Abdullah Al Othman: Structural Syntax

The Saudi artist has long been developing a highly characteristic visual language rooted in the Arabian urban landscapes, architecture, and linguistic history. In his work, In his monumental installations and sculptures Al Othman reflects on the layers of history embedded in the urban fabric – especially of his native Riyadh. As the artist says, “Every corner has its own handmade and craft details, every street has its own story that was told without words, but with visual and architectural symbols … Architectural and linguistic identity has always been a source of inspiration and a special passion for me. It is not just a reflection of a place but a living image of people’s history, interactions, dreams, memories, and obsessions.”

Structural Syntax, Al Othman’s first solo show in the UAE, transforms the gallery into an immersive space with pieces that use this visual language to deconstruct traditional systems of meaning, “offering works that challenge perceptions of the way we interact with the built environment, culture, and the spaces we inhabit”. For instance, Untitled (Al Maktoum) references Dubai’s Al Maktoum Bridge from 1963, one of the earliest symbols of Sheikh Rashid Al Maktoum’s plans to shape a forward-thinking metropolis; Al Othman’s work suggests how infrastructure can become symbolic of a city’s evolving identity. The speed, rhythms and restless energy of citiews like Riyadh are captured in Untitled (Light and Language), a metal panneau crafted from neon tubes

Says the gallery: “Al Othman’s work reflects his broader interest in the relationship between language and form, exploring how visual elements can act as a mean of communication, transcending the limits of spoken or written words. As part of this exhibition, he encourages the audience to decode the language of structure, inviting to engage with each piece as both an intellectual and emotional experience”.

To 27 June.

Above: Abdullah Al Othman, Anticipation (2025)