Moderate Landscapes 2017

Zahrah Al-Ghamdi made this artwork called ‘Moderate Landscapes’ and it seems to be made out of wood and some sandy, earthy material. It's like a landscape emerging from the wall. I’m really drawn to the texture, the way the light catches all the little imperfections in the wood. The color is so subtle, just different shades of beige and brown. It makes me think about the earth, and how everything comes from the ground. Look how the material gathers at the bottom, almost like a little pile of dirt, extending the work beyond the wall. It's like she's taking something solid and making it soft, or maybe it’s the other way around. There's a real tension between order and chaos here. It makes you think about how we try to control nature, but it always finds a way to break free. I’m reminded of the Arte Povera movement. It's all about using everyday materials to make art that is both beautiful and thought-provoking. It opens the door to many interpretations, which is what makes art so interesting.