Nawaftamim0@gmail.com
The new website is under work, this is a temporary website
The new website is under work, this is a temporary website
@nawaftamim
Rebellious Light ضَوْءٌ مُتَمَرِّدٌ
Rebellious Light is a multimedia installation that interrogates the tension between cultural tradition and self-expression within Arab youth identity. Through an immersive experience blending projected light, Islamic motifs, traditional objects such as the incense burner (mabkhara), and ceremonial garments (thobe and bisht), the work explores how rituals meant to offer protection can also serve as instruments of conformity. Utilizing layered shadows, ambient sound, and tactile materials, Rebellious Light invites viewers to enter a sensory landscape where the sacred and the scrutinized intertwine. The installation was designed for a dimly lit gallery space, allowing light and shadow to become active, moving participants within a spiritual yet conflicted environment
Arabcism نَقْدُ العَرَبِ
في اخر اعمالي التصويرية، اناقش نقد العرب عن طريق آداء حركي لتعليق صوتي مع مقطع لإمرأتين بملابس تقليدية. أحاكي فيه الإحباط والقهر الناتج عن نقد العرب. اثناء الآداء، احمل بخور لتبخير الجمهور كما يعتقد ان البخور يبعد "العين" و"الحسد". المجمتع العربي معروف بالنقد واستخدام الملابس التقليدية الرجالية والنسائية في جسم واحد بهذا العمل يهدف الى تعزيز ثقة الشخص "البس اللي يعجبني" ويتحدى نظرية ان العرب سينتقدون هذا اللبس اللذي يخالف المعتاد. الكثير من النقد في المجتمع العربي يأتي من الغيرة، كيف هذا الشخص عايش حياته وحر في لباسه وانا لا؟ راح انتقده لازم يصير زينا!
In my latest visual work, I address Arab criticism through a performance that combines movement, voiceover, and a clip featuring two women in traditional attire. I aim to convey the frustration and oppression resulting from Arab criticism. During the performance, I carry incense to "cleanse" the audience, symbolizing the belief that incense wards off the "evil eye" and envy.
The Arab community is known for its critique. By using both traditional men’s and women’s clothing on a single body in this piece, I seek to promote self-confidence, reinforcing the idea of “wearing what I like” and challenging the notion that Arabs will criticize attire that deviates from the norm. Much of the criticism in Arab society stems from envy: “How is this person living freely and wearing what they want while I can’t? I must criticize them; they need to conform to us!”
Liberation from society, the judgment of Arabs, restrictions of one’s self, the Shaytan and pleasures, the isteghfar, and the pursuit of perfection in a society dominated by harsh criticism. This project aims to explore the current Arab
The Bedouin Renaissance النَّهْضَةُ البَدَوِيَّةُ
The Bedouin Renaissance is a cultural and artistic movement founded by Nawaf Tamim that reimagines Bedouin identity in the context of Saudi Arabia’s rapid modernization. As Bedouin traditions begin to reemerge in contemporary media—particularly film, music, and visual art—Tamim coined the term to frame this revival as both a cultural reclamation and a creative evolution. Within this movement, he created The Lost Sheikh, a performative video art piece that critically engages with the tension between heritage and progress. Through his unique visual language, Tamim challenges perceptions of Bedouinism, offering a bold vision of its place in the present and future.
Confession is a performative video art piece by Nawaf Tamim that draws inspiration from the Seven Mu‘allaqat—the pre-Islamic Arabic odes that once hung in the Kaaba. Through original poetry, sound design, and embodied performance, the piece navigates the artist’s personal insecurities and identity struggles as a Bedouin boy living in the Western world. Blending classical Arabic traditions with experimental media, Confession becomes a modern-day lament and declaration—grappling with alienation, cultural dislocation, and the desire to reclaim heritage in a world that often misunderstands it. It is one of the foundational works of The Bedouin Renaissance, the larger movement founded by Tamim to reimagine Bedouin culture for a contemporary global audience.
Will You Leave Your Ego? هَلْ سَتَتْرُكُ كِبْرِيَاءَكَ؟
Will You Leave Your Ego? (هل ستترك كبرياءك؟) is a conceptual video art piece written, directed, and sound-designed by Nawaf Tamim. Using emotionally charged found footage—melting glaciers, industrial smoke, and imagery of ecological decay—the work delivers a poetic confrontation with humanity’s self-destruction and spiritual blindness. At its core is an original Arabic poem, written by Tamim and inspired by the tone and gravity of ancient Arabic poetry. The narration challenges viewers to confront their ego, asking: “Will you abandon your pride and choose the path of salvation—or continue toward ruin?” Tamim embodies humanity as a figure caught between destruction and redemption, echoing the consequences of human arrogance toward nature and self. Director of Photography: Fadi Aldosarry Production Assistants: Moayad Abdullah, Fadi Aldosarry, Morad Janbi, Abdulaziz Al Harthi Edited by: Nawaf Tamim & @mymojosodopeeee Footage courtesy of: Aio Filmz, OrangeHDcom, Blue Forge Films, and Royal Lions Productions
“ليس من الكفيف من أمسى بلا بصر… إني أرى من ذوي الأبصار عمياناً.” (“The blind is not he who lacks sight, but he who chooses not to see.”)
Celebrities and the Drama المَشَاهِيرُ وَالدَّرَامَا
Celebrities and the Drama is a raw, satirical track that dives into the chaotic world of fame, gossip, and public obsession. Blending sharp lyrics with a dramatic performance style, Nawaf Tamim critiques the superficiality of celebrity culture and the emotional toll it takes on both stars and spectators. With a theatrical tone and bold presence, the song plays with irony and intensity—turning the spotlight onto the spectacle itself.
3D Art فَنٌّ ثُلَاثِيُّ الأَبْعَادِ
Video Art فَنُّ الفِيدْيُو
Coding التَّرْمِيز
Sound Design تَصْمِيمُ الصَّوْت
The Bedouin Grandmother الجَدَّةُ البَدَوِيَّةُ
Mualaqatuna مُعَلَّقَاتُنَا: اِمْتِدَادُ أَمْجَاد
The Journey of Essence. From Matter to Meaning
Turin, Italy, 11 July 2025 - 8 September 2025
Proud to have participated in Journey of Essence: From Matter to Meaning at Palazzo Madama, part of a curatorial training program by Fondazione Torino Musei, supported by the Museums Commission.
As collections manager, I worked hands-on with artifacts spanning 2,500 years—from ancient Greece to 19th-century Europe. I selected and interpreted an 18th-century piece never before exhibited, framing it within the show’s narrative of materiality and meaning. My responsibilities included object selection and care, exhibition design, narrative development, and public engagement.
As collections manager, I worked hands-on with artifacts spanning 2,500 years—from ancient Greece to 19th-century Europe. I selected and interpreted an 18th-century piece never before exhibited, framing it within the show’s narrative of materiality and meaning. My responsibilities included object selection and care, exhibition design, narrative development, and public engagement.
Passport day
Washington, DC, May 2025
Proud to have curated the Saudi Handicrafts Pavilion at Passport Day 2025 in Washington, D.C., hosted by the Saudi Embassy. The exhibition celebrated the Year of Handicrafts and featured Saudi artisans from across the U.S.I oversaw a space that brought together six remarkable Saudi women artists presenting heritage-inspired contemporary works. Their creativity reflected the richness and diversity of Saudi culture on an international stage. Grateful to our embassy for its continued support of art, culture, and global talent.
Saudi Arabia's cultural mission in the US
Fairfax, Virginia, February 2025
As lead curator of the Saudi Founding Day Handicrafts Exhibition at the Saudi Cultural Mission in the U.S., I brought together Saudi artists from across the country.
The show highlighted traditional crafts alongside contemporary forms like AI, fashion, and creative coding. My aim was to showcase how Saudi art evolves while honoring its heritage.
I proudly presented student works to Dr. Tahani Al-Bayez and Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Turki.
Curating on this national day reinforced art’s power to celebrate identity and connect cultures.
The show highlighted traditional crafts alongside contemporary forms like AI, fashion, and creative coding. My aim was to showcase how Saudi art evolves while honoring its heritage.
I proudly presented student works to Dr. Tahani Al-Bayez and Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Turki.
Curating on this national day reinforced art’s power to celebrate identity and connect cultures.
Saudi gala
las vegas, Fountainbleau, september 2024
I had the privilege of curating the Craftzone at the Saudi Gala Dinner in Las Vegas, NV—an event organized by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources to attract investors to Saudi Arabia, particularly in the mining sector. The Craftzone served as a vibrant space to celebrate Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage, featuring incredible Saudi talents and showcasing the rich traditions and history of the Kingdom’s diverse regions. It was an honor to contribute to an event that not only highlighted investment opportunities but also shared the beauty of Saudi culture with a global audience.
Saudi Arabia in 2024
King Abdullah Academy, Virginia
In September 2024, I had the honor of curating an art exhibition for the Saudi Cultural Mission in the U.S. in celebration of the 94th Saudi National Day in Washington, D.C. It was an absolute pleasure working with talented Saudi artists residing in the U.S., showcasing their creativity and contributions to the art world. Happy to share this memorable experience!
About Me عَنِّي
Nawaf’s recent projects explore immersive experiences, Islamic-inspired geometric patterning, and digital-heritage coding, often bridging traditional motifs with cutting-edge technologies. His work seeks to inspire dialogue on identity, heritage, and modern transformation in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
He has exhibited and presented internationally across London, Scotland, Las Vegas, New York, Richmond, Washington, D.C., and Turin, highlighting the global resonance of his artistic vision.
Nawaf’s recent projects explore immersive experiences, Islamic-inspired geometric patterning, and digital-heritage coding, often bridging traditional motifs with cutting-edge technologies. His work seeks to inspire dialogue on identity, heritage, and modern transformation in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
He has exhibited and presented internationally across London, Scotland, Las Vegas, New York, Richmond, Washington, D.C., and Turin, highlighting the global resonance of his artistic vision.