‘Art of the Kingdom' exhibition opens at Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art in JAX
RIYADH — The Museums Commission in Riyadh officially opened the 'Art of the Kingdom' exhibition at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art in JAX Tuesday, marking the exhibition's second stop after its successful debut in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The exhibition, which celebrates Saudi Arabia's contemporary art scene, features works by 17 prominent Saudi artists. It showcases the evolving role of art in the Kingdom, highlighting the country's cultural identity while addressing broader themes such as memory, modernity, and the intersection of heritage and technology.
The exhibition focuses on two main questions: Is it possible for contemporary art to reflect culture in today's digital era, where information is always in motion? And how can art contribute to reshaping narratives about society and history, deconstructing the past while influencing the present?
The exhibition presents a range of media, including oil paintings, sculptures, installations, and video art. They explore the transformation of the Kingdom's art scene, from deep connections to local traditions to engagement with current global issues. The exhibition's design reflects both the shared cultural experiences of the artists and their individual perspectives, creating a rich visual narrative of Saudi Arabia's history, present, and future.
The exhibition also explores two main themes: the desert, symbolizing vastness and life, and the development of Saudi cultural traditions and visual culture from past to present. These themes dive into ideas of identity, environmental awareness, and the Kingdom's evolving artistic landscape.
Following its first stop at the Imperial Palace in Rio de Janeiro, which coincided with the G20 Summit in November last year, the exhibition attracted more than 26,000 visitors and received much admiration. The Riyadh stop includes new works that were not displayed in Brazil, offering fresh perspectives on Saudi contemporary art.
After its run in Riyadh, the exhibition will travel to the National Museum of China in Beijing to mark the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and China.
The exhibition will be on display at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art in JAX until May 24.
The 'Art of the Kingdom' exhibition reflects the Museums Commission's commitment to supporting Saudi artists and expanding their global presence, as well as the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art's role in fostering innovation and showcasing the best of the Kingdom's creative practices.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Leaders
21 hours ago
- Leaders
Saudi Play The Hoop Premieres at Edinburgh Festival Fringe
The Saudi play The Hoop , directed by Fahad Al-Dosari, premiered in the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, during the renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Themed 'Voices of the World Stage,' the 2025 edition celebrates cultural diversity, with more than 2,000 artists from 256 countries presenting 3,350 artistic performances. Supported by the Saudi Theater and Performing Arts Commission, the production marks a significant milestone in the Kingdom's growing presence on the global theater stage. Set to run until August 5, the screening of the play is part of the 'Sitar' program—an initiative launched by the commission to foster local theater production and empower emerging Saudi talent. Interestingly, the play explores the condition of contemporary humanity within a bleak, monotonous environment, unfolding through a symbol-laden narrative that reflects the existential concerns of modern life. Saudi Play The Hoop Premieres at Edinburgh Festival Fringe Through its participation in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Saudi Arabia is reaffirming its unwavering dedication to supporting the arts and enhancing its cultural presence worldwide. Moreover, i t aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to empower national talent and showcase creative content on international stages. In 2024, The Hoop secured the Best Contemporary Show Award at the second Riyadh Theater Festival and has recently taken part in the 79th Avignon Festival in France. Related Topics: In Photos: Highlights from 1st Week of Cannes Film Festival Riyadh Film Music Festival: Where Cinema Meets Symphony Saudi Arabia to Participate in Shanghai International Film Festival 2025 Short link : Post Views: 13
Arab News
a day ago
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia Pavilion highlights esports, gaming at Expo 2025
OSAKA: The Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka hosted the 'Esports: Game On' event in July, highlighting the Kingdom's growing influence in digital entertainment and esports. Taking place at the Festival Station, the two-day event welcomed 8,500 visitors and various organizations such as the Saudi Esports Federation, Qiddiya, Savvy Games Group, the Esports World Cup Foundation, and The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts to showcase Saudi Arabia's growth in the industry. The event featured panel discussions related to esports, gaming, and anime, as well as Saudi heritage. Visitors also had the chance to experience an interactive gaming arena and a photo wall. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, the ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Japan and commissioner general of the Saudi Arabia Pavilion, said: 'By bringing together industry leaders and visionaries from both Saudi Arabia and Japan, this event highlighted the Kingdom's growing role in shaping the global gaming and esports landscape. 'It was inspiring to witness so many visitors engaging with the future of digital entertainment. Through this platform Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to driving innovation, attracting investment, and nurturing talent in the gaming and esports sectors.' The event was one of 700 taking place at the Saudi Arabia Pavilion, which is second only to the host country's in size at Osaka. The pavilion offers a wide variety of experiences related to culture, heritage, and art. • This article also appears on Arab News Japan
Arab News
2 days ago
- Arab News
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Fusion' in Alkhobar
Tucked away inside Le Meridien in Alkhobar, Fusion is an upscale dining experience that blends refined hospitality with a well-curated menu. We kicked things off with the bread basket: A warm selection of freshly baked rolls, each one slightly crisp on the outside and fluffy within. The rolls were served with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sun-dried tomato paste, and a side of butter — simple, elegant, and full of flavor. Then came the surprise star of the night: the seafood soup. With a perfectly balanced consistency and deeply rich flavor, it was the kind of dish that makes you rethink your stance on seafood altogether. I do not usually go for fish-heavy starters, but I would return to Fusion for this soup alone. Next up was the sushi platter. It was an elaborate, artful presentation that arrived in a wooden boat overflowing with color and texture. From the crispness of the tempura rolls to the melt-in-your-mouth sashimi, every bite was fresh with zero fishy aftertaste. The drawback? The lighting does not do the presentation justice, and I wish the establishment had an Instagram account or at least a more organized menu for browsing. For mains we opted for the grilled salmon and steak. Both were tender, flavorful, and plated with precision. Dessert sealed the deal. We went for a classic tiramisu and a mini apple pie, with espresso. It felt like the perfect end to a luxurious yet unpretentious meal. Fusion might be understated in terms of its online presence, but do not let that fool you. The experience is top-tier. This is a place that lets the food and service speak for themselves.
