The Lighthouses

The Lighthouses (2021) by New Zealand sculptor Anna Korver is a three-part stone installation that blends architectural form with the cultural aesthetics of traditional Saudi dress. Rooted in themes of place, identity, and protection, the work evokes the deep emotional connection between the individual and their environment.

Each sculptural form stands tall and grounded, abstractly referencing lighthouses—symbols historically tied to safety, navigation, and shelter. Through this metaphor, Korver reflects on the notion of home as sanctuary, particularly from the perspective of women and the spaces they occupy.

The shapes are softened yet strong, simultaneously referencing both built structures and the fluid silhouettes of veiled figures, underscoring the strength, resilience, and grace of the feminine presence. In merging cultural symbolism with minimalist abstraction, Korver invites viewers to consider how surroundings shape one’s sense of self, and how identity is informed by the land, architecture, and tradition.

Installed at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center (KAHC), The Lighthouses honors the feminine experience as both a guiding force and a grounded presence—anchoring memory, place, and protection in sculptural form.