Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The highly anticipated “Art of the Kingdom: Poetic Illuminations” exhibition is set to open at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art on February 24, following its successful debut in Rio de Janeiro. The exhibition attracted over 26,000 visitors in Rio, showcasing the rich diversity of contemporary Saudi art through the works of 17 prominent Saudi artists.
Curator Diana Wechsler, who played a pivotal role in shaping the exhibition, emphasized the importance of breaking down barriers surrounding the artistic field in Saudi Arabia. “Few people understand what is happening in Saudi Arabia’s artistic scene, and this exhibition aims to change that,” Wechsler shared with Arab News. The debut in Rio was particularly well-received, as it introduced new perspectives on Saudi art that captured the attention of both art professionals and the general public.
The concept behind the exhibition, according to Wechsler, centers on “poetic illuminations” – a theme that arose from exploring the intersection of cultural traditions and contemporary challenges. The exhibition reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing cultural evolution, honoring its deep-rooted traditions while embracing modern artistic expressions.
The works in the exhibition feature recurring themes of the desert and the tension between past and present. Wechsler noted that the artists’ powerful visions of the future were among the most captivating elements of the exhibition, offering fresh insights into Saudi Arabia’s evolving identity.
In Riyadh, the exhibition will showcase new site-specific works alongside pieces from the Ministry of Culture’s collection. Engaging the local audience will be a key focus of the Riyadh exhibition, as the artworks hold deeper cultural significance for the local public. Wechsler aims to encourage attendees to view their cultural traditions through the lens of contemporary art, highlighting how modern art can reinterpret and revitalize cultural narratives.
The exhibition will run until April 25 before traveling to China’s National Museum, where it will form part of the 25th-anniversary celebrations of Saudi-Chinese diplomatic relations.
