Arts Thread

Joud Fahmy
Contemporary Art Practice MA

Royal College of Art

Graduates: 2023

Specialisms: Contemporary Craft / Sculpture / Installation/Sculpture

My location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

joud-fahmy ArtsThread Profile
Royal College of Art

Joud Fahmy

joud-fahmy ArtsThread Profile

First Name: Joud

Last Name: Fahmy

University / College: Royal College of Art

Course / Program: Contemporary Art Practice MA

Graduates: 2023

Specialisms: Contemporary Craft / Sculpture / Installation/Sculpture

My Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

About

Joud Fahmy was born in 1994 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Her practice involves Exploring Women's voices and expression through the translation of concepts such as family dynamics and gender roles into tangible works of mixed-media sculptures and audio-visual productions. She is interested in initiating dialogues between the traditional and modern and her artwork aims to transcend societal barriers and limitations by being a catalyst for shifting meaning and reshaping culture. In 2023, Joud received her MA in Contemporary Art Practice from Royal College of Art. She represented Saudi Arabia as a Judo Olympian in Rio De Janeiro (2016) and was selected for the Hayy Learning Programme by Art Jameel (2019). Joud has also been the recipient of Maan Grant, by Athr Foundation (2020), and a participant in the Contemporary Art Summer School at the RCA in 2021 and in the ISTIKSHAF program with the Goethe Institute in Berlin in 2022. Exhibited at Tate Modern Late and Leighton House Museum in 2023.

Rooted Strength: The Generation of Women Who Shaped Our Lives

Mixed media installation ( Metal, twine, wood, and soil) 185.5 x 140 cm In many belief systems, including my own religion, it is believed that humans originated from the mud or soil. This symbolism serves as a metaphor for our humble beginnings and emphasizes our connection to the Earth. I aim to create an artwork honoring women's struggles and achievements by using the roots of a palm tree as a symbol of strength and resilience. the artwork encapsulates a profound exploration. It delves into the narratives of men who perceive that women, whether in the context of opportunities or the comparison between Middle Eastern and Western women, possess greener pastures. Amid these perceptions, it remains an indelible truth that women have always encountered challenges with strength and resilience, defying all odds. This artistic endeavor is a tribute—an ode—to every woman who has tirelessly fought, persevered, and achieved. Their collective struggles have paved the path for the present, gifting us with the opportunities we hold today. In every corner of the world, in every culture, women have demonstrated unwavering strength, often in the face of adversity. I aspire to magnify this universal truth, transcending cultural nuances and geographic borders. Through 'The Journey of Self-Actualization,I invite contemplation, encouraging viewers to recognize the shared threads that unite women's experiences, regardless of location or background.