Life

In the work Life, Zahrah Al Ghamdi reflects on the desert for inspiration in the void of sound and light, where the sand dunes stretch for vast distances. Despite the lack of noticeable movement, the desert is constantly moving and changing. The shapes of the dunes, for example, are an immediate result of the direction and strength of the winds that sweep through. Al Ghamdi’s installation mixes manmade materials, such as plastic, with organic matter, such as soil that fuses the sand through heat in order to create a creviced surface. The piece is backlit, and through its many openings, transparencies, and crevices it allows the golden light to make its way towards visibility. Light operates here metaphorically as a signifier of life, which is the namesake of the piece. Light is the start of growth, and through this continuous growth, the desert transforms into a lively land full of life and movement. The piece emerges from the ground confidently and gracefully, alluding to the breath of life brought about by light.

Life, 2023 © Zahrah AlGhamdi
Commissioned by RCRC and Riyadh Art