Perceiving Saudi Culture, 2024

Athar Alharbi’s Perceiving Saudi Culture (2024) is a digital installation that depicts the rich cultural diversity of Saudi Arabia. The newly commissioned artwork is based on a journal paper titled Saudi Arabia’s Colorful Culture published in 2021, which assigns colors to key geographical areas of the Kingdom by analyzing the interiors of traditional homes. Alharbi interprets these heritage hues by combining abstract, geometric shapes and light.

The viewer is invited to observe light projections of colorful animated graphics in the dark. Rectangular blocks of varying dimensions and palettes flit across the screens, each composition an ode to regions of Saudi Arabia, namely Najd, the central region; Hejaz, the western region; Al Ahsa Governorate in the eastern region; and Aseer Province in the southern part of the country.

Through this experience, the viewer is encouraged to immerse themselves in Saudi Arabia’s cultural vistas at a glance.