Graffiti artist Ashraf Abdullah has been chosen as the winner of the 2023-24 Hayy Jameel Façade Commission.

Ashraf was chosen by an esteemed international jury for his proposed work characterized by his signature use of materials and the unique way in which his work responds to the site. Ashraf’s design of the façade will be presented to the public October 2024. 

This year, the Façade Commission’s jury – included Curator and visual artist Muhannad Shono; Deputy Director (Arts) at Art Jameel Nora Razian; Founder of Counterspace and co-curator of the Islamic Arts Biennale Sumayya Vally; and Associate Curator at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Clare Davies. 

The jury also opted to award a Jury Special Mention to one of the shortlisted proposals in recognition of their originality and bold vision. Congratulations go to:

• Jameelah Mater

About Ashraf Abdullah

Born in 1997, From an Afghan origin. Ashraf is a Graffiti artist residing in Saudi Arabia. He Is known for expressing his life experiences through the art of Graffiti, Ashraf’s passion for graffiti emerged at an early age, as he was exposed to diverse types of Arabic typography throughout the streets of his community, This deep connection with Arabic typography and lettering was the driving force behind his transformation into an accomplished Graffiti artist. 

About the Commission 

The Hayy Jameel Façade Commission is an annual programme that gives one artist or collective the opportunity to develop a major public work for the 25-metre “canvas” on the front of the building — a feature integral to the architectural intent. The current edition of the commission was awarded to artist Zahrah AlGhamdi and her piece ‘The Cell’ – on view until Septemper 2024.