Dr. Manal Alharbi’s journey into sculpture was shaped by a deep connection to clay. This passion led her to study sculpture before moving to Princess Nourah University, where she now teaches in the Art and Design Department.
Dr AlHarbi explains that sculpture was not widely accepted when she first pursued it. “We were told to refer to it as ‘three-dimensional design’ instead of ‘sculpture’ because people were afraid of the term”. But she was determined to change perceptions. Through perseverance, she succeeded in making “sculpture” an accepted term in academic research, leading to the first Master’s thesis on sculpture in Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Alharbi obtained her Master’s degree in 2003, focusing on Arabic calligraphy’s integration into sculpture. “I explored elements such as the dots, the variations in letterforms, and the extensions in calligraphy, and how these elements could be applied to sculpture.” Her PhD research in 2009 expanded on this, examining the relationship between sculptural forms and their surrounding environments, considering cultural and material influences.
Working on the Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium was a transformative experience for Dr. Alharbi. “I feel like I’m back at university, engaging with my work again with renewed energy,” The opportunity broadened my perspective, as I evaluated how their work fit within the exhibition’s conceptual framework.”
As a woman in the art world, Dr. Alharbi faced significant barriers. “There was resistance, especially when it came to entering workshops or industrial environments where women weren’t usually present. However, the landscape has changed, with increasing support for female artists through initiatives like Saudi Vision 2030”
Dr. Alharbi took great pride in making this year’s exhibition more accessible. “We wanted the works to be interactive so visitors, including children, could engage with them. The response was overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing the importance of public engagement in sculpture. One of the most rewarding aspects of the symposium was witnessing new talent emerge. “I was particularly moved by the new generation of artists, especially the ones who had the opportunity to showcase their work in Tuwaiq for the first time.” Similarly, she was amazed by the trainees in the workshop. “Despite having no prior sculpting experience, they were able to complete their sculptures in just 10 days.”
Dr. Alharbi’s collaboration with curator Sebastián Betancur-Montoya was a highlight. “He was very open to feedback, and we had a productive dialogue throughout the process,”
The exhibition itself stood out from previous editions due to its interactive nature. “We intentionally designed the presentation to allow people to engage directly with the artworks, without worrying about damaging them.”
With each new edition, Tuwaiq Sculpture continues to evolve, and for Dr. Alharbi, this year’s success is just another step forward in shaping the future of sculpture in Saudi Arabia.
About Dr. Manal Al Harbi
Manal Al-Harbi is a pioneering Saudi artist and academic, renowned for her exceptional work in sculpture. With a Master’s degree and a Ph.D. in Art and Design, along with an advanced diploma from Geneva University, Switzerland, she stands out as the first Saudi female sculptor to achieve these academic milestones.
As an Associate Professor in the Department of Visual Arts at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Al-Harbi has been shaping the future of art since she began her sculpting journey in 1993. Her talent shone brightly when she secured first place at the “Pure Art” Foundation Exhibition for emerging artists in Riyadh in 1999.
Her artistic journey extends well beyond the Kingdom, participating in prestigious exhibitions worldwide. Notable highlights include her involvement in the fifth Cairo International Biennale in 2000, the first Khnum International Sculpture and Ceramics Symposium in 2022, and numerous exhibitions across the United Kingdom, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Switzerland, and China.
Dedicated to advancing sculptural practices in the Kingdom, Al-Harbi’s research and writings are influential. She has shared her knowledge through published papers, specialised courses, and workshops and has played a vital role as a judge in numerous competitions. Her active engagement in conferences and scientific meetings underscores her commitment to academic excellence and artistic exploration.