On the Immortality of Steel and Poetry: An Interview with Saddiek Wasill
Saddiek Wasill is an artist and sculptor who has served as a supervisor and editor in various cultural organizations in Saudi and the Gulf, including the Saudi Society for Fine Arts in Makkah and Bahrain Arts Society in Manama. His critically acclaimed work was recognized and showcased in the Gulf and around the world. Wasill is interested in using unconventional materials to create artwork inspired by history, philosophy, and poetry.
How and when was your interest in art initiated?
The birth of my art was back to the early 1990s, which was an important time that paved the way for the current fine arts scene in Saudi. This time was important because the scene was opening itself to the experiences of young artists, despite the older generation of artists occasionally refusing their techniques and work. That generation wasn’t very well-aware that different artistic expressions and forms were being weaved together to produce contemporary work that was never welcomed at first. This was one of the main reasons I chose metal and other similar media to produce my work.
My work belonged to different art schools, ranging from contemporary to postmodern art. It was also influenced by my trips when I was young with my dad to his automobile repair shop. I was fascinated by the metal leftovers, and it was there where I learned my skills of dealing with metal and shaping it however I wanted it.
My career has lasted for over 30 years, and I’ve worked so far on multiple projects locally and internationally.
I Hear You
When did you find the medium that helped you convey your message?
All metals have a harsh nature, and sculpting, from planning to executing, requires a lot of patience. Handling all these factors varies from one artist to another. And my dependence on the medium that comes from environmental waste is an attempt to be liberated from the trap of objectivity to execute contemporary sculptures out of nothing.
I Won’t Find a Better Place than This One
Can sculpting immortalize art?
Sculpting wood and stone is an ancient practice. I’ve personally attempted to stay away from traditional media by using metal and other waste and molding it into a contemporary mold that would give it a longer lifespan.
I Won’t Forget These Memories
How do you intertwine poetry into your sculptures?
There’s a deep connection between my sculptures and poetry. This connection lies within the depth of both media in telling stories. We find that a lot of poets were interested in drawing and other forms of visual arts, and other artists who were interested in poetry as well. This connection bridges the gap between two worlds, and it is enriched with criticism from both worlds.
