Riyadh: Following its successful debut in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the Museums Commission announced in a press release that "Art of the Kingdom: Poetic Illuminations," the first traveling group exhibition of Saudi contemporary artists, will arrive at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art at Jax District (SAMoCA@Jax) on February 24, 2025.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the exhibition will run until April 24, 2025, presenting works by 17 prominent Saudi artists from different generations, regions, and artistic practices. From paintings to installations and video works, the artworks on display shed light on Saudi Arabia's history, collective memory, and cultural traditions.
Organized by the Museums Commission, Art of the Kingdom debuted at the historic Pa§o Imperial in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in November 2024, where it attracted 26,000 visitors. Following the Riyadh edition, the exhibition will be presented later this year at the National Museum in China, marking the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Saudi-Chinese diplomatic relations.
According to the release, the event will feature prominent and high-profile artists 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.
"Compared to the inaugural edition held in Brazil, the Riyadh edition will feature newly commissioned site-specific works for SAMoCA@Jax," the release highlighted. This exhibition showcases the diversity and ambition of contemporary Saudi artists, forging new cultural narratives on the world stage.