Born in 1973 in Khamis Mushait, Abdulnasser Gharem is a conceptual artist and former lieutenant colonel in the Saudi army. He is one of the Gulf region’s most influential contemporary artists, known for bridging disciplines through a socially engaged practice. His work has been exhibited at various institutions across the globe, including the Martin Gropius-Bau (Berlin), LACMA (Los Angeles), the British Museum and V&A (London); and he has participated in the Venice, Sharjah, and Berlin Biennales.

In March, you unveiled The Arts Tower (2025), a major public art project. Facing your immense sculpture on Riyadh’s Sports Boulevard, how did you feel? Defiance, celebration, or something more profound regarding the area’s transformation?

It’s deeply connected to my artistic journey. From the outset, my practice has been rooted in observing and responding to what’s happening on the streets. This led me to the tower—something familiar, yet often overlooked, like those ubiquitous, utilitarian, and unattractive electric pylons.

The timing was perfect, because our nation is undergoing a significant transition. One of our country’s main goals is not to solely rely on oil and energy. The world looks at us as a gas station. There is a lot of change in Saudi Arabia, and it’s a kind of internal enlightenment. I wanted to capture this moment, transforming the pylon into a beacon of culture and art.