Exclusive Interview with Saudi Artist Obaid Alsafi on Award-Winning Ithra Art Piece

DUBAI: Born in 1991 in Wadi Ad-Dawasir, Saudi conceptual artist Obaid Alsafi paints a vivid picture of his upbringing in an area where the desert meets lush green farms.  

For Alsafi, this juxtaposition symbolizes the duality of life, where light cannot exist without darkness, and vice versa. 

Although Saudi universities lacked art programs during his youth, Alsafi chose to study computer science, a decision that continues to influence his work today. 

Incorporating artificial intelligence and technology into his art, Alsafi sees these tools as natural extensions of human capabilities, devoid of fear or astonishment. 

While his father, an art teacher, played a role in nurturing his creativity, it was his grandmother, known as Al-Hanna, who ignited his passion for art. Despite coming from a background with little regard for artistic expression, she used images to communicate, leaving a lasting impact on Alsafi. 

Drawing inspiration from his grandmother’s love for painting and his grandfather’s reverence for the palm tree, Alsafi’s latest installation, “Palms in Eternal Embrace,” pays homage to Saudi culture and heritage. 

Constructed from 33 old palm tree trunks bound together with colorful ropes, the installation resembles a boat and serves as a poignant reminder of the threat faced by palm trees due to climate change.  

As the installation transitions to the Ithra Museum in Dhahran, Alsafi hopes to raise awareness about environmental preservation through his art. 

With each palm tree carrying its own unique story, Alsafi’s work aims to spark amazement and inspire dialogue about safeguarding the environment for future generations. 

As children marvel at his art and ask questions, Alsafi remains committed to his mission of using art to educate and inspire change.