Noor Riyadh 2024: World’s Largest Light Festival Returns with 60+ Installations

Sanaa Hasan November 29, 2024

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Noor Riyadh 2024: World's Largest Light Festival Returns with 60+ Installations

The world-famous Noor Riyadh, the largest light art festival, returns for its fourth edition under the Riyadh Art Project. It is from November 28 to December 14, 2024, over 60 light-based artworks by 61 artists from 18 countries turn Riyadh into a “gallery without walls.” This year’s theme, Light Years Apart, spans three iconic venues: King Abdulaziz Historical Center, Wadi Hanifah, and JAX District.

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Noor Riyadh

This year’s festival proudly features the work of 18 Saudi artists, alongside 43 international contributors. Notable participants include Architect Saad Al-Howede, Artists Asmaa Aljohani, Anna Ridler, Jiyen Lee, Stefano Cagol, Krista Kim, Stanza, Javier Riera, Studio Atelier Sisu, and Ryoji Ikeda.

Vision of Creativity, Connection

Architect Khalid Al-Hazani, Director of the Riyadh Art Project, highlights Noor Riyadh’s mission to transform the city into a vibrant, accessible artistic space. Moreover, Festival Director Nouf Almoneef describes it as a beacon of creativity, fostering connection and inviting visitors to experience this year’s thought-provoking theme through an array of light installations.

Curators Dr. Effat Abdullah Fadag and Dr. Alfredo Cramerotti present Light Years Apart as an exploration of humanity’s profound connection with the cosmos, reflecting on the interplay between Althara (Earth) and Althuraya (stars), and humanity’s aspirations for the future.

3 Hubs, One Unified Vision

The festival’s installations are thoughtfully distributed across its three main hubs, each reflecting a unique facet of Riyadh’s cultural and historical identity:

The King Abdulaziz Historical Center bridges Riyadh’s past and future.
Wadi Hanifah offers a stunning natural canvas for artistic expression.
JAX District blends technology, art, and digital creativity in an immersive, interactive space.

Prominent works include:

Chris Levine’s Higher Power (2024): A city-wide light projection from Al Faisaliah Tower, delivering a Morse code message of hope and unity.
Daan Roosegaarde’s SPARK at Wadi Hanifah: A captivating display of biodegradable floating sparks.
Maryam Tariq’s Shifting Perspectives at Digital City: Exploring perceptual ambiguity through pixelated imagery.
Studio United Visual Artists’ Aether at King Abdulaziz Historical Center: A synchronized light show with 1,500 drones.
Rashed AlShashai’s The Fifth Pyramid: Illuminated pathways reimagining the ancient pyramid to symbolize Riyadh’s evolution into a global art hub.

Engaging Community Activities

Noor Riyadh 2024 also offers interactive community projects, including free workshops, guided tours, and family-friendly activities. Additionally, adults can join photography and mixed media workshops. Moreover, the children enjoy hands-on crafts like kaleidoscope-making and puppetry.

Legacy of Excellence, Noor Riyadh

Since its inception in 2019, Riyadh Art has exhibited over 500 artworks by more than 500 artists, attracting over six million visitors. Noor Riyadh has also achieved 14 Guinness World Records, cementing its status as the most influential light art festival in the world. Finally, the 2024 edition continues to elevate Riyadh’s reputation as a global hub of culture, innovation, and artistic expression.