(Solo Show) Manal AlDowayan: Participatory Acts: Misk Art Institute - Riyadh
Past exhibition
Works
Overview
"Saudi artist Manal AlDowayanis a prolific multimedia artist that emerged in the global scene during the early 2000s. Originally from the Eastern province, AlDowayan’s art has often touched on the crucial topic of gender-specific social obstacles and socio-political narratives in Saudi Arabia. Many of her work throughout the years has formed into participatory acts that communicate personal histories to the outside world. These acts initiate active preservation and exploratory conversations that alter perception and correct memory. Manal explains, “In my artistic practice, I work extensively with the idea of active forgetting and disappearance of communities and groups. I explore new ways of producing a portrait of an individual or a group.” Through her participatory method, the artist explores the spatial and social dynamics of the public and private spheres, relaying personal experiences and observations of a time and space to connect with audiences.
The artworks featured in the publication and the exhibition display AlDowayan’s participatory approach to art that regularly shifts and evolves from photography, sculpture, textile, and installations. The artist’s work projects stories, anecdotes, and individual identities into the future, attempting to safeguard irreplaceable and invaluable cultural narratives, rituals, and histories from being lost, forgotten, or ignored.
By tearing down the wall between artist and observer, AlDowayan allows viewers to “read” the pieces and interact with them, making them part of the artworks, whilst simultaneously experiencing them. In periods of social and economic change, her works exist in the moment, capturing the views and experiences of a rising generation of young women and paving the way for the next generation.
AlDowayan artworks are part of the public collection at the British Museum, London; the Victoria & Albert Museum, London; Centre Pompidou, Paris; LA County Museum, Los Angeles; Louisiana Museum, Louisiana; and Mathaf, Doha among others."
Artworks included: