Just Paper - Group XV, 2022, is a sculptural installation, by Saudi Arabian artist Manal Al Dowayan, composed of 30 porcelain scrolls, each suspended by coarse jute strings. The scrolls vary in appearance – some are tightly bound, while others are partially unfurled – creating a dynamic arrangement that balances tension and movement. Silkscreened passages from religious and bureaucratic texts, that once dictated women’s roles in Saudi society and were historically authored by men, are inscribed on each scroll.

The choice of materials is central to the work's symbolism. The delicate porcelain embodies fragility, while its durability suggests resilience. The jute strings, coarse and functional, contrast sharply with the refined scrolls, emphasizing the tension between restriction and strength. This juxtaposition of materials mirrors the duality of vulnerability and endurance experienced by Saudi women under societal constraints.

Al Dowayan created Group XV as part of her Just Paper series exploring themes of resilience, identity, and the socio-political roles of women. Growing up in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province during the Sahwa period – a time of heightened religious conservatism following the 1979 Islamic Revolution – Al Dowayan witnessed firsthand the imposition of rigid societal norms. Her practice draws from these experiences, turning personal and collective struggles into poignant artistic statements.

In Group XV, the scrolls function as symbolic artifacts of oppression. The inscribed texts represent the restrictive narratives that once confined women to specific roles in private and public life. By reimagining these doctrines as delicate porcelain objects, Al Dowayan critiques their inflexibility while highlighting the strength of those who endured and resisted such constraints. The varying states of the scrolls – some tightly bound, others slightly open – suggest a spectrum of experiences, from suppression to liberation. This nuanced arrangement captures the tension between the weight of historical restrictions and the hope for release and progress.

The installation’s narrative extends beyond its materials and composition. By transforming restrictive texts into fragile yet enduring objects, Al Dowayan reframes their meaning, urging viewers to consider the impermanence of oppressive structures and the resilience of those who challenge them. The work resonates on a communal level, bridging individual and collective experiences, and fostering a dialogue about identity, autonomy, and societal change.

Through Just Paper - Group XV, 2022, Al Dowayan underscores her commitment to using art as a medium for cultural critique and transformation. The piece invites reflection on the evolving roles of women in Saudi Arabia and the enduring strength required to navigate and reshape societal norms. It stands as a powerful testament to the agency of women and the transformative potential of collective expression.