Saudi artists showcase their work at Riyadh’s
Diriyah Biennale
The second edition of the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale,
themed “After Rain,” showcases the works of 100 artists from over 40 countries
in industrial warehouses located in Riyadh's JAX District. Curated by artistic
director Ute Meta Bauer, the Biennale explores concepts of renewal, cultural
heritage, and conservation, symbolizing the Kingdom's rapid social and economic
transformation and the role of art in this evolution.
Among the diverse array of artworks is "Saudi
Futurism," an installation conceived by Ahmed Mater, a prominent Saudi
artist, and Milan-born photographer and filmmaker Armin Linke. Together, they
embarked on a journey across Saudi Arabia, documenting historical, industrial,
and scientific sites, including the NEOM megaproject, a dairy farm, monumental
buildings, the Shaheen supercomputer, Yamama Cement Factory, and the Diplomatic
Club Heart Tent in Riyadh. Through these images, visitors can trace the fusion
of Saudi Arabia's past and present, symbolizing the country's rapid
metamorphosis.
Diriyah
Contemporary Art Biennale 2024 themed on natural environment
Daniah Alsaleh, based in Jeddah, presents "A Stone’s
Palette," featuring studies from her explorations of the archaeological
sites of AlUla and Tayma, focusing on carnelian stone beads. These beads,
sourced from the Indus Valley thousands of years ago and manufactured in Tayma,
hold significance as social artifacts. Alsaleh's work intertwines modern
patterns and ornamentation with transfer photos of excavation sites, using
pigments derived from carnelian rock sourced from India.
Mohammad Alfaraj, based in Al-Ahsa, presents "The
Whispers of Today Are Heard in the Garden of Tomorrow," an outdoor
installation comprising sculptures crafted from natural desert materials,
photographs, and painted murals. Alfaraj's work symbolizes the echoes of today
resonating in the future, emphasizing resilience and hope amidst destruction.
Through his sculptures and murals, he encapsulates the resilience of life and
the continuation of existence.
Lexus
committed to enriching cultural, social landscapes within Saudi Arabia
Sara Abdu, a Saudi-based Yemeni artist, presents "Now
That I Have Lost You in My Dreams Where Do We Meet?" exploring memory and
the ephemeral nature of time. Inspired by dreams and Islamic funeral rituals,
Abdu's installation immortalizes memories through symbolic materials, inviting
viewers to contemplate the intersection of memory and mortality.
The Diriyah Biennale serves as a platform for Saudi artists
to showcase their talent, contributing to the cultural landscape of the Kingdom
and fostering dialogue on contemporary themes.
Source: Arab News
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