Anhar Salem's Artistic Exploration of the Digital Age

Feb 23, 2026

95 min

Feb 23, 2026 05:31

Anhar Salem explores ways of representing the personal in the digital age

## Early Inspirations and Artistic Journey

Anhar Salem, a Saudi artist, began her journey in Jeddah, where she and her sister created videos about their daily lives. This early interest in digital expression paved the way for her recognition in the art world, with her works showcased at the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah and the Bukhara Contemporary Arts Biennale.

## Archiving Everyday Life

Salem's work focuses on documenting and archiving everyday life on the internet. Currently, she is in France for an art residency, developing a film about digital piracy and cinephilia in the Arab world. She considers herself an archivist rather than a digital artist, emphasizing her documentary approach.

## Media Fountain and Spirituality

Her notable work, Media Fountain, was featured at the Islamic Arts Biennale. This installation combined digital profiles with spirituality, resembling a wudu ablution fountain. It raised questions about privacy and self-representation in public spaces.

## Personal and Cultural Influences

Born in 1993, Salem's diverse heritage includes Indonesian and Yemeni roots. Her family's history and her father's influence as a photographer have shaped her interest in documenting communities online. She began uploading videos in 2015, highlighting the Hadhrami, Indonesian community.

## Collaboration and Authorship

Salem values collaboration, as seen during her residency in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, where she worked with locals to document their lives. This approach has reshaped her views on authorship, emphasizing the collective nature of art.

## Performance and Collaboration

In her video installation, A Donkey Will, shown at the Bukhara Biennale, Salem performed as Khoja Nasreddin, collaborating with artists from Qatar and Uzbekistan. This project highlighted her interest in collaborative art, moving away from the traditional solo artist model.

## Educational Background

Salem studied Information Technology in Jeddah and later pursued a postgraduate degree in France, where she met fellow artist Majid Al-Remaihi. Their collaboration has been pivotal in her exploration of art within a sociopolitical context.

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