Second edition of "Biennial Al-Diriyah Foundation" to be held in February 2024

Second edition of "Biennial Al-Diriyah Foundation" to be held in February 2024 

Following a successful debut in 2021 that captivated the audience, the "Diriyah Biennale" made a resounding mark as one of the region's most significant contemporary art events. The "Biennial Al-Diriyah Foundation" is now gearing up for its second edition, set to take place on February 20, 2024, and has recently unveiled its curatorial team and participating artists.

The announcement comes after an international tour by the curatorial team, which included visits to London and Paris to introduce the upcoming edition to the global artistic community. This strategic move aims to firmly establish the "Diriyah Biennial of Contemporary Art" on the global artistic calendar and position Saudi Arabia as a prominent future artistic hub in the international art scene.

 

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The statement released on Wednesday disclosed that the curator, Oti Meta Power, will be responsible for artistic coordination at the biennale, alongside a team of curators from Saudi Arabia, India, the United Kingdom, and Romania.

The choice of the title "After the Rain" reflects the artistic surprises that the Biennale has in store. The title carries rich symbolism, evoking the rejuvenation of life in the desert after rainfall, the emergence of greenery, and the unique fragrance that fills the air. It is a fitting title for an event of the magnitude of the "Diriyah Biennial," which itself signifies the growth and prosperity of the arts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

 

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With this evocative title, one can imagine the artistic expressions that Saudi and international artists will bring to this exceptional context. Diriyah, a location with UNESCO-listed tangible heritage and a rich historical and cultural legacy, further adds its enchantment to the biennial and its activities. The biennale explores the role of contemporary art in a country undergoing rapid social transformations and experiencing a vibrant art scene. The second session will feature 92 artists from 43 countries, including 30 artists from the Gulf region, surpassing the number of participants in the inaugural session, which featured 60 male and female artists.

Similar to the previous edition, the biennale will showcase commissioned artworks. This year, Saudi artist Ahmed Mater and photographer Armin Lenka have been commissioned to create a special artwork that traces the Saudi narrative from the 1940s, offering a futuristic perspective from the past.

 

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Yemeni artist Sarah Abdo is working on an iconic installation made of soap pieces, shaped into a series of towers by artisans. This immersive work explores hygiene and purification practices in the region.

Saudi artist Muhammad Al-Faraj will present a new piece that combines palm trees and sound, a tribute to his birthplace in Al-Ahsa, renowned for its palm groves.

In Diriyah's "Jax" neighborhood, which houses studios for numerous artists, several activities will celebrate the month of Ramadan, centered around food.

The participating artists include both veterans and international names, with the likes of Dana Awartani, a returning artist from the first edition, and Safia Binzagr, a pioneer of modern Saudi art. International artists such as El Anatsui from Nigeria and Sudanese artist Ibrahim Al-Salahi, known for his significant contributions to Sudanese art, add to the diverse roster.

With this diverse and accomplished lineup, the "Diriyah Biennial" promises to be a distinctive event that will enrich the Saudi art scene and mark a significant milestone in the Kingdom's art landscape.

Where history meets contemporary art

The "2024 Diriyah Biennale for Contemporary Art" will take place in the historic Diriyah, situated in the northwest of Riyadh. Specifically, it will be held in the Al-Turaif neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, from February 24 to May 24, 2024. The event will feature seven halls, spacious areas, and terraces in the "Jax" neighborhood in Diriyah, along the Wadi Hanifa, a location with a rich history. The program will come to life with a diverse array of activities, performances, concerts, and highly anticipated artistic encounters.

The international exhibition curator, Oti Mita Power, is responsible for the artistic direction of the exhibition. The coordinating team includes Wijdan Reda (Saudi Arabia), Rahul Godipudi (India), Rose Ligon (United Kingdom), and Anka Rojoyo (Romania), all of whom bring their artistic expertise and unique cultural perspectives to the project.

Source: https://globeecho.com/