Ahmed Mater: Chronicles
Ahmed Mater is one of the Arab world’s most important modern artists, with a mid-career retrospective exhibition in London to his credit. His latest work, Magnetism Book, is a significant addition to his Magnetism series and is being presented to the public for the first time.
Mater draws inspiration from the Holy Qur’an and other religious texts, using iron filings and magnets to symbolize holy scripture. An earlier work in the Magnetism series represents the Kaaba inside the Grand Mosque in Mecca, with the human procession around the Black Stone represented by magnets and iron filings.
Boundary
Another highlight in the series is Boundary, which takes the shape of a mihrab that indicates the direction of prayer in a mosque. However, as the artist passes through the portal, an alarm sounds and red lights flash – a clear symbol of an airport security gate.
This piece has sparked conversations about the experience of Islamic people at airport security, particularly since the 9/11 terror attacks. However, the artist stops short of labeling it a comment on racism or Islamophobia.
Oil
One of the most commonly associated symbols of Mater’s home country is oil, which features heavily in many of his works. Evolution of Man, a self-portrait taken with an X-Ray machine, is one of his most iconic pieces. With a gun pointed at his head, the image slowly morphs into a fuel pump. Other images show oil barrels and gas stations.
Dr. Mater explains the significance of oil in his work, saying, "Everyone says ‘oil country, oil country’ so really it was a statement that it’s not only that. If we think for ourselves we are an oil culture then it’s not…. It’s like a person who (commits) suicides and putting himself with this idea, so."
Exhibition
The exhibition was curated by Christie’s chairman of Middle East and Africa, Dr. Ridha Moumni. He explains why he was keen to showcase Dr. Mater’s works in London: "Ahmed Mater is one of the most talented artists from Saudi Arabia and from the Arab world. When we wanted to do an exhibition here at Christie’s we wanted to display one of the most beautiful and intelligent artists from the region. And we also thought Ahmed Mater would be an artist who would bring people from the Middle East who will be here in the summer at Christie’s but also international visitors to discover what is the art, but also the social and cultural background in the Middle East through his art works."
Photographs
Mater’s photographs of Mecca are described as ‘observational’ rather than critical. He often uses wide-angle lenses and captures the human drama from a distance, and often height. The crowds of people at the Grand Mosque become tiny specks in the image and almost join as one in their shared spirituality.
Background
Dr. Mater’s journey to the top of the Arabic art world did not begin in art school. Instead, he trained and graduated as a medical doctor. He developed a body of work on the human body, the human spirit, and humankind, as well as spirituality and the link between humans and God.
Blending Sciences and Arts
Dr. Mater discusses his background and blending the sciences with the arts, saying, "I like art, I feel art is more close to me, it’s something that can explain what I feel. And medicine I learn and study and graduated as a medical doctor. But when I work in the medicine, I learn that medicine is not only a science, medicine first is a common sense. It’s to meet people, it’s to greet your patient before thinking about medicine. So I learned that medicine, as a science, stands between subjectivity and objectivity – it has a big spiritual part."
Sculptures
Also on show are sculptures from a site-specific commission by Wadi AlFann, the valley of the Arts, in the desert of AlUla in north-west Saudi Arabia.
Chronicles
Ahmed Mater: Chronicles runs from 17 July until 22 August, 2024 at Christie’s in London and is free to the public.
FAQs
Q: What is the Magnetism series about?
A: The Magnetism series is a body of work by Ahmed Mater that explores the intersection of religion and science.
Q: What inspired the series?
A: Mater drew inspiration from the Holy Qur’an and other religious texts, using iron filings and magnets to symbolize holy scripture.
Q: What is the significance of oil in Mater’s work?
A: Oil is a symbol of the country of Saudi Arabia, and Mater uses it to comment on the culture and identity of his homeland.
Q: What is the significance of the exhibition?
A: The exhibition aims to showcase the work of Ahmed Mater and bring people from the Middle East and around the world to discover his art and the social and cultural background in the Middle East.
