WATER GARDEN, RED
Al Suwaidi's latest work pays tribute to the planet's most precious resource, while urging us to treat it with respect and make misuse a thing of the past.
A new work by the Emirati artist Jamal HABROUSH AL SUWAIDI takes the topical issue of water as its theme, prompting viewers to ponder on the vital part it plays in helping the natural world to survive and thrive.
Titled “Water Garden – Red”, AL Suwaidi’s highly relevant work also reminds us that while this most precious and fragile of elements plays a vital role in keeping humankind alive, it is often treated carelessly and even abused by some, with far-reaching consequences.
AL SUWAIDI digs deep into his subject matter, prompting his audience to consider the impact that both our behaviour and environmental phenomenon have on water’s natural cycle, from rainfall to its arrival in our taps and irrigation systems. He is particularly fascinated with the weather systems that weigh on the world and bring devastation in the extreme, such as devastating drought.
To share his thoughts on this global topic, AL SUWAIDI takes a distinctly surrealistic approach by creating a tree out of water pipes and other metal tubes in various shapes and sizes.
The tree’s trunk stands firm and strong, while its branches span outwards and extend upwards, in a sign of robust health and life. Movement and shape are provided by metallic joins, while water valves in cherry-red denote the blossom, their detailing giving a brilliantly lifelike portrayal of flower petals. The tree’s stature suggests a strong, healthy specimen, although a scattering of dry red sand at the base of the trunk serves as a stark reminder that without water, both the natural world and humankind have no hope to survive.
“Water Garden – Red” froms part of a series begun by the artist in August 2016. Commenting on the work, AL SUWAIDI said “Water is the most essential compound in the entire universe, forming 70% of our planet and 75% of the human body. Using water carelessly or wasting it has a knock-on effect throughout the entire food-chain. We should use it responsibly and look to technology, such as modern irrigation systems, to help us save this precious resource. By raising our children with this mindset, we can build a community that has a genuine understanding of how important it is to use water sparingly and respect its life-giving and life-saving properties”.