Zahra Al-Ghamdi, Saudi academic

Zahra Al-Ghamdi
  • Al-Ghamdi is also an artist whose works have been displayed at numerous exhibitions
  • Al-Ghamdi was born in Al-Baha in the southwest of the Kingdom

Dr. Zahra Al-Ghamdi is an assistant professor at the College of Art and Design at the University of Jeddah.

Al-Ghamdi is also an artist whose works have been displayed at numerous exhibitions held in the UK, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

Her most recent solo show, “Streams Move Oceans,” took place this year at Athr Gallery in Jeddah.

Al-Ghamdi was born in Al-Baha in the southwest of the Kingdom. She moved to Jeddah for her undergraduate degree in Islamic arts from the King Abdul Aziz University (KAU), where she graduated with first-class honors in 2003.

After her graduation, she worked as a lecturer at KAU before she moved to the UK to pursue further education. She holds a master’s degree in contemporary craft from Coventry University in England, where she also obtained her Ph.D. in design and visual art. 

Al-Ghamdi is inspired by her hometown and the history of Saudi Arabia. Most of her work reflects an element of the Kingdom’s history and evolving identity, but also her own history, acting as an expressive form of self-portrait.

She has also participated in numerous conferences, including “Art in a cold climate: A Turning Point, West Midlands,” in partnership with Birmingham City University and the University of Warwick, “Research Symposium” at Coventry University, and “Cutting-Edge Symposium: Lasers and Creativity” at the Loughborough University School of Art and Design.

Her work titled “After Illusion” is also on display at the 58th Venice Biennale 2019 Art Exhibition’s Saudi pavilion.

“After Illusion” consists of 50,000 pieces, which tackle themes of doubt and uncertainty, in an attempt to restore confidence and optimism.