Artistic Time Travel: Ahmed Mater’s Mid-Career Retrospective
On July 17, Christie’s London will debut a mid-career retrospective of Saudi Arabia’s renowned conceptual artist, Ahmed Mater. Featuring photography, works on paper, and installation art, the “Chronicles” exhibition will showcase Mater’s creations dating back to the Nineties, when he first delved into painting.
“Art is a time machine that everyone is looking for. Art can take us to the past and imagine the future, which is a powerful thing,” Mater tells Arab News.
Born in 1979, Mater transitioned from a career as a doctor to becoming a prominent figure in the art world with his X-Ray and magnet artworks, offering social commentary on the evolving landscape of the Kingdom.
Curator’s Insight: Dr. Ridha Moumni on Ahmed Mater
“I always admired the work of Dr. Ahmed, who is from my generation and my age,” says the exhibition’s curator, Dr. Ridha Moumni, chairman of Middle East and North Africa at Christie’s. “He’s an introspective artist that works on ideas, rather than mediums.”
“He’s an artist who can speak very well about his work, but, for me, he’s an artist who produces work that speaks to everyone in a different language,” Moumni continues. “His process of maturation can be seen on many layers — be it social, cultural, religious or political — that are present in his country and, by extension, in the Arab world.”
A Glimpse into Mater’s Creations
‘The Book of Magnetism’
This new artwork in the exhibition symbolizes the importance of knowledge in shaping our lives and culture. Mater presents the book as a sacred object, emitting a sense of holiness similar to religious texts.
‘Desert of Pharan’
Part of Mater’s series related to Makkah, this piece titled “Nature Morte” delves into the urban development of the city and its influence on Islamic cities worldwide. Mater utilizes found objects, photographs, and video art to tell the story of Islamic Makkah.
‘Ashab Al-Lal’
This sculptural maquette represents Mater’s upcoming project in Wadi AlFann, AlUla. Reflecting the idea of a mirage, the artwork uses mirrors to create an interactive experience in the desert landscape, symbolizing exposure and the human form.
‘Lightning Land’
Capturing a moment of lightning striking in the Saudi Arabian landscape, Mater’s photograph reflects the dramatic transformation occurring in the country. The image serves as a poetic testament to the evolving nature of Saudi Arabia.
‘Our Mother House’
Displayed in the exhibition is an artwork by Mater’s mother, a mural painter specializing in ‘Al-qatt al-Asiri.’ These decorative murals tell the stories of families and their social backgrounds, adding a personal touch to Mater’s showcase.