Freezing Time: Artist Moath Alofi On Saudi’s Diversity

Born in Medina, Moath Alofi is an artist, researcher and explorer whose innate curiosity defines his evocative, self-expressive work

What was a career-defining moment for you?

I see myself wearing many hats, so I think the defining moment in the art field was when I had my first exhibition, Doors of Barlik with Athr Gallery in 2016, and a career-defining moment in the exhibition and art-management fields was when I got appointed by His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Salman as the director of Madinah Art Center.

This picture is part of the Doors of Barlik series.

In your view, how strong is the storytelling power of photography?

Well, some photos can be just as powerful as a bullet. With one single photograph, you can literally change the course of history, politics, archaeology, social behaviour and more.

A view of the Shaden Desert Resort in AlUla. 

What do you think informs the visual beauty of Saudi?

Definitely the diversity of its landscape, people and culture – that’s what informs the beauty of Saudi.

What inspires you?

I get inspired from feelings that I go through while exploring and by a sense of distention when I reach somewhere new that I have never been to in the desert. Rusty, abandoned village houses can get me inspired too – the great land of Saudi Arabia inspires me.

An explorer reading the Quran in the Prophet’s Mosque.

If time could stand still like a photograph, which moment would you freeze?

This is a very hard question – I’ve had lots of great moments that I would love to freeze, and one of them is when I flew over the Almansaf crater in Khaybar.

Part of the last Tashahud series.

Seeing your achievements now, what would you say to your younger self?

Do what you love and don’t worry.

If we could truly see the world through your eyes, what would we learn?

Maybe you will learn about beauty or learn to interpret pain and ugliness differently, and maybe you would see hope clearly.

Part of the last Tashahud series.

What’s a dream you have for your future?

Closer ties between each other, and more communities being involved in art and culture.

Images courtesy of respective photographers

From Harper’s Bazaar Saudi Summer 2021 Issue.