meshal al obaidallah

Biography

Born in Washington, DC, originally from Qassim, & currently based in Riyadh.

Meshal Al-Obaidallah (مشعل العبيدالله) is an independent artist and curator. He is interested in experimental modes of archiving narratives. Through cultural artifacts, his works document current issues and affairs in Saudi Arabia (and the Arab world). His practice is centered around the question: Before it is forgotten, how can our ever-changing present-day culture be preserved?

Some of his projects include: Shimagh Series (2014–ongoing), ṣiyāḡah (2020) and FAREWELL ARABIA (2021–ongoing). The Shimagh Series was acquired by Greenbox Museum (in Amsterdam). And it was auctioned by ArteEast (in New York) and by Al-Mansouria Foundation (in Jeddah).

In 2019–2020, Meshal conceived, curated, and oversaw ṣiyāḡah (صياغة). The curatorial project is a demonstrative exploration of typography, illustration, and narratives. ṣiyāḡah (2020) was a year-long two-location exhibition within King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh. It took place in both ‘@ the Main Hall’ and ‘@ the Satellite Space’ (a pop-up site for art installations). It included over 100 works by more than 30 artists (from established to emerging local artists).

In 2020–2021, Meshal further developed his artistic/curatorial practice. Athr Gallery (in Jeddah) awarded him the Maan grant. The Ministry of Culture (in Diriyah) selected him for the inaugural Art Residency | Albalad in Jeddah. Art Jameel (in Dubai) shortlisted him for the Hayy:Learning Curatorial Fellowship. The Arab British Centre (in London) selected him for the Making Marks: Connect ME Winter Residency. Ithra (in Dhahran) selected him for the Creative Solutions Program. At Ithra’s Idea Lab, he was developing an immersive exhibition experience, by using extended reality (XR) technology.

Most recently, he enrolled in the International Curatorial Program at the Node Center for Curatorial Studies (in Berlin). And Meshal co-curated the winning indoor bid for the upcoming Noor Riyadh 2022–2023.

Now, he is developing several projects. He is collaborating with various creatives from around the region. Also, Meshal is establishing an independent space in Riyadh.