Inaugural Diriyah Art Futures Exhibition to Showcase Rare Works by Leading Computer Art Pioneers.

Diriyah: Diriyah Art Futures (DAF), the first New Media Arts hub in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, today announced its inaugural exhibition titled "Art Must Be Artificial: Perspectives of AI in the Visual Arts" to be held from November 26, 2024, to February 15, 2025, in Diriyah, Riyadh, introducing the region to the power and potential of new media and digital art. Curated by the renowned Jérôme Neutres, former director at the Réunion des Musées Nationaux-Grand Palais in Paris, the exhibition brings together more than 30 global and regional artists to explore new forms of creative expression at a critical juncture in technological development, according to a press release. According to Saudi Press Agency, the Art Must Be Artificial exhibition will present a sweeping history of computer art from the 1960s to the present day, featuring works by iconic regional and international artists. It includes Saudi talents like Lulwah Al Homoud, Muhannad Shono, Nasser Alshemimry (DesertFish), and Daniah Al Saleh, whose works range from geometric abstraction and robotic and audiovisual art to digital installations, showcasing the innovative spirit of the Kingdom. Notable MENA artists include VJ Um Amel (Laila Shereen Sakr, Egypt/US) and Haythem Zakaria (Tunisia), whose practices explore the intersections of media, culture, and technology. Internationally acclaimed contributors include Refik Anadol (Turkiye), Ryoji Ikeda (Japan), Miguel Chevalier (Mexico/France), and Yang Yongliang (China), each known for their revolutionary use of AI, data, and digital landscapes. The exhibition also celebrates pioneers such as Frieder Nake (Germany), Vera Molnar (Hungary/France), Harold Cohen (UK), and Manfred Mohr (Germany), who laid the foundations of algorithmic and digital art. Other prominent names include Peter Kogler (Austria), Elias Crespin (Venezuela), Casey Reas (US), John Gerrard (Ireland), Leonel Moura (Portugal), and Alan Rath (US), whose practices redefine creativity in the digital age. Further enriching the exhibition are the collaborative works of Christa Sommerer and Laurent Mignonneau (Austria/France) and Edmond Couchot and Michel Bret (France), alongside experimental artists like aaajiao (Xu Wenkai, China), Anna Ridler (UK), Yining Fei and Chuck Kuan (China/US), Charles Sandison (UK), and Quayola (Italy). Together, these artists offer a comprehensive exploration of computational and robotic art, bridging history, innovation, and regional narratives. The exhibition's setting in Saudi Arabia, a country with a young, tech-savvy population, provides a fitting backdrop for this exploration of the evolving relationship between art and technology. With the word "algorithm" originating from the Islamic world, Art Must Be Artificial presents an intriguing regional connection, while bridging past, present, and future, to examine how algorithms and AI are transforming the nature of art creation, said the release. Reflecting on his curatorial vision, Neutres said: "This exhibition seeks to explore a profound transform ation, where artists are not just creators but architects of a new digital age. By embracing the power of AI and computational technology, contemporary artists are redefining the boundaries of art, opening infinite possibilities for the future." "At Diriyah Art Futures, we are presenting a dialogue between past pioneers and today's visionaries, showcasing how the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is uniquely well-positioned to lead these critical conversations in the global art world," he added. In addition to the exhibition, Diriyah Art Futures offers a robust programming schedule that includes panel discussions, masterclasses, hands-on workshops, performances, and guided tours designed to engage audiences in the dynamic intersection of art and technology. The activities, which feature prominent artists and scholars, provide an immersive experience for those looking to deepen their understanding of new media art. Tickets and more information for both the exhibition and public programs are available on the Diriyah A rt Futures website at: https://daf.moc.gov.sa/en/.