NASSER AL SALEM (B. 1984), WHOEVER OBEYS ALLAH, HE WILL MAKE FOR HIM A WAY OUT

inscribed with Artist’s dimensions in English (to the internal lengths)

carved corian

119.4 by 92.7 by 13.3 cm. 47 by 36 ¼ by 5 ¼ in.

Executed in 2012; this work is an Artist’s proof and unique in colour. 

Nasser Al Salem was born 1984 in Mecca and received his education in Architecture from Umm Al-Qura University, in his home city. With a practice that revolves around the Arabic written word, Al Salem challenges the boundaries of calligraphy through recontextualising the art form in unconventional mediums, such as his sculptural forms that appear as semi-labyrinthine structures. Exposed to calligraphy from a young age, Al Salem was tutored in this practice at the Great Mosque of Mecca and continued this study in the Haram Al-Sharif, eventually earning an ijaza certification. With his deep knowledge in this age-old art form, Al Salem explores its conceptual potential through its versatility and adaptability. He investigates the idea of the autonomous object, where he treats his calligraphic subjects in a philosophical nature that ponders our place in the world through concepts of time and means of devotion. Following the tradition of calligraphy, Nasser’s work is devotional; these are acts of creation inspired by the Qur’an and tenets of Islam. Currently, Al Salem lives and works primarily as an architect in Jeddah. His unique ability to underscore concepts that lie outside the mainstream, drawing attention to the unnoticed and awe-inspiring has been recognised by international institutions. Al Salem’s works are held in the collections of the British Museum, London; Los Angeles County Museum of Art; Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris, and more. In 2019, Alsalem staged a major exhibition at the Delfina Foundation, London, and in 2013 was shortlisted for the Jameel Prize at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.