This article appeared in Being Muhannad Shono Issue #70 which delves into the world of Saudi artist Muhannad Shono, exploring his creative journey, artistic process, and global impact. Through visuals and an in-depth interview, it highlights Shono’s works that connect personal memory with universal themes. The issue traces his evolution from early creations to monumental installations, revealing a progression driven by curiosity and innovation. This issue celebrates Shono’s global success and his curatorial role in the 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale.
Issue #70 ‘Being Muhannad Shono’
Absent Sky, 2023
This work captures the feeling of disrupting the lived world through the use of a black void or the act of omission, which is a recurring theme in my art. This is evident in pieces like A Song of Silence, a retelling of a story, as well as in my recent installation Absent Sky. The latter features immersive black fabric in a constant state of movement and flux above the viewer, reclaiming the concept of nothingness and transforming it into something disruptive.
Absent Sky will be showcased at Expo 2025 in Osaka as part of the Saudi Arabia Pavilion. The installation creates the illusion of a trapped, upside-down sea or an absent sky overhead. The light-absorbing fabric gives a dense appearance, with only the highlights visible when it moves.
