In a realm where the visual meets the tactile, Saudi artist Ahmad Haddad stands out with his profound work, redefining boundaries between form, cultural memory, and personal identity. Based in Jeddah and just 30 years old, Haddad elevates the blue pen—his constant companion—to uncover the subtle interplay of flesh, symbols, and movement that shape identity.
Haddad’s work brings the invisible into view, unearthing hidden dimensions of existence. Reflecting on his use of the pen, he says:
“A pen captures hesitation and weakness, strength and confidence, all at once… its mark cannot be erased, and in that permanence lies truth.”
Drawing on psychology, architecture, and landscape, Haddad fuses anatomical lines with sacred geometry, Quranic motifs, and Hijazi cultural imagery to create a distinct visual language.
His Paris piece “Ya Ibn ‘Ammi” addressed solitude and individuality using traditional symbols like the agal, challenging social constructs that define masculine presence. Sound design wove through the installation, enriching the narrative that questions rigid cultural expectations.
At home, Haddad founded Haddad Studio in Riyadh’s Jax district. It has become a vibrant creative hub, hosting over 120 workshops across 16 cities to build “sustainable creative communities.” Haddad is now forging an international partnership to connect the studio with Paris, extending the reach of Saudi artistic dialogue.
With the stroke of a pen and the power of performance, Ahmad Haddad bridges the gap between tradition and modernity, local identity and global resonance—crafting a story never told quite like this before.
