The Islamic Biennale 2025, currently underway in Jeddah, is playing host to some incredible work by a wide range of female artists from all points of the Arab world. These pioneering artists are at the forefront of a dynamic movement in the art world, redefining Islamic art by blending innovation and tradition in a transformative and thought-provoking way. Their installations, currently on display through May 25, 2025, explore themes of identity, heritage, and spirituality, offering deep reflections on the complexities of the human experience. Each piece shows the creativity, resilience, and depth of expression of these artists and marks a significant moment not only for their individual careers but for the evolution of Islamic art as a whole.
Below, MILLE recognizes these trailblazing artists who are pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. Their work, which includes everything from evocative scents to awe-inspiring sculptures, challenges viewers to engage with Islamic art in new and unexpected ways. Read on to discover the driving forces behind these groundbreaking installations that are making a huge impact on the global stage and redefining the narrative of Islamic art.
‘Soft Gates’ by Hayat Osamah
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Hailing from Saudi Arabia, Hayat Osamah grew up in a buzzing Riyadh neighborhood where fabric was central to daily life—used to bring warmth to unpolished spaces and celebrate community milestones. Her installation, Soft Gates, transforms collected fabrics, including remnants from local celebrations, into a striking passageway.
‘I Wish You in Heaven’ by Fatima Abdulhadi
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Saudi artist Fatima Abdulhadi’s deeply personal installation centers around the spiritual symbolism of basil, a plant tied to both celebration and mourning in Muslim traditions. Inspired by her mother’s saying, “the smell of basil is the scent of heaven,” she creates an immersive environment where the aroma of basil and its shadows stir reflections on grief and memory.
‘The Optics of a Rising Sun’ by Tamara Kalo
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In The Optics of a Rising Sun, Lebanese artist Tamara Kalo reimagines Ibn Al Haytham’s camera obscura as a copper sculpture. This innovative piece invites viewers to see their surroundings through an inverted projection, inspired by Qur’anic verses and Abbasid-era craftsmanship. By challenging perceptions of past and future, east and west, Kalo’s work offers a meditative experience that blurs the lines between time and space.
‘Heavy Petals ح د د’ by Raya Kassisieh
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Blending steel with floral motifs from her late grandmother’s archives, Jordanian artist Raya Kassisieh’s Heavy Petals ح د د is a poignant meditation on mourning, resilience, and memory. The atrophied roses, crafted in steel yet imbued with softness, symbolize intergenerational loss and strength. The bilingual title, combining the Arabic root hadad (mourning) with its phonetic link to hadid (steel), underscores the work’s exploration of grief and endurance. This sculptural garden honors the ruins of the past while inviting reflection on the enduring connections between heritage and identity.
‘Media Fountain’ by Anhar Salem
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Yemeni-Indonesian artist Anhar Salem’s Media Fountain critiques the impact of digital media on Islamic visual culture in the age of globalization. Her interactive installation features AI-generated Islamic imagery projected through water, symbolizing purity and transformation. Decorated with mosaic tiles that celebrate diversity and anonymity, the work examines how digital platforms reshape religious symbols, rituals, and identities in today’s interconnected world.
‘My Gift to You Is a Garden’ by Bashaer Hawsawi
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Inspired by her family’s tradition of hosting Hajj pilgrims, Saudi artist Bashaer Hawsawi’s installation is a reflection on acts of service and inner cleansing. Hundreds of brooms are arranged in rhythmic patterns, mimicking the sweeping rituals of her childhood. The piece captures the physical and spiritual dimensions of purification, offering a heartfelt homage to her family’s legacy and the cycles of renewal and healing.
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