Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah
Riyadh, KSA
Contemporary Oriental
Driven and inspired by the rich tradition and history behind Arabic scripts, contemporary calligraphy is constantly evolving and moving artists all around the world. Similar to Saudi Arabia’s ability to preserve its legacy while realizing its prosperous growth, artists today are using a variety of mediums to revive the traditional calligraphy, exhibiting this technique in fresh new ways creating a contemporary feel that emphasizes light, color and line.
ArtLink oversaw three suspended sculptures for the hotel honouring the local tradition Arabic scripture with a contemporary take.
Legacy in Verse
Inspired by deep familial ties, this sculpture honours the legacy of the hotel’s ownership. It is inscribed with lines from a poem by HRH Khalid bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, an esteemed poet, former Governor of Mecca and Jeddah, and uncle to the hotel’s owner, Prince Bandar bin Saud Al Saud. The verses are laser-cut into stainless steel across the surface of the sculpture, whose form is modeled after a swirling naqfah—a natural Arabian desert phenomenon resembling a sand swirl.
ArtLink’s curators art-directed this bespoke piece from concept to form and material, translating the client’s story into a work that speaks both to place and purpose.
Flight of the Falcon
Soaring gracefully throughout the lobby, this custom woven mesh sculpture draws inspiration from the elegant flight patterns of Saudi Arabia’s national bird: the falcon. Celebrated as a symbol of strength and heritage, the falcon embodies the spirit of the Kingdom. The sculpture’s flowing form captures the bird’s dynamic movement, creating a sense of energy that connects guests to the natural landscape and cultural identity of Saudi Arabia.
Illuminated Desert Whirl
Echoing the naqfah form of the first sculpture, this suspended installation is crafted from hand-blown glass, enhanced with soda and optical mold effects as well as sandblasting techniques. Illuminated from within, the interplay of light and glass creates a luminous centerpiece that bridges traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design.
Project Details
Driven and inspired by the rich tradition and history behind Arabic scripts, contemporary calligraphy is constantly evolving and moving artists all around the world. Similar to Saudi Arabia’s ability to preserve its legacy while realizing its prosperous growth, artists today are using a variety of mediums to revive the traditional calligraphy, exhibiting this technique in fresh new ways creating a contemporary feel that emphasizes light, color and line. ArtLink oversaw three suspended sculptures for the hotel, one of which was inspired by deep familial ties, honoring the legacy of the hotel’s ownership.
Project details
Client: Al Khozama Company
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