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ArtInterviewPeopleTechnologies

by Alexandra Mansilla

Who Is Behind Future Bedouin? Meet the Artist Creating Magic With AI (And Beyond)

7 Mar 2025

Instagram: @futurebedouin

"Future Bedouin is like a magic carpet ride, bringing the beauty of the Middle East to life through art." That is how the project describes itself — and it couldn’t be more accurate. When you look at Future Bedouin’s work, "magic carpet ride" is exactly what comes to mind.
Future Bedouin creates airy landscapes where colours, scale, and textures come together in a dance. She knits sweaters for aeroplanes. She builds Pink Bubble Lands in AlUla. She designs AlUla Ceilings that make you question whether they are AI-generated or real-life installations waiting to be discovered. One thing is certain — her work seamlessly fuses the old and the new, honouring Arabic heritage while wrapping it (literally) in something strikingly modern.
And here is the most fascinating part: the creator of Future Bedouin, Alex, isn’t from the Middle East — she is from Europe. Yet, she has long been captivated by the region’s culture, drawn to its stories, textures, and traditions. Why? How did this fascination begin? And what else is she working on? Let us find out.
— Hello Alex! We know you as Future Bedouin, but… you also founded and ran a Thai ice cream factory in Europe. Wait, what?
— Yes! The ice cream factory is still running — I have a great team managing everything while I focus on my art and creative projects. It was an unexpected but exciting venture that taught me a lot about business, production, and creativity in a completely different industry. Who knew that from making ice cream, I’d end up designing futuristic art installations? Life takes you on the most interesting journeys!
— You were born in Europe. How did you end up living in Dubai?
— I had been travelling back and forth to Dubai for a while, drawn by its unique blend of tradition and modernity. But it wasn’t until my daughter was born that I decided to make it my home — about three years ago. I love the culture, the energy, and the way Dubai seamlessly balances luxury, innovation, and deep-rooted heritage. It is a place where big ideas come to life, and for someone like me — who thrives on pushing creative boundaries — it feels like the perfect home.
— You once said: “The Arab culture and its people hold a special place in my heart, and they play a big role in shaping my art.” Coming from Europe, what drew you to Arab heritage?
— Coming from Europe, my journey into Arab heritage was unexpected but deeply personal. From the moment I first visited the region, I was captivated by the rich traditions, storytelling, and visual language woven into everyday life. The way the past and future coexist here is something truly unique — Dubai, in particular, is a city where ultramodern skyscrapers rise next to centuries-old traditions, and that contrast became a huge inspiration for me.
The warmth of the people, the nomadic spirit of the Bedouins, and the deep respect for craftsmanship and calligraphy resonated with me in ways I never expected. Over time, it started shaping my artistic vision — blending heritage with a futuristic aesthetic — which eventually led to Future Bedouin. It is a tribute to this culture that I have come to admire and feel deeply connected to.
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Instagram: @futurebedouin

— You mentioned, “My artistic journey began with a love for traditional art, like painting, drawing, and public art installations.” Could you tell us more about your art before the works we know today — the ones you create with AI?
— My artistic journey started with traditional art forms — painting, drawing, and large-scale public installations. Before the AI-driven works people recognise today, my process was heavily focused on handcrafted elements, mixed media, and digital manipulation.
I have always loved experimenting with different materials and techniques — from creating physical textures in public sculptures to blending photography, Photoshop, and 3D modelling to build immersive visual narratives. AI is just one of the many tools I now use, but a huge part of my work still involves manual digital painting, layering, and mixed-media techniques to achieve the final vision.
For me, the magic happens in the fusion — where traditional meets digital and where heritage meets the future. Future Bedouin isn’t just about AI; it is about pushing artistic boundaries while staying rooted in storytelling, craftsmanship, and cultural depth.
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Instagram: @futurebedouin

— Do you remember the first work of yours that suddenly went viral?
— Yes! The first posts that went viral were my Pink Majlis and a piece I created for Saudi Flag Day featuring the Maraya building in Al Ula.
The Pink Majlis was a surreal reinterpretation of a traditional gathering space infused with a futuristic colour palette and modern aesthetics. It caught people’s attention because it blended heritage with a dreamlike, unexpected twist.
The Saudi Flag Day artwork resonated deeply because it honoured cultural pride while showcasing one of the most futuristic landmarks in the region. That mix of tradition, symbolism, and modernity sparked conversations and was shared widely.
These moments made me realise that Future Bedouin was more than just art — it was a new way of storytelling that people connected with on a cultural and emotional level.
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Instagram: @futurebedouin

— I noticed that you use pink a lot in your works. Does this colour hold a special significance for you?
— Pink plays a huge role in my work, and it isn't just for aesthetics — it carries deeper meaning.
In many of my pieces, pink symbolises a bridge between tradition and the future. It is an unexpected, dreamlike colour that softens the rigid lines of architecture and transforms familiar cultural elements into something fresh and surreal. In the Middle Eastern landscape, where earth tones and gold dominate, pink feels like a modern contrast, a way to reimagine heritage through a futuristic lens.
It also evokes a sense of warmth, emotion, and nostalgia while at the same time feeling bold and visionary. Whether in the Pink Majlis or other installations, I use pink to challenge perceptions, spark curiosity, and create an otherworldly atmosphere.
— If you were asked to describe your work in three words, what would they be?
— Futuristic. Cultural. Immersive.
— You once mentioned that you would love to collaborate with Yayoi Kusama. Is that still the case? What is your favourite work of hers?
— Absolutely! Yayoi Kusama has always been an inspiration for me. Her work is a perfect blend of conceptual depth and visual impact, and I love how she’s able to transcend the boundaries of installation, sculpture, and painting to create entire worlds.
Her use of repetition, infinity, and bold colours resonates deeply with me. Polka dots, in particular, have always fascinated me — they have this universal, timeless quality that makes them both personal and collective at the same time.
If I had to choose a favourite work of hers, it would be her Infinity Mirror Rooms. The way she manipulates space, creating a sense of endless reflection, has always felt surreal and magical to me. It is a beautiful mix of psychedelic, immersive experience and contemplative stillness. I would love to collaborate with her one day to explore how our two distinct styles could intersect — traditional heritage meets infinity.
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Instagram: @futurebedouin

— You are also passionate about incorporating themes related to social issues. Could you share some examples of your works that highlight these themes?
— Yes, social issues are a crucial part of my work, and I aim to incorporate them into my art to spark dialogue and awareness. Here are a few examples where I have explored these themes:
"Eco Air" Pavilion — this project directly addresses environmental sustainability. The installation features eco-friendly materials and represents the balance between nature and modernity. It aims to highlight the need for responsible environmental practices while celebrating the beauty of nature.
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"Eco Air" Pavilion. Source: futurebedouin.com

"Future Majlis" — this piece touches on cultural preservation and intergenerational communication. The traditional Majlis is reimagined to represent a space where cultural exchange, future generations, and technology come together, emphasising how important it is to blend heritage with future visions to maintain cultural identity in a rapidly changing world.
The Storyteller inflatable sculpture that’s riding a book is a concept I have been developing that reflects the power of storytelling and the immense value of knowledge. The inflatable figure, designed with a fluid, organic shape, represents the narrator — the one who brings ideas, culture, and emotions to life through words. Riding the book signifies how stories carry us forward, guiding us through the vast worlds of imagination, history, and future possibilities.
— Let us pause on Future Majlis for a moment — it's absolutely fascinating. Could you tell us more about it? How was it created?
— Future Majlis is one of the most exciting projects I’ve worked on. It was featured at Hia Hub in Saudi Arabia in 2023 and at Dubai Design Week 2024; it blends traditional Middle Eastern cultural elements with innovative design thinking. The Majlis itself is a space deeply embedded in Arabic culture, often seen as a gathering place for discussions, socialising, and the sharing of knowledge. For Future Majlis, I envisioned an immersive space that looks both to the past and future.
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Future Majlis. Instagram: @futurebedouin

The project reimagines the Majlis as a futuristic, dynamic space that fosters collaboration and intergenerational conversations where technology and tradition coexist. The installation combines organic, fluid forms with digital elements, symbolising the evolving nature of dialogue and community.
The idea was to create a multi-sensory experience with elements such as light projections, interactive surfaces, and immersive soundscapes, creating an environment where visitors could participate in the conversation rather than simply observing. The use of artificial intelligence also plays a role, bringing the space to life in unexpected ways, whether through real-time interactive content or evolving visual narratives.
Future Majlis is a metaphorical space representing the future of cultural exchange. It’s about blending tradition and innovation in a way that feels natural and inclusive, celebrating both the roots and the boundless possibilities of the future.
Some key features include modular, sculptural seating arrangements that encourage group discussions, floating screens, and interactive touchpoints that allow visitors to explore the evolution of Middle Eastern art, culture, and society. It’s a very engaging and participatory installation, designed not just as a piece of art but as a space for dialogue and shared experiences.
This project, along with others I’ve done, shows how public art can push boundaries and transform how we think about cultural spaces and interaction.
— Lastly, what is the future of Future Bedouin?
— The future of Future Bedouin is all about growth and expansion into new creative territories. While it started as an artistic platform, it’s rapidly evolving into a full-scale creative studio that blends art, design, technology, and experiential marketing. The aim is to become a global hub for immersive art installations, interactive exhibitions, and luxury brand collaborations.
Looking forward, Future Bedouin will continue to bridge traditional Middle Eastern heritage with cutting-edge design, focusing on creating impactful, multi-sensory experiences. I envision a studio that’s not just known for its artistic installations but also for its ability to provide complete creative solutions — from window displays to events, immersive experiences, and digital content creation.
Additionally, as technology continues to evolve, AI, 3D modelling, and augmented reality will play a bigger role in shaping the future of Future Bedouin, allowing us to explore new forms of interactive, phygital art. I’m excited about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, whether it’s creating experiential art for luxury brands, launching pop-up experiences, or integrating digital storytelling into physical spaces.
Ultimately, I see Future Bedouin as both an artist and a creative studio, pushing the envelope on what it means to merge the past with the future while creating memorable experiences that resonate with audiences globally. The journey is just beginning, and the possibilities are endless!
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