Diving into the Artistic Journey of Abdulmohsen Albinali
Artist Abdulmohsen Albinali Explores Textures and Narratives
Get up close and personal with Abdulmohsen Albinali, a dynamic mixed media artist hailing from Saudi Arabia. With a passion for sculpting, printmaking, collage, painting, video, and interactive media, his work revolves around textures and their ability to be felt with the eyes.
Roots of Passion
Albinali's early exposure to the world of art came from his mother, a painter, and he delved into creating art at a tender age. The foundational impact of creating art in shaping one's character is undeniable, and Albinali's story is no exception. Initially pursuing a non-art related degree, his interest in contemporary art flourished post-high school. He plunged headfirst into the art scene, visiting museums, and honing his craft. At 24, he decided to pursue a BFA in fine arts at the School of Visual Arts in New York. Following his return to Saudi Arabia, he engaged in art residencies, taking a break before considering an MA.
A Journey Through Gardens
Between 2021 and 2023, Albinali pursued a Master's in Fine Arts at the Slade School of Art, University College London (UCL). During his time there, he wove connections between local and Saudi stories, remaining mindful of his surroundings. He emphasized inclusivity and created a warm, playful atmosphere, believing that art does not require full contextualization to evoke a genuine response from visitors.
Balancing chaos and order, Albinali's work merges the artificial and organic, blurring the lines between them. His aesthetic delves into folklore, history, archaeology, and gardening, the latter being a significant focus in his work. His conceptual frameworks probe the connections between collective perceptions of nature and our place within it. Myth, landscape, ecosystems, biodiversity, and human interaction with nature are recurring themes in his work.
The Tree of the Future
One of Albinali's most notable projects is "The Tree of the Future," an artist installation that envisions a world impacted by intense global warming. In this imagined scenario, Middle Eastern sands turn to glass due to extreme heat. In this inhospitable environment, a genetically modified tree adapts to the harsh conditions, reflecting broken fragments on the wall. The tree remains elusive as only its reflections from shattered mirrors are visible. The installation sparked a narrative where the resilient tree lamented the absence of visitors, designed to survive but surrounded by an empty garden.
Exploring Folklore Through Animation
One such project is "Can You Hear the Djinn in the Trees?," an experimental stop-motion animation series. Set in a mythical valley in the Arabian Peninsula, the series weaves together a rich tapestry of symbolism, intriguing characters, and creatures within a narrative rooted in Bedouin oral storytelling's poetic nature. The visual aesthetics are steeped in diverse indigenous, mythological, anthropological, and archaeological references of Arabian cultures.
Digital Presence: "Just me and our website"
Albinali reflects on his online presence in the our domain zone, stating, "It's just me and our website. This basically equals me." His online presence encapsulates his artistic journey and highlights his ongoing work, offering a glimpse into the mind of a passionate artist pushing the boundaries of creativity. His unique approach to art, rooted in spontaneity and instinct, continues to draw attention and inspire.
Influence from technology, particularly digital platforms, forms a crucial part of Abdulmohsen Albinali's lifestyle, with his website serving as an engaging avenue to showcase his artistic evolution and ongoing projects. Embracing the intersection of traditional and contemporary, Albinali's work in entertainment such as the animated series "Can You Hear the Djinn in the Trees?" is inspired by technology in its execution and storytelling, keeping the rich folklore and traditions of his region at its core.
