Maha Malluh

Born 1959 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Lives and works in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The fascination with tactility is an essential feature of Maha Malluh’s oeuvre. Beginning first with a sense of comfort derived from touching familiar objects, the relationship with such objects developed so that she became estranged from them. These were objects which she once had a certain emotional attachment to, through memory, through use, through heritage. Yet as a result of spending several hours with them, she became concerned with how their functional purpose, the memories attached to them and their later obsolete, indifferent existence were constantly transformed and translated. It is playful toying with the serious issue of consumption and globalisation, whilst appreciating the aesthetic beauties of translated materials. 

Artist Maha Malluh´s work centres upon the impact of globalization and consumer culture within her nation. “My inspiration for art comes from my country, a land of contrasting images and ideas. Good art…forces you to pause, to contemplate and think harder about your surroundings.” 

Recent exhibitions include Riyadh Art, Institute du Monde Arabe, Paris, France, Jameel Arts Center, Dubai, Jeddah Sculpture Museum, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Centre Pompidou, Paris, France, Museum Voorlinden, Wassenaar, The Netherlands, Saatchi Gallery, London, UK.