High in the never-ending sky of Saudi Arabia, a paraglider circles above the desert terrain. It is early evening and the mysterious rock formations and sandstone mountains below are basking in golden light, weaving extraordinary patterns of shadow and color. Hundreds of feet in the air, aerial photographer and artist Moath Alofi is entranced.
“Saudi Arabia is constantly surprising me,” he says. “Whether I am exploring the desert, the mountains, or the coastline, it keeps on providing new sources of inspiration.”
A visual artist, tour guide, curator, and co-founder of aerial photography outfit ERTH, Alofi is dedicated to discovering, sharing, and reimagining the almost inexhaustible natural and cultural heritage of his home country.
A native of the sacred city of Medina, Alofi returned to Saudi Arabia from studies abroad 10 years ago, just when the Kingdom was opening up to the outside world and unleashing far-reaching social changes. For Alofi, the country’s journey from the past to the future is a rich source of artistic inspiration. Using photography, video, and installations, he engages with Saudi Arabia’s evolving identity and explores the history inscribed in the country’s physical landscape and its cultural traditions.
“The changes that are happening in Saudi Arabia are in some ways a revelation of what has always been present,” he says. “By unfolding these layers, we can reveal the true essence of the real Saudi Arabia.”
Alofi is a prominent figure in the country’s fast-growing art community. As director of the Medina Arts Center he is encouraging a new generation of artists to discover the living history and culture of their hometown. A decade ago, he founded the multidisciplinary studio Al-Mthba, which explores local heritage, curates the work of emerging artists, and organizes specialist tours. He then co-founded ERTH to help research the country’s heritage from the air.
“I consider myself to be an explorer. I transform my discoveries into various art forms.”
Moath Alofi, artist, photographer, and heritage researcher
Two years ago Alofi opened a studio in the flourishing JAX Arts District in Riyadh. In this once industrial area, home to contemporary artists of all descriptions, Alofi is finding new inspiration in the vibrant history and culture of the country’s fast-moving capital.
“We are all learning from each other and reaching new heights,” he says. “Being in Riyadh has opened up incredible possibilities for me to explore my country and create new art.”
How is the art world in Saudi Arabia growing?
When I began my journey 10 years ago, photographers and artists were already working, but the path ahead was not clear. Now there is tremendous support at all levels. There are abundant opportunities for skilled and creative artists to take their practices further or in new directions. My own development as an artist would not have been possible without the recognition and support of numerous individuals and platforms.
What are the main trends in contemporary Saudi art?
Regardless of all the transformations of today, Saudi people are strongly connected to their core traditions. Young and creative artists are expanding upon traditional techniques such as painting and classical calligraphy, challenging them, exploring new possibilities, and pushing the boundaries.
What is it like working in the JAX District in Riyadh?
JAX is an extraordinary ecosystem for artists. Bringing together different creatives in one place is beneficial for everyone. The interactions happening here through creating artworks and inspiring one another have been organic.
What are you currently working on?
My work is inspired by my explorations of local content. I communicate these findings through visual mediums such as videos, found objects, and installations. It is something which is embedded in my practice. Currently I am exploring the villages around Riyadh. I want to learn from the local communities and shed light on them through photography.
What does the future hold for artists in Saudi Arabia?
The future is bright. The creativity of Saudis has been unleashed. Artists will be given opportunities, but they must continue to challenge themselves and remember to find joy in creating.
This is what defines a true artist. Authenticity and spontaneity are essential. My own ultimate joy lies in exploring the desert and creating content
As published in Traveler magazine.
