Monira Al Qadiri is one of the most prominent contemporary artists of our time. Through a blend of surreal aesthetics, technological elements, and historical references, she creates artworks that shed new light on oil as a fossil fuel and its cultural heritage. At the same time, she challenges patriarchal structures in society and highlights the experience of growing up as a woman in the Middle East.

Here are three important things you should know about Monira Al Qadiri:

1. A Global Artist with Roots in the Gulf Region
Monira Al Qadiri (b. 1983) is a Kuwaiti artist, born in Senegal and educated in Japan. Her artistic practice spans sculpture, installation, video, and performance, and she is known for her ability to merge personal narratives with global issues. In her art, she explores themes such as identity, technology, and cultural transformation in a globalized world. She currently lives and works in Berlin.

2. Oil and 'Petro-Culture'
Oil plays a central role in Monira Al Qadiri's art. The Gulf region has undergone a dramatic transformation from societies reliant on fishing and pearl diving to economies deeply dependent on oil extraction. Al Qadiri examines the cultural, economic, and environmental consequences of this development and focuses on how 'petro-culture'—the culture shaped by the oil industry—affects our identity, lifestyle, and worldview. Through sculptures and installations that mimic the aesthetics of oil—iridescent pearl-like surfaces, floating molecular structures, and rotating drill heads—she highlights our global dependence on oil and the challenges it poses for the climate and society.

3. Tradition, Future, and Identity
Al Qadiri bridges tradition and the future by combining elements from Arabic folklore, science fiction, and modern technology. Her works challenge gender norms and stereotypical perceptions of women in the Arab world while encouraging reflection on identity and collective memory. Al Qadiri's art encompasses both a strong critique of societal structures and a poetic aesthetic that gives voice to overlooked stories and opens new perspectives on feminism, culture, and innovation.

Monira Al Qadiri's artworks have been exhibited at prominent institutions worldwide, establishing her as an important voice in the art world. You can experience her first solo exhibition in Scandinavia at ARKEN from November 13, 2025 – April 6, 2026.

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References
Monira Al Qadiri, "Info," accessed 12/17/2024
Perrotin, "Monira Al Qadiri," accessed 12/17/2024
Roorda, Sietske, "Pearly Oil: Monira Al Qadiri’s Art on ‘Petro-Culture,’" published 9/14/2023, accessed 12/17/2024