Saturday, April 25, 2026 · No. 114
Artist Profile

Dana Awartani

Dana Awartani is a Saudi visual artist known for integrating traditional Islamic geometric patterns and crafts into contemporary mediums such as sand mosaics, painting, and video art.

Biography

Born and raised in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Dana Awartani is of Palestinian descent and has established a practice that bridges historical artistic techniques with modern conceptual concerns. Her work often draws upon the mathematical precision of Islamic art, utilizing traditional methods to explore themes of cultural heritage and the impact of regional instability.

Awartani works across a diverse range of media, including intricate sand mosaics, video installations, and painting. Her practice is characterized by a meticulous approach to craft, often involving the labor-intensive creation of geometric patterns that serve as a commentary on the preservation of cultural identity in the face of destruction.

She has gained significant international recognition, including her selection to represent Saudi Arabia at the 2026 Venice Biennale. Her work has been featured in institutional exhibitions, including presentations at the Towner Eastbourne and Arnolfini, further cementing her role in the contemporary global art discourse.

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Career Highlights

  • 2026Representation of Saudi Arabia at the Venice Biennale
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