Midwan – The Palm Forest, 2024

Abdulrahman Taha’s Midwan – The Palm Forest (2024) is a light installation that explores our connection with Earth and our ongoing efforts to live more sustainably. The newly commissioned artwork pays tribute to nature-friendly applications in historical Arabian architecture, notably the practice of placing palm trunks instead of columns to build the first mosques in Medina, the artist’s hometown.

Taha’s forest is composed of seven pillars resembling palm tree trunks. More than 7,000 spinning tops cover the surfaces of the sculptures, each doubling as a light fixture. Together, they illuminate the space, allowing visitors to walk among the pillars.

Using the palm tree as its central motif, the artwork symbolizes growth and the importance of staying rooted in culture while embracing progress. This blend of man-made and natural structures invites the viewer to reflect on our journey toward a sustainable future.