Diriyah Biennale: Presenting the transforming nature of Saudi art
The Diriyah Biennale showcases Saudi Arabia's evolving
landscape and cultural transformation in an immersive art experience.
Nestled in the historic town of Diriyah, the birthplace of
the kingdom, this biennale reflects the kingdom's ambitious $63 billion project
to transform into a global tourism destination by 2030. The conservative Arab
kingdom has witnessed rapid changes, including opening its borders to
nonreligious foreign tourists in 2019 and ending mandatory gender segregation
in public spaces.
Lexus
committed to enriching cultural, social landscapes within Saudi Arabia
The JAX District, once industrial, now emerges as a vibrant
cultural hub housing studios, museums, and entertainment venues. Here, the
Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale, the kingdom's inaugural art biennial,
returns for its second edition. Organized by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation
under the Ministry of Culture, this multimedia event curated by Ute Meta Bauer
features 177 works by 100 artists from the Gulf region and beyond.
Titled "After Rain," the exhibition symbolizes
renewal, paralleling Saudi Arabia's efforts to diversify its economy beyond oil
under Vision 2030. The biennale engages deeply with local context, reflecting
societal shifts, particularly women's expanded roles and the nation's ambitious
construction projects.
Second
edition of the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale inaugurated
Notable works include "Saudi Futurism" by Armin
Linke and Ahmed Mater, capturing the nation's industrial past and future;
Christine Fenzl's "Women of Riyadh," portraying the lives of Saudi
women amidst societal changes; and installations addressing climate change and
sustainability, resonating strongly in a rapidly developing nation.
The biennale also celebrates underrepresented regional
creatives, acknowledging their contributions to contemporary art despite facing
challenging conditions.
Through this immersive experience, organizers aim to make
art a personal and integral part of Saudi society, engaging families and
fostering cultural dialogue. The Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale 2024,
"After Rain," runs until May 24, inviting visitors to explore Saudi
Arabia's vibrant cultural metamorphosis.
Source: https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/
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