Abdullah Al Saadi: Al-Toubay

Camar Cande’s Journey chronicles a trek Abdullah
Al Saadi took through the Northern region of the United
Arab Emirates and Oman accompanied by his dog and
donkey - which he named Camar Cande. During this
trip, Al Saadi’s relationship with his companions played
a significant role in helping him visualise, chronicle
and define his spiritual connection to the earth and its
elements.

Al Saadi was inspired by the natural beauty of his
surroundings and documents his experience with nature
and landscapes through photographs, videos as well
as watercolour paintings. The presence of his animals
inspired the visual impressions of his surroundings with a
kind of spirituality, that connected him to the land and its
elements.

Abdullah Al Saadi's mother visited him often at his studio;
each time he was not there she would leave a personal
momento to announce her presence.
Al Saadi’s mother could neither read nor write, yet
her letters to him were full of symbolism and coded
communication. Using stone, metal, tree sprigs and other
items depending on the message she wished to convey and
sealed with her scent and fingerprint, the bond between
mother and son deepened through this very private form of
correspondence. Al Saadi once wrote 'My mother maybe
illiterate … but her messages are full of symbols, full of the
magic of the ancient language of the Orient.'

Since 1998 and throughout the years, the letters were
organised and catalogued by the artist and formed the
basis of his book titled My Mother’s Letters. The latter
contains diaries and drawings, as well as a detailed
explanation about the daily items from his mother.
These items were classified chronologically according to
size, quantity and type. In addition to that, Al Saadi kept a
record of the time and the purpose of her visits.
On 26 July, 2013, Abdullah Al Saadi’s mother passed
away. In the book, the artist states: 'What my mother left
to humanity is what should matter to any human being
in terms of heritage or property; as it is a means of solid
communication with the past based on cultural depth that
is deeply rooted within history in all continents.'