Abdullah AlOthman

Geography of Hope

AlOthman is an artist and published contemporary poet born in Riyadh. He believes that the purpose of art goes beyond illustrating issues or applying wisdom. As such, he begins his work at marginal areas and treats them as the centre from which his pieces come together. AlOthman’s artwork starts with a question concerning life, its cycles, and its effect on existence; “art is life”—art means living better.

His work is conceptual: it incorporates the written word, personal manifestos, and colour to suggest various possibilities and meanings. He works in different artistic styles and media, including video, graffiti, street art and interventions, and installations. The artist’s poetry is published in two volumes, A Late Memory, 10 Seconds and This Void May Occur Twice. His solo shows include The Question/More Questions, Alaan Artspace, Riyadh (2014). He has exhibited in a number of group shows internationally, including in India, the United States, and most recently at the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale.