Riyadh: Following its successful debut in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the "Art of the Kingdom: Poetic Illuminations" exhibition - the first traveling group exhibition of Saudi contemporary artists - opened today at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art at Jax District (SAMoCA@Jax).
According to Saudi Press Agency, running from February 24 to May 24, Art of the Kingdom presents works by 17 prominent Saudi artists from different generations, regions, and artistic practices. From paintings to installations and video works, the artwork on display sheds light on Saudi Arabia's rich history, collective memory, and cultural traditions.
Commissioned by the Museums Commission, part of the Saudi Ministry of Culture, and curated by art critic and curator Diana Wechsler, Art of the Kingdom debuted at the historic Pa§o Imperial in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024, attracting 26,000 visitors.
Following the Riyadh edition, the exhibition will be presented later this year at the Shanghai National Museum in China, marking the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Saudi-Chinese diplomatic relations.
Structured around two themes - the desert and cultural tradition - Art of the Kingdom presents an exploration of Saudi Arabia's evolving visual culture, weaving the history of the region into an artistic narrative shaped by present-day questions and experiences. The desert serves as both a physical and imaginative backdrop, with artists considering its materiality, atmosphere, and metaphysical climate to reflect on identity, ecology, and the environment.
The exhibition also depicts the singularity of Saudi cultural tradition, enriched by diverse histories and influences, speaking to contemporary views on the influence of the creative industries in society, particularly cinema. Together, these cultural threads present a richly layered image of Saudi Arabia today, offering viewers an opportunity to engage with its past, present, and future through contemporary art.
A stellar lineup of the country's most prominent artists takes part in the exhibition, including Muhannad Shono, Lina Gazzaz, Manal AlDowayan, Ayman Zedani, Moath Alofi, Ahmed Mater, Ahaad Alamoudi, Shadia Alem, Faisal Samra, Ayman Yossri Daydban, Daniah Al Saleh, Filwa Nazer, Sarah Brahim, Ahmad Angawi, Nasser Al Salem, Basmah Felemban, and Fatma Abdulhadi.
The Riyadh edition will feature newly commissioned site-specific works for SAMoCA@Jax and significant works from the Ministry of Culture's contemporary art collection.
Curator Wechsler remarked, "Curating this exhibition has been an enriching experience. The diverse voices represented in Art of the Kingdom reflect the vibrancy of Saudi Arabia's artistic and cultural scene, creating opportunities for both local creative communities and international audiences to engage in a global dialogue on cultural identity through contemporary art. I hope this exhibition provides viewers with a meaningful journey of discovery."
Mona Khazindar, an advisor to the Ministry of Culture, said, "The Museums Commission is proud to present Art of the Kingdom at SAMoCA@Jax, an exhibition showcasing Saudi Arabia's dynamic artistic landscape, where tradition meets innovation. We are thrilled to celebrate Saudi creative practices in this way and invite audiences, both locally and internationally, to explore our history and culture through contemporary art."
As Saudi Arabia undergoes significant cultural transformation, the exhibition showcases the diversity and ambition of contemporary Saudi artists, actively forging new cultural narratives on the world stage.