Meet Daniah Alsaleh: The Saudi Visual Artist Redefining Memory and Social Conditioning
In the vibrant art scene of Saudi Arabia, Daniah Alsaleh stands out as a visual artist with a unique focus on social conditioning and memory. Her work goes beyond traditional boundaries, blending multimedia elements to create intricate and thought-provoking pieces that have earned her prestigious residencies and awards, including the 2019 Ithra Art Prize.
From Islamic Geometry to Machine Learning: A Journey of Artistic Evolution
Alsaleh’s artistic journey began in Riyadh, where she honed her skills under the guidance of renowned artist Safeya Binzagr. However, it was her move to Jeddah that sparked her passion for art. After years of studying and exploring various art forms, Alsaleh found herself drawn to Islamic geometry before transitioning to a more contemporary approach through machine learning.
Exploring Memory and Media Through Art
At the core of Alsaleh’s work is a deep exploration of our relationship with memory and media. She delves into the impact of social conditioning on our everyday lives, questioning the origin of our habits and beliefs shaped by media influences.
Unveiling Alsaleh’s Significant Artworks
‘Restitution’
In this piece from 2017, Alsaleh challenges the notion of tradition and change through a juxtaposition of hand-drawn Islamic patterns and disruptive brushstrokes. It serves as a commentary on the importance of embracing new ideas while respecting history.
‘Sawtam’
Alsaleh’s award-winning audio-visual installation, ‘Sawtam,’ explores forms of expression through dynamic visuals and sound. Inspired by the works of German new-media artist Manfred Mohr, the piece delves into the complexities of communication and interpretation.
‘That Which Remains’
Created for the Diriyah Biennale, ‘That Which Remains’ reflects on collective versus individual memory in the face of societal development and change. The installation features machine-generated faces on cylinders, blurring the lines between reality and perception.
‘Evanesce’
Continuing her exploration of memory, ‘Evanesce’ delves into the Golden Age of Egyptian cinema through a machine-learning-based film. Alsaleh challenges societal norms and values by juxtaposing cinematic tropes with cultural contradictions.
‘Hinat’
Inspired by an ancient Nabatean tomb in AlUla, ‘Hinat’ is a captivating installation that imagines the legacy of a prominent woman through ghostly, abstract figures projected onto collages of AlUla landscapes. The piece serves as a tribute to history and imagination.
‘E Proxy’
In ‘E Proxy,’ Alsaleh explores the impact of emojis on modern communication, raising questions about emotional expression and societal conditioning. The video piece challenges viewers to reflect on the evolving nature of language and expression.
‘The Gathering’
Collaborating with French-Swiss artist Catherine Gfeller, Alsaleh delves into the emotional experiences of women living in Riyadh through a multimedia project titled ‘The Gathering.’ The installation captures the diverse perspectives and shared emotions of women in a rapidly evolving city.
’36’
As part of ‘The Gathering’ project, ’36’ features a composite of the participating women’s faces, highlighting the multicultural diversity of Riyadh. Through this piece, Alsaleh challenges preconceived notions and invites viewers to reconsider their perceptions of Saudi society.