Diriyah Art Futures debuts with cutting-edge AI exhibition

 

Diriyah Art Futures begins with unique AI exhibition

Diriyah Art Futures, a groundbreaking new media arts hub, has officially opened its doors with its inaugural exhibition, “Art Must Be Artificial: Perspectives of AI in the Visual Arts,” running until February 15, 2025. The exhibition, curated by Jerome Neutres, former director of the Réunion des Musées Nationaux–Grand Palais in Paris, features works from over 30 international and regional artists, tracing the evolution of computer art from the 1960s to today.

Transforming Saudi Arabia into a Global Art Hub

Haytham Nawar, Director of Diriyah Art Futures, highlighted the hub’s ambition to position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in emerging art fields.
"We are transforming Saudi Arabia into a global center of exchange and discourse in these emergent fields," Nawar said, emphasizing the hub's role in fostering innovation and dialogue in new media art.

 

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The exhibition showcases Saudi artists Lulwah Al-Homoud, Muhannad Shono, and Nasser Al-Shemimry, reflecting the Kingdom’s growing influence in digital art. International contributors include pioneers like Frieder Nake (Germany) and Vera Molnar (Hungary/France), alongside contemporary innovators Refik Anadol (Turkiye) and Ryoji Ikeda (Japan).

Blending Eras and Cultures

Nawar explained the exhibition’s unique approach:
"By placing works from different regions, eras, and mediums side by side, we aim to introduce the region to the immense power of new media art, while highlighting its depth and potential."

He added that the exhibit brings a regional perspective to the global dialogue on technology and art, noting the significance of the term “algorithm” originating from the Islamic world.
"This exhibition encourages viewers to reflect on how these themes resonate in Saudi Arabia, a nation with a young, tech-savvy population undergoing rapid transformation," he said.

Nurturing Emerging Talent

Alongside the exhibition, Diriyah Art Futures is launching the Emerging New Media Artists Programme in partnership with Le Fresnoy – Studio National des Arts Contemporains in France. This year-long initiative will provide emerging artists with advanced equipment, mentorship, and funding to create multidisciplinary works.

 

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Nawar emphasized the program’s selective nature:
"We sought artists whose work already stands out but would benefit from a year of mentorship under world-class artists."

Additionally, the hub will host the Mazra’ah Media Art Residency from February to April 2025. This three-month program invites established artists and scholars to explore the relationship between nature, technology, and society.

Cultural Exchange and Global Collaboration

Mona Khazindar, adviser to the Ministry of Culture, praised Diriyah Art Futures for fostering creative dialogue:
"The hub creates a space for diverse perspectives and expressions to meet, breaking barriers and demonstrating the power of art to connect humanity."

Khazindar added that the initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 by promoting cultural exchange and international collaboration, positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in the global creative economy.

Developed by the Saudi Museums Commission in partnership with Diriyah Co., Diriyah Art Futures integrates regional voices into the global digital art landscape, driving innovation and redefining the intersection of art, technology, and society.

Source: Arab News