Exploring the art scene in Saudi Arabia through my visit to the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale was a dive into the cultural rebirth of the Kingdom. Held in the JAX District in Diriyah, the biennale with the theme "After Rain" provided a look at Contemporary Art within the context of the region's evolving landscape.
On the planned day of the visit, it was raining. As soon as we arrived, the rain paused just in time. As if nature itself was choreographing our entrance to the "After Rain" Biennale, setting a poetic tone for our artistic exploration.
The expansive venue harmoniously blended with the beauty of Wadi Hanifa, drawing artists, critics and art enthusiasts together to witness how Art can transform Society.
Wadi Hanifa, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo: Tarek Elkassouf
As I walked through the biennale, I couldn't but feel a connection between the artworks on display and the rich history of the location. Each piece seemed to embody the theme "After Rain", symbolising growth and renewal. These works sparked contemplation on how art can shape and mirror societal shifts bridging the gap between tradition and contemporary life.
Among the captivating pieces showcased at the Biennale, one particular installation captured my attention: Sara Abdu’s "Now That I've Lost You In My Dreams Where Do We Meet?" This enchanting artwork, crafted from soap, served as an exploration of memory, loss and the fleeting essence of dreams.
Sara Abdu, Now That I’ve Lost You In My Dreams Where Do We Meet? (2021/2024). Photo: Marco Cappellettii, courtesy of Diriyah Biennale Foundation
As soon as we approached the artwork, the aroma of soap greeted us, setting the stage for what awaited. As an art enthusiast myself, I was captivated by the fragility of this material that mirrored the quality of both dreams and memories — exquisitely vulnerable, that fade over time.
I took photos of standout sculptures and installations, capturing their play of light and shadow.
Another artwork that stood out to me during the Art Exhibition was Alia Farid’s "In Lieu of What Was." This collection of sculptures moulded from the shapes of water fountains resonated with me as it explored the environment of the Arabian Gulf and our connection to water.
Alia Farid, In Lieu of What Was (2019). Photo: Marco Cappellettii, courtesy Diriyah Biennale Foundation
As soon as I stood in front of the artwork, I was fascinated by the shapes and scale of the sculptures — each representing containers, traditionally used for water storage ranging from clay pots to modern plastic bottles.
Farid's intentional choice emphasised how water storage methods have evolved, shedding light on changing perceptions of water scarcity alongside the region's oil industry growth.
Alia Farid, In Lieu of What Was (2019). Photo: Tarek Elkassouf
I was drawn to the omnipresent aspect of these sculptures and how each piece told a different story. Collectively, they formed a cohesive reflection on water as an essential yet disputed resource. The installation prompted viewers to contemplate how economic factors influence the exploitation of resources in today's geopolitical landscape.
From the desiccation of Southern Iraq's marshes to safeguarding the Tigris and Euphrates rivers by manipulating water for control purposes, Farid's art shed light on how water is used as a political tool.
One other artwork showcased at the Art Exhibition was "Logoligi Logarithm", created by El Anatsui, an artist, from Ghana. This intricate installation, crafted from interconnected bottle caps, inspects themes surrounding colonial influences, consumption patterns and environmental impact. Detail from El Anatsui's Logoligi Logarithm (2019). Photo: Alessandro Brasile, courtesy of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation
As I wandered through the labyrinth of the artwork, the bottle caps reflected light in captivating shapes symbolising the intertwined histories of Africa and Europe within the context of trade dynamics and exploitative practices.
Through using discarded bottle caps as his medium, Anatsui shed light on waste concerns as he repurposed these signs of consumerism to make a strong statement on sustainability and creative brilliance.
El Anatsui, Detsi (Detail) (2008-2021). Photo: courtesy of Diriyah Biennale Foundation
As dusk fell over Diriyah I left feeling inspired and optimistic. The Biennale was a true exchange of diverse perspectives contributing to a narrative of transformation and innovation in the region.
There is one week left to visit and immerse yourself in the After Rain Biennale in Diriyah and allow the Art to ignite a journey of self-discovery. Whether you are an artist or simply curious about the influence of Art, the Biennale guarantees to leave a lasting impression.
20th February 2024–24th May 2024
Saturday to Thursday 11 am–11 pm
King Faisal Road, Ad-Diriyah, PO Box 3424, Riyadh 13711, KSA
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