Installation: Al-Thorrya

Sandra created a smaller re-iteration of Khayt with her creative team, at the invitation of the inaugural Al Burda Festival in Dubai. Entitled Al-Thorrya, the interactive installation invited viewers to walk through the artwork, with a focus on the sense of touch and experience as they immersed themselves amongst the flowing silk twine and 3D printed ’pearl’ orbs, while walking through the installation. Utilise innovation, modern technology in 3D printing, the ‘pearls’ celebrate the UAE’s traditional pearl diving culture, while the silk twine references traditional woven sad art making.

Both Khayt and Al-Thorrya focuses on Sandra’s preoccupation with art that is experienced, immersive and touched, in contrast to the more traditional and remote engagement with and the viewing of artworks in traditional white-cube galleries. The artist is concerned with bringing art out of the galleries and to the public realm, to be experienced by all and experienced as part of daily life.

The Al Burda Festival is a multidisciplinary biennial staged by the UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth, dedicated to celebrating diverse facets of Islamic arts and culture. It focuses on creating dialogues around the present and future of Islamic arts and culture, and invites creative leaders, scholars, artists, and community members to collaborate, exchange insights, and co-create ideas.