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DiaporamaFrom the Real to the Symbolic City
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Giclée / Art Print
Museum-quality giclée or canvas print with fast production and flexible finish options. (
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From the Real to the Symbolic City
Giclée / Art Print
Reproduction Size
-
Total Price
$ 63
From the Real to the Symbolic City
Ahmed Mater’s “From the Real to the Symbolic City” isn't merely a painting; it’s an invitation into a dialogue between materiality and spirituality, a reflection on Saudi Arabia’s evolving identity in the face of globalization. Created in 2012 and subsequently reproduced as part of the Smithsonian Freer and Sackler Galleries’ collection, this striking ink-jet print captures a moment of profound contemplation – a worker delicately positioned atop the Makkah Royal Clock Tower, mirroring the placement of the crescent moon on its monumental façade. The artwork's genesis lies in Mater’s fascination with Islamic culture and his desire to document its transformations. Informed by his background as both an artist and physician, Mater employs a technique that blends photography and calligraphy, layering textures and colors to convey complex ideas about perception and representation. The photograph itself depicts a cityscape bathed in muted tones, dominated by the towering clock tower – a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s ambition for technological advancement and its connection to global trends. However, Mater doesn't simply celebrate progress; he juxtaposes it with imagery rooted in tradition—specifically, the worker’s precarious stance against the moon, referencing Islamic cosmology and highlighting the importance of faith within the modern context. The symbolism embedded within “From the Real to the Symbolic City” extends beyond its visual elements. The worker represents humanity's role as intermediary between the tangible world and intangible concepts – a deliberate echo of Jabril’s presence in Islamic scripture, signifying divine guidance amidst uncertainty. Mater uses color palettes that evoke desert landscapes—warm hues blending with cooler shades—to convey feelings of longing and resilience. This artistic choice underscores Saudi Arabia’s enduring connection to its heritage while acknowledging the challenges posed by contemporary society. Furthermore, Mater's meticulous attention to detail elevates the artwork beyond mere visual spectacle. The printing process itself contributes to the piece's textural richness, mirroring the materiality of desert environments—a deliberate reference to Saudi Arabia’s natural beauty and cultural identity. It’s a testament to Mater’s ability to transform everyday observations into profound statements about human experience and spiritual aspiration. Ultimately, “From the Real to the Symbolic City” compels viewers to consider how art can illuminate the complexities of cultural change. It's a captivating exploration of faith, technology, and memory—a piece that resonates with collectors and interior designers alike who appreciate works that combine intellectual depth with aesthetic beauty.Related Artworks
Artist Biography
introduction
ahmed mater eid al-bassam is a saudi arabian artist and physician, born in 1979 in tabuk, saudi arabia. he is widely recognized as one of the most significant cultural voices documenting and scrutinizing the realities of contemporary saudi arabia.artistic career
al-bassam's artistic career spans multiple mediums, including photography, calligraphy, painting, installation, performance, and video. his work explores the narratives and aesthetics of islamic culture in an era of rampant globalization, consumerism, and transformation. as a former physician, al-bassam's earlier works are heavily informed by his formal training, with traces of that experience observed in many of his pieces.notable works and exhibitions
some of al-bassam's notable works include mecca journeys, a series of photographs documenting the hajj pilgrimage, and longing for mecca, an installation exploring the concept of longing and belonging. his work has been exhibited in various museums and galleries, including the brooklyn museum, the centre pompidou, and the tropen museum. for more information on his artworks, visit ArtsDot.com: ahmed mater eid al-bassam | 25 artworks.awards and collections
al-bassam's artwork is widely collected and can be found in the following selected collections:- the british museum, london, uk
- the brooklyn museum, new york, usa
- the centre pompidou, paris, france
- the nadour collection, dusseldorf, germany
- the zayed national museum, abu dhabi, uae
publications and references
for more information on ahmed mater eid al-bassam's biography and artworks, visit ArtsDot.com: ahmed mater eid al-bassam | 25 artworks. his publications include the forthcoming prognosis/saudi arabia, a major monograph on his work. you can also find more information about him on wikipedia: ahmed mater eid al-bassam.
ahmed mater eid al-bassam
1979 - , Saudi Arabia
Quick Facts
- Artistic Movement Or Style: Contemporary Art
- Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Global Culture']
- Artists Who Influenced This Artist: ['Islamic Art']
- Date Of Birth: 1979
- Full Name: Ahmed Mater Eid Al-Bassam
- Nationality: Saudi Arabian
- Notable Artworks:
- Mecca Journeys
- Longing for Mecca
- Concrete Lamination
- Place Of Birth: Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
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