Oasis Of Stories: Manal AlDowayan And The People Of AlUla (A
Oasis Of Stories: Manal AlDowayan And The People Of AlUla (A
EGP2,475.00
Over 700 drawings and full documentation of the major participatory Land art installation conceived by the Saudi artist for “Valley of the Arts”. Manal AlDowayan is a multi-media artist whose works are often made with the participation of a host of collaborators.Together they reveal untold stories about places and people – in particular women. She is creating a major new installation for Wadi AlFann, or Valley of the Arts, inspired by the 900-year-old settlement of AlUla: a labyrinth of sculpted walls that retrace the footprint of the old town, appearing like a mirage in the desert. For this project, the artist asked local communities to create pictograms that symbolise their life in AlUla which she will inscribe on the walls of her desert installation. Their remarkable drawings are presented in this book, and every picture tells a story. The artist connects them with a pre-historic tradition of rock art. Just as travellers once carved animals, goods, prayers and salutations into Wadi AlFann’s cliffs, so the people of AlUla will leave their mark in the desert for future generations. Through the artist’s participatory workshops, over 700 drawings were created. They are presented according to themes such as family, home, landscape, culture and ritual.
Oasis Of Stories: Manal AlDowayan And The People Of AlUla (A)
Oasis Of Stories: Manal AlDowayan And The People Of AlUla (A) Book Description
Readers will discover Oasis Of Stories: Manal AlDowayan And The People Of AlUla (A) at Kalimat Bookstore Online. This English‑language volume offers a vivid look at a large participatory land‑art project in Saudi Arabia’s “Valley of the Arts”. Over 700 community‑made drawings accompany full documentation of the installation, giving each page a distinct voice.
The story follows Manal AlDowayan, a multi‑media artist who works with dozens of collaborators. She invites local families to create pictograms that capture everyday life in AlUla. These symbols are then engraved on sculpted walls that trace the ancient town’s footprint, forming a desert mirage that feels both modern and timeless.
Fans of contemporary art will enjoy how the book connects these new drawings to a prehistoric tradition of rock art. Travelers once etched animals and prayers into the cliffs of Wadi AlFann. Now, the people of AlUla leave their mark for future generations, bridging centuries of visual storytelling.
Meanwhile, the artist’s workshops produced more than 700 images. The drawings are organized into clear themes—family, home, landscape, culture, and ritual—allowing readers to explore each aspect of AlUla life in depth.
Key Features of Oasis Of Stories
Inside the book, readers can explore high‑resolution reproductions of every community drawing. Additionally, each illustration is paired with a short narrative that explains its meaning and origin. This format helps the audience understand how personal symbols become part of a larger artistic vision.
Furthermore, the publication includes detailed photographs of the desert installation itself. These images show the sculpted walls as they rise from the sand, giving a sense of scale that words alone cannot convey. The visual documentation enriches the reading experience and invites repeated visits.
Moreover, the text provides background on AlUla’s 900‑year‑old settlement. It explains how the ancient town’s labyrinthine layout inspired the artist’s design, creating a dialogue between history and contemporary expression.
Why Read This Book?
Readers can learn how art can empower a community. The book demonstrates the power of collaboration, showing that even simple pictograms can become part of a monumental public artwork. Because the project involves real people, the stories feel authentic and relatable.
Additionally, the volume serves as a valuable record of a unique cultural moment. Scholars, travelers, and art lovers alike will find the combination of visual and textual material useful for research or personal enrichment. Also, the themes of family, home, and ritual resonate across cultures, making the book appealing to a broad audience.
Finally, the reading experience is accessible and engaging. Short paragraphs, clear headings, and vivid images keep the momentum strong. Therefore, anyone looking for an inspiring example of participatory art will enjoy this compelling collection.
About This Book
For more details about the author and the project, visit the Goodreads page. You can also browse other top English titles in our store by following this link. Enjoy the journey through AlUla’s living history and discover how a desert oasis can become a canvas of shared stories.
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