Diriyah Art Biennale Concludes with Global Participation and Newly Commissioned Works
The third Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale showcased over 25 newly commissioned artworks from artists representing more than 37 countries, covering themes of mobility, migration, and transformation.
RIYADH: The third Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale concluded on Saturday at the JAX District in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, featuring an array of newly commissioned works.
Spread across approximately 12,900 sq.
meters of exhibition halls designed by Formafantasma, the biennale explored the theme "In Interludes and Transitions," inspired by Arabic colloquial phrases related to nomadic communities' cycles of movement and settlement in the Arabian Peninsula.The biennale connected ideas of mobility, migration, and transformation across various historical periods, bringing together 68 artists from over 37 countries.
Notable works included 'Folding the Tents' by Saudi artist Mohammed Al-Hamdan, as well as contributions from Petrit Halilaj and Theo Mercier.Throughout its conclusion, the event featured public programs like musical performances, talks by participating artists, and interactive outdoor events.
Co-Artistic Directors Nora Razian and Sabih Ahmed emphasized the biennale's focus on continuity and solidarity, highlighting the importance of bringing together diverse voices through their works and programs.Aya Al-Bakree, CEO of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, praised the success of the event in fostering global cultural dialogue.
She noted the meaningful connections audiences made with the artworks and how public programs extended conversations beyond gallery spaces.The biennale marks the fifth iteration organized by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, signaling a significant step in developing the JAX District.
Plans are underway to expand the district, accommodating up to 215 creative entities within an expanded 78,000 sq.
meters.
The foundation is also preparing for the third Islamic Arts Biennale at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, set to run from November 1, 2027, to March 1, 2028.
Spread across approximately 12,900 sq.
meters of exhibition halls designed by Formafantasma, the biennale explored the theme "In Interludes and Transitions," inspired by Arabic colloquial phrases related to nomadic communities' cycles of movement and settlement in the Arabian Peninsula.The biennale connected ideas of mobility, migration, and transformation across various historical periods, bringing together 68 artists from over 37 countries.
Notable works included 'Folding the Tents' by Saudi artist Mohammed Al-Hamdan, as well as contributions from Petrit Halilaj and Theo Mercier.Throughout its conclusion, the event featured public programs like musical performances, talks by participating artists, and interactive outdoor events.
Co-Artistic Directors Nora Razian and Sabih Ahmed emphasized the biennale's focus on continuity and solidarity, highlighting the importance of bringing together diverse voices through their works and programs.Aya Al-Bakree, CEO of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, praised the success of the event in fostering global cultural dialogue.
She noted the meaningful connections audiences made with the artworks and how public programs extended conversations beyond gallery spaces.The biennale marks the fifth iteration organized by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, signaling a significant step in developing the JAX District.
Plans are underway to expand the district, accommodating up to 215 creative entities within an expanded 78,000 sq.
meters.
The foundation is also preparing for the third Islamic Arts Biennale at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, set to run from November 1, 2027, to March 1, 2028.
