Formation

During his time at an art residency program in Doha in the late 1990s, Al Said created a series of works exploring the concept of the visible and invisible with a mystical and philosophical approach to art. Unlike the other pieces produced in Doha, which are smaller in scale and composed of many dispersed elements, "Formation," constructed of four wooden panels, focuses on one main feature. A large hole sits in the middle of the piece, surrounded by burnt edges and surfaces. The hole invites viewers to reflect on its purpose, considering whether it represents an absence of materials or a deeper spiritual presence.

Showcasing the marks of the creative process is central to Al Said’s artistic practice. He burns, scratches, and marks the surface so that viewers can see the process and the result. These works resemble discarded walls and old manuscripts, where time, decay, history, and spirituality converge to create meaning.