“It was once said that there were three causes for congratulations amongst a tribe; “the birth of a boy, the foaling of a mare, and the emergence of a poet”
– Ibn Rashīq Abū ‘Ali Ḥasan
Take a stroll to the Harbor Library and immerse yourself in a poetic world. Start by reading the introductory panel, on the right, explaining the concept of the project, then, browse through a series of panels featuring our own KAUST poets. Read our very own KAUST Mu’allaqat* in Arabic, Italian, Spanish or even Asturian! English translations are provided, of course!
The poems are displayed on the fence opposite the Harbor Library (see attached map).
*The Mu’allaqāt is a group of seven long Arabic poems that are considered the best work of ancient Arabia. The name means The Suspended Odes or The Hanging Poems, the traditional explanation being that these poems were hung on or in the Ka’ba at Mecca. The selection enjoys a unique position in Arabic literature, representing the finest of early Arabic poetry and having influenced Arabic grammatical canon. As much as it is a recent development on the New York subway, London Underground or Paris metro, here on Arabian soil, the idea of displaying poetry outdoors is an ancient phenomenon.
About ARTmosphere
ARTmosphere is the art wing of the Harbor buildings upgrade project. ARTmosphere is dedicated to presenting the best and most exciting contemporary art through dynamic exhibitions, events, artist talks, workshops and more. Through the repurposing of a construction fence, ARTmosphere challenges artists to creatively engage with a unique exhibition space and to explore how their work transform and interact with the surroundings.