Client: US GOV/ ART IN EMBASSIES

Overview

The art installation, “SAUDI UNITY,” is a mesmerizing composition designed specifically for the US consulate in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. This remarkable artwork serves as a tribute to the host country’s diverse culture and heritage, bringing together 13 handwoven totems, each inspired by one of Saudi Arabia’s unique regions. Meticulously crafted using a combination of precious threads, such as gold, and recycled materials, this installation stands as an astonishing achievement in sustainability and symbolizes the strong relations between the two nations.

The art installation embodies the spirit of collaboration, weaving together the artistic traditions of both Saudi Arabia and the United States. Each handwoven totem represents a specific region of Saudi Arabia, capturing its distinctive characteristics, traditions, and natural beauty. The totems vary in size, shape, and color, reflecting the rich diversity found across the Saudi Arabian landscape.

Goals

The collection of “Totem, a wall’s jewelry” takes inspirations from the culture, natural resources, and commercial activities of a specific country, city or region. Combining rare, precious, and unexpected components such as silver thread, rubber, and copper wire, the final textile panel becomes a window into a community, an invitation to travel and discover parts of the world one has yet to explore and open to conversation. For this specific commission the "goal" was to highlight the domestic and international links between the USA and Saudi Arabia. Creating a deeper understanding of the thirteen regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by using the country's cultural, commercial and economical assets as main inspirations. The artworks become a learning tool, a path to knowledge and an opportunity to draft a link between culture and economy. This series of handwoven panels opens to conversation and enlighten one's vision.

Process

The guidelines and requirements for this project were clear and easily achievable throughout the creation process. Based on the collection of handwoven panels : "Totem - a Wall's Jewelry" the client requested a series of 2D vertical artworks honouring the kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their new US embassy in the city of Dhahran. Each weaving, framed in a an elegant wooden box is made in the USA with a composition of 24K gold thread, silver and aluminium thread, acrylic yarn, coated metallic yarn, crystal beads to name a few.
The studio then gathered informations and inspirations for each Totem and came up with mood boards, references and digital stagings. Once the client confirmed the size, colour, overall concept and digital visuals of the commission, the production process began.