Faisal Bin Fhaid

visual artist // painter // cultural storyteller

Other Work

Writing & Criticism

Faisal writes regularly about contemporary Arab art, cultural heritage, and the intersection of Islamic geometric tradition with modern painting practice. His essays have appeared in Arab Art Watch, Bidoun Magazine, and the Saudi Gazette's Arts & Culture section.

  • 'The Desert as Canvas: Landscape and Memory in Saudi Contemporary Art'
    Arab Art Watch, 2023
  • 'Geometry and the Sacred: Islamic Pattern in Contemporary Painting'
    Bidoun Magazine, 2022
  • 'New Voices, Ancient Roots: The Saudi Art Scene in Transition'
    Saudi Gazette, 2021
  • 'Sadu Weaving and the Grammar of Abstraction'
    Misk Art Institute Journal, 2020

Teaching & Workshops

Faisal is committed to arts education and has taught workshops and masterclasses at institutions across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region. His teaching focuses on oil painting technique, geometric composition, and the integration of cultural heritage into contemporary practice.

King Abdulaziz University— Visiting Lecturer, Fine Arts Department
Jeddah, 2020–Present
Riyadh Art Center— Advanced Painting Workshop
Riyadh, 2018–2022
Misk Art Institute— Artist-in-Residence & Mentor
Riyadh, 2021–Present
Sharjah Art Foundation— Masterclass: Desert Landscape Painting
Sharjah, 2022
Institut du Monde Arabe— Workshop: Islamic Geometry in Contemporary Art
Paris, 2022

Public Art & Commissions

Faisal has created several permanent and temporary public artworks across Saudi Arabia, including large-scale murals, architectural installations, and site-specific works for cultural institutions and civic spaces.

The Living Desert— Permanent mural commission
King Abdullah Financial District, Riyadh, 2023
Roots and Routes— Public installation, Diriyah Biennale
Al-Diriyah, Riyadh, 2022
Geometric Garden— Architectural installation
King Fahd Cultural Center, Riyadh, 2021
Memory Walls— Site-specific mural
Al-Ula Heritage Site, 2020

Cultural Organizations

Faisal is actively involved in building the infrastructure of contemporary art in Saudi Arabia, serving on boards and advisory committees for several cultural organizations.

Saudi Arts Council— Board Member, Riyadh
2021–Present
Al-Mawrid Cultural Foundation— Founding Member, Riyadh
2019–Present
Misk Art Institute— Co-Founder, Riyadh
2021–Present
Edge of Arabia— Contributing Artist, London / Riyadh
2018–Present
Diriyah Biennale Foundation— Advisory Committee, Riyadh
2022–Present