Fish from the Ground — Basmah Felemban

Fish from the Ground, 2022Resin, mica powder and hologram fan on plexiglass and metal rods platform

Sculpture VideoInstallation

In this work, Felemban investigates the surreal event that occurred in Riyadh in 2015, exploring various theories to explain the phenomenon of fish growing from the ground in the community of Wadi Hanifah. The viral video that documented visitors hand fishing in muddy ground in a desert area with no running water sparked curiosity and raised questions about how this could be possible. One theory posits that the fish are the result of the unnatural migration routes of birds from African and Indonesian rivers. These birds carry fish eggs on their feet that get washed away by rainwater. When the eggs hatch, catfish emerge, and they are able to hibernate during the dry season until the next rainfall. Another theory goes back to the history of fish farming in Riyadh, which started 60 years ago along Wadi Hanifah. Some types of river fishes can survive in the valley, creating and adapting to the environment. This theory suggests that the catfish have been present in the valley for a long time and have been able to thrive in the unique environment of Wadi Hanifah. Felemban's work uses 3D modeling, 3D Printing, and fabrication as a method of documenting this natural behavior in a sci-fi written narrative, contributing to an ongoing Worldbuilding process. The project provides a deeper understanding of the phenomenon and its possible explanations, shedding light on the complex interactions between nature and human activity.