Ashraf Abdullah Awarded 2024-25 Hayy Jameel Façade Commission

Artist Ashraf Abdullah has been selected as the winner of the 2024-25 Hayy Jameel Façade Commission.

Ashraf was selected by an esteemed international jury for his proposed work characterised by his use of graffiti, sparked by his fascination with various styles of the Arabic calligraphy in his neighborhood . Ashraf’s design of the façade will be revealed to the public in December 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 Artistic Director 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 and of Afghan origin, Ashraf is a Graffiti artist residing in Saudi Arabia. He is known for his use of graffiti, a passion that emerged at an early age, being exposed to diverse types of Arabic typography through the streets of his community. This deep connection with Arabic typography and lettering underpins his practice.

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.

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