“Blessings” is the title of the work, and its concept is derived from the

broad and inclusive values of giving and generosity, understood as

sustenance — the plural of which is Arzaq. An ancient pitcher once used

for ablution in one of the old mosques was chosen as a central element. It

was selected to highlight the passage of time and the moral value that

emphasizes the deeply rooted tradition of giving and generosity.

Old and modern nails of different colors and sizes were incorporated to

signify the element of time, as well as the diversity of sustenance among

people and the variety of gifts bestowed upon them.

The universe is in a permanent, continuous, and harmonious movement,

and this movement is embodied within its spectrum in humankind. The

human soul is constantly engaged in thought and motion, deriving its

culture from its arts and sciences, from the authenticity of the past and

the ambition of the future. All of this gathers like a ladder, lifting the soul of

humanity upward.

The painting attempts to interpret a state suspended between pain,

willpower, fear, ability, and impossibility within an abstract scene. It

portrays a hammer revolving around its own body, extracting what

troubles it by itself—without yielding to the impossible.

This is my vision of human creation: beings created by God as ambitious,

endowed with the ability to solve problems and equipped with all the

skills, emotions, and willpower necessary for learning, growth, and self-

healing.

Amidst the rapid advancements and successes of modern times, the city
has turned into a reflection of the state of humanity as a whole. Inspired
by the serenity of Diriyah and the warm welcome of its farms, Maisa
Shaldan creates an interactive, multi-sensory experience with palm fiber,
enticing viewers to submerge themselves in a cocoon and consider hiding
in the land as a means to return to their human selves.
“Limitless Museum” attempts to recreate the moment when man began to
adapt to the Earth, tracing his coexistence as well as his permanent and
continuous development of it, in order to narrate a human history in which
material extracted from the Earth plays a significant role. Contrary to
popular belief, Shaldan investigates the potential of palm fiber and
presents it disassembled, assembled, and entwined in a visual multiplicity
as just the start of an endeavour to uncover this earthly substance.
This work was inspired by the farms of Diriyah and the establishment of
Intermix 2024.

Paper texture or metal texture. In my memory lie images, words, situations,
and events… and within it also dwell gentle stories. It is like paper—fragile
in form—yet powerful in impact like metal. At times it flashes, and at other
times it fades away, leaving behind nothing but a whisper of words and a
trace marked with a red thread.
Our memories are intertwined, woven with beautiful moments filled with
love, safety, and the times we shared together. Our identity grows through
the stories we have lived and remembered, remaining in our memory as
signs and symbols. For instance, the color red has long been associated
with love and longing between lovers.
Yet with our teachers—especially my grandmother, a sewing teacher—red
became connected to distinguishing between right and wrong. Red is the
color of caution, attention, and error.