The "Art of the Kingdom" exhibition has arrived at the Saudi Museum of Contemporary Art in JAX, Diriyah, for its second stop following a highly successful showcase in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This exhibition provides a deep exploration of Saudi Arabia’s contemporary art movement, celebrating the nation’s cultural heritage while embracing modern artistic expression.

A Celebration of Saudi Contemporary Art

A Celebration of Saudi Contemporary Art

Running from February 24 to April 24, 2025, "Art of the Kingdom" features a stunning collection of works by 17 renowned Saudi artists, each offering a unique perspective on the evolving artistic landscape of the Kingdom. Participating artists include:

Muhannad Shono

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Born in 1977, Muhannad Shono is a Saudi conceptual artist recognized for his multidisciplinary approach, encompassing drawing, sculpture, and installation art. His work often explores themes of identity, memory, and the human condition, reflecting on personal and collective narratives within Saudi society.

Lina Qazzaz

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Lina Qazzaz is a Saudi artist known for her intricate and thought-provoking works that blend traditional and contemporary elements. Her art often delves into cultural heritage, identity, and the evolving role of women in Saudi Arabia.

Manal Al Dowayan

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Born in 1973, Manal Al Dowayan is a prominent Saudi artist whose work spans photography, installation, and sculpture. She addresses themes of invisibility, active forgetting, and the representation of women in Saudi society, often incorporating participatory elements to engage the audience.

Ahmed Zeidani

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Ahmed Zeidani is a contemporary Saudi artist whose work explores the intersection of tradition and modernity. Through various mediums, he reflects on societal changes and the impact of globalization on local cultures.

Moath Al Oufi

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Moath Al Oufi is a Saudi artist, researcher, and explorer based in Medina. His multidisciplinary practice includes photography, installation, and sculpture, focusing on cultural heritage, urbanization, and the environment. Al Oufi's work often documents and preserves the rapidly changing landscapes of Saudi Arabia.

Ahmed Mater

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Born in 1979, Ahmed Mater is one of Saudi Arabia's most influential contemporary artists. Trained as a medical doctor, his art encompasses photography, calligraphy, painting, installation, and performance. Mater's work critically examines the narratives of Islamic culture, history, and the socio-economic transformations within Saudi Arabia.

Ahed Al Amoudi

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Ahed Al Amoudi is a Saudi artist whose work spans digital media, video, and installation. She explores themes of cultural identity, folklore, and the impact of technology on society, often blending traditional narratives with contemporary aesthetics.

Shadia Alem

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Born in Makkah, Shadia Alem is a renowned Saudi visual artist whose practice includes painting, photography, and installation art. Her work often reflects on the cultural and historical narratives of Saudi Arabia, exploring themes of memory, identity, and transformation. In 2011, she represented Saudi Arabia at the Venice Biennale with her installation "The Black Arch."

Faisal Samra

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Born in 1956, Faisal Samra is a pioneering Saudi contemporary artist. His multidisciplinary practice includes painting, sculpture, video, and performance art. Samra's work often addresses themes of existence, identity, and the human body's relationship to its environment, challenging traditional artistic boundaries.

Ayman Yidiban

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Ayman Yidiban is a Palestinian-Saudi artist born in 1966. His multidisciplinary practice spans painting, photography, and installation art. Yidiban's work often explores themes of identity, displacement, and the intersection of personal and collective histories.

Dania Saleh

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Dania Saleh is a Saudi artist whose work reflects on memory and cultural conditioning. She examines how messages and beliefs are absorbed and delivered through media and other networks, questioning behavioral patterns and societal paradigms. Saleh's art deconstructs accepted meanings, suggesting alternative perspectives.

Fawlah Nazer

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Fawlah Nazer is a contemporary Saudi artist known for her vibrant and expressive works. Her art often explores themes of personal and cultural identity, utilizing a range of mediums to convey her narratives.

Sara Ibrahim

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Sara Ibrahim is a Saudi artist and designer recognized for her innovative approach to visual arts. Her work often combines traditional Saudi motifs with contemporary design elements, exploring the fusion of past and present cultural identities.

Ahmed Angawi

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Ahmed Angawi is a Saudi artist and designer based in Jeddah. He is the founder of Zawiya 97, a cultural organization focused on art, design, and education. Angawi's work emphasizes the revival of traditional crafts and the preservation of cultural heritage, blending traditional techniques with modern design.

Nasser Al Salem

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Nasser Al Salem is a Saudi artist known for his contemporary interpretations of Islamic calligraphy. Trained as an architect, his work transcends traditional two-dimensional forms, exploring new spatial and conceptual possibilities for Arabic script.

Basma Felmban

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Born in 1993, Basmah Felemban is a Saudi graphic artist with a profound interest in symbolism and Islamic metaphysics. A self-taught designer, she has participated in numerous exhibitions, including the British Museum and the Venice Biennale. Felemban's work often explores themes of identity, spirituality, and the fusion of traditional and contemporary art forms.

Fatima Abdulhadi

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Fatima Abdulhadi is a Saudi artist recognized for her dynamic and thought-provoking works. Her art often delves into themes of societal change, women's roles, and the juxtaposition of tradition and modernity within Saudi culture.

This exhibition showcases a diverse range of artistic mediums, including paintings, sculptures, installations, and video art, all exploring themes of identity, tradition, and contemporary social narratives. Each piece serves as a bridge between Saudi Arabia’s rich history and its dynamic future, presenting thought-provoking visual storytelling.

A Global Artistic Journey

"Art of the Kingdom" made its debut at the Imperial Palace in Rio de Janeiro, drawing over 26,000 visitors during its two-month run. The exhibition is part of an ambitious global initiative to present Saudi contemporary art on the world stage, engaging international audiences and fostering cross-cultural artistic dialogue.

Following its run in Riyadh, the exhibition will travel to the National Museum of China in Beijing, aligning with the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and China. This milestone event reinforces Saudi Arabia’s commitment to cultural diplomacy and strengthens artistic collaboration between the two nations.

Where to Experience the Exhibition

Visitors can explore "Art of the Kingdom" at the Saudi Museum of Contemporary Art in JAX, Diriyah, from February 24 to April 24, 2025. Tickets are available via the WeBook platform, providing art enthusiasts an opportunity to engage with a groundbreaking showcase of Saudi contemporary art.

For more details on exhibition events, artist talks, and guided tours, visit the official website of the Saudi Museum of Contemporary Art.

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