artwork inspired by the evolving role of women in my country's public sphere and their...

    I intend to present an artwork inspired by the evolving role of women in my country's public sphere and their ongoing journey to redefine both the physical space they inhabit and the narratives that have historically defined them.

    In my concept for Shifting Sands: A Battle Song, I draw parallels between my artwork and the folkloric dances of the Arabian Peninsula. Using soft sculpture, sound and the participation of my community of women, I will attempt to create a symbolic action that articulates and examines what it means to be a Saudi woman today. Through an artwork that takes inspiration from the traditional Arabian dance.

  • Traditional dancing is a beloved expression of performed joy in my country. I grew up dancing with my friends and...
    Traditional dancing is a beloved expression of performed joy in my country. I grew up dancing with my friends and family, we performed our joy and sadness, we told stories of histories that were true sometimes, but mostly they were legends layered on top of each other.
  • Within the realm of Saudi Arabian Folkloric music, the history of women's dance and song remains scantily documented. So I...

    Within the realm of Saudi Arabian Folkloric music, the history of women's dance and song remains scantily documented. So I chose to take inspiration from the structure of two prominent national dances, the Ardah and AlDaha, traditionally performed by men. These dances, rooted in powerful sounds and symbols, historically served as expressions of intimidation and unity during times of change and confrontation. Over time, they have transformed into cherished traditions, signifying celebration and national pride. The dances usually consist of two rows of men who sing, grunt or clap together creating unified sounds meant to intimidate the enemy or to raise the spirit of the celebrations. At the center of the dance is usually the motivating element, either a poet or a dancer.

  • My artwork will be a soft sculpture spanning the whole of the Arsenale hall representing the “poet”, the motivator in...

    My artwork will be a soft sculpture spanning the whole of the Arsenale hall representing the “poet”, the motivator in a traditional dance. On the walls flanking the sculpture the sound of the battle song will be heard, where sound occupies the space of the dancers.

  • The battle song is a humming sound that will be performed by hundreds of women, through participatory workshops, across Saudi...

    The battle song is a humming sound that will be performed by hundreds of women, through participatory workshops, across Saudi Arabia. The song will be a deep and poetic sound that is harmonized against the hum of the sand dunes of the Empty Quarter. 

    The center of the dance will take the form of a Desert Rose. A soft sculpture that resembles a crystal found in my home town of Dhahran. I have researched and created several artworks based on this crystal, drawing connections between its physical properties and metaphysical significance. The body of the desert rose will have dark edges hand painted like charcoal smears. On the surface of the “petals” I will silkscreen a collage of texts, book covers and news clippings, both local and global, that address or are written about the Saudi woman. Drawing attention to the absence of her voice in this cacophony of media that has no intention of centering her voice.

     
  • This approach is a continuation of my long-standing research, emphasizing the significance of media representations of women, how women are...

    This approach is a continuation of my long-standing research, emphasizing the significance of media representations of women, how women are seen in the collective memory of their society, and how profound the impact these images have on perceiving the humanity of the individuals portrayed.

  • I will conclude this artwork with an attempt to bring my voice and the voice of women to the heart...

    I will conclude this artwork with an attempt to bring my voice and the voice of women to the heart of this artwork. I will collect the words and drawings of the women who will sing the battle song and overlay them on top of the petals covering and obscuring the media collage.