Visual Artist | Saudi Arabia
Um Kalthoom Al Alawi
Born in 1985
Spotlight
She Answered the Call Within
Um Kalthoom Al Alawi is a woman who listened to the quiet pulse within her, that unexplainable call of creation that whispers to the brave. She followed it, unshaken and unhurried, and today, she stands as one of the most radiant artistic voices in Saudi Arabia and, perhaps, in the Middle East itself.
Born and raised in Saudi Arabia, Um Kalthoom’s journey began not in a studio, but in a laboratory. A graduate of microbiology from Al-Faisal University in Dammam, she found herself fascinated by the intricate patterns of life, the unseen structures that sustain existence. What began as scientific curiosity soon evolved into artistic vision. An understanding that forms, shapes, and rhythms of growth belong not only to biology but to art as well.
That realization became her turning point.
Guided by faith in her inner compass, Um Kalthoom pursued a Diploma in Visual Arts from Box Hill Institute in Melbourne, Australia, merging science and art into one language. A language of unity, of harmony, of human connection.
Her art is a dialogue between individuality and collectivity. A poetic architecture of forms that celebrates how we stand distinct, yet never alone. Through repetition and rhythm, she finds beauty in belonging. Her works speak softly yet powerfully about the human need for togetherness, solidarity, and shared spirit.
It wasn’t talent alone that brought her here; it was trust.
Trust in that gut feeling. The quiet magic we often silence. For Um Kalthoom, it was the voice that said create. And so, she did.
She didn’t wait for permission.
She simply answered the call.
And in doing so, she became one of the most luminous artists shaping the story of art in Saudi Arabia, and beyond.
About the creator
- Um Kalthoom Al Alawi, born and raised in Saudi Arabia, draws inspiration from her specialization in microbiology, which has led her to explore forms, shapes, and repetitive patterns in her art. Al Alawi furthered her art career by earning another degree in visual arts, using the intersection of these two fields to evoke abstract ideas about life and growth. Her unique style reflects the balance between individual identities and social interdependence. At the heart of her work is a focus on unity, highlighting the human need for connection and social solidarity. Her work has been showcased in several projects by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Culture and selected for both local and international exhibitions.
Education
Um Kalthoom has expanded her artistic horizons through participation in various workshops, including Geometry, Art of Illumination, Wood Carving, and Printmaking at the Prince’s Foundation School in London, United Kingdom, in 2022. Alongside her artistic pursuits, Um Kalthoom holds a Bachelor's degree in Microbiology from Al-Faisal University in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, earned between 2004 and 2007.
Diplomas
Um Kalthoom, an accomplished artist, holds a Diploma in Visual Arts from Box Hill Institute in Melbourne, Australia, completed between 2007 and 2009.
Art Residencies
Um Kalthoom has enriched her artistic journey through participation in prestigious art residencies. In 2024, she was selected for the Intermix Art Residency in Jax district, Al Diriyah Al Jadidah, Riyadh, where she explored the intersection of art and fashion in collaboration with the Saudi Visual Arts Commission and the Saudi Fashion Commission. Additionally, in 2022, Um Kalthoom participated in the AlBalad Art Residency organized by the Saudi Ministry of Culture and operated by Hafez Gallery. Located in Historic Jeddah "AlBalad", this residency provided her with a unique opportunity to immerse herself in the rich cultural heritage of the region while further honing her artistic skills.
Solo Exhibitions
Um Kalthoom has captivated audiences with her solo exhibitions, each offering a unique exploration of her artistic vision and cultural influences. In 2022, she showcased "Nagam" at Ahlam Gallery in Riyadh, providing viewers with a profound visual experience. "Colors of Asia" at Hue Gallery in Riffa, Kingdom of Bahrain, in 2017, transported spectators on a journey through vibrant hues and cultural diversity. "A Dream in Paradise" at Desert Design Gallery in Al Khobar in 2015, and "Reflections of The Soul" at Qatif Gallery in Qatif, Saudi Arabia, in 2014, further demonstrated Um Kalthoom's ability to evoke emotions and provoke thought through her artistry.
Group Exhibitions
Um Kalthoom's artistry has been celebrated in numerous group exhibitions, where her work has contributed to vibrant artistic dialogues on both local and international stages. In 2024, she participated in the prestigious Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale organized by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, showcasing her talent within the contemporary art landscape. Similarly, her involvement in Misk Art Week in 2023, and the Final Exhibition of AlBalad Art Residency in Jeddah, also in 2023, further solidified her presence in the art community. Notable exhibitions such as the "Jax Art Festival" in Riyadh in 2022 and the "January Collection" at Art Vision Gallery in the same year underscored her versatility and artistic prowess. Um Kalthoom's contributions to global art initiatives, including "Saudi Cultural Week" in Ottawa, Canada, in 2017, and "Transition" at the Menier Gallery in London, UK, in the same year, highlight her ability to transcend cultural boundaries and connect with audiences worldwide through her art.
Masterpieces by Um Kalthoom Al Alawi
