I am Mbarak Madhi (b. 1997, Jakarta, Indonesia), a self-taught interdisciplinary artist and co-founder of Al-Estiraha an artist-run initiative. I am Indonesian of Yemeni descent, living between Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. I started my artistic journey with photography and film before expanding into kinetic art, sculpture, and sound-based works.
My practice revolves around exploring self-identity and perception. I often grapple with feelings of alienation and a sense of detachment from reality. This internal conflict drives me to question the nuances of identity, assimilation, and belonging. Through my work, I reflect on these themes, examining how they shape both personal and collective narratives.
- Internet Cafe - Estiraha, Co-Curator, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (2025).
- Leftovers - Estiraha, Co-Curator, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (2024).
Exhibitions:
- Summer Exhibition, Misk Art Institute, Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Arts Hall. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (2025).
- STORIES in the MAKING, Ahlam Gallery, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (2025).
- BITING BETWEEN ONE’S TEETH - YSA ’25 , Curated by Basmah Felemban, Athr Foundation at Wasl Art Space, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (2025).
- كَيْدُ الرّجَال قَهرُ النِّساء, Curated by Alaa Tarabzouni, Athr Building, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (2024-2025).
- Leftovers , Estiraha, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (2024).
- “I CAN SEE LAND”, SINDBAD, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (2023-2024).
- Lens4Equality organized by Goethe-Institute, Alliance Francaise in Collaboration with Gharem Studio, Embassy of Germany, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (2023).
- Lens4Equality organized by Goethe-Institute, Alliance Francaise in Collaboration with Gharem Studio, Embassy of France. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (2023).
- Lens4Equality organized by Goethe-Institute, Alliance Francaise in Collaboration with Gharem Studio, Ahlam Gallery, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (2022).
- Archival Aesthetics, Masaha Residency Cycle 3, Misk Art Institute, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (2022).
Awards & Recognition:
- First Place - Video Documentary, Saudi Heritage Preservation Society, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (2016).
- Shortlisted - Misk Art Grant, with Abeer Sultan (2024).
- Shortlisted - Hayy Jameel Facade – with Abeer Sultan & Basmah Felemban (2024).
- Heritage Preservation through Imagery, Saudi Heritage Preservation Society in collaboration with Qomra Academy, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (2016).
- Lens4Equality, Alliance Française, Goethe-Institut with Gharem Studio (2022).
- VAC Cultural Trip to Paris, Visual Arts Commission (2023).
- Criticae 23/24, Masterclass on Documentary Photography, PhMuseum (2023-2024).).
Residencies:
- Archival Aesthetics, Masaha Residency Cycle 3, Misk Art Institute, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (2022).
Artist Assistance:
- Artist Assistant, Rut Blees Luxemberg, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (2025).
- Archives Management, “If We Close Our Eyes, It's Still the Same” by Basmah Felemban and Mustafa Al-Hassan, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (2024).
Contact:
kiki.madhi@gmail.com