Saudi Arabia participates for the second time, at the 17th International Architecture Exhibition in Italy
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is participating for the second time in an exhibition of architecture in a national pavilion entitled Maqar in the 17th issue of the Venice Biennale of Architecture under the title “How will we live together?”.
The architectural artists Hussam Dakkak, Basma Kaaki, and Hessa Al Badr were selected to represent the Kingdom in the Biennale and to work side by side with international curators Azza Rizvi and Murtaza Valli.
Makar comes as an experimental exhibition that examines the current and historical perspective of quarantine and calls through its various parts to exploration and analysis, and its worlds inspired by the concept of isolation and its connotations, through which the intertwining relationship between the individual, the place and the surroundings around him is reflected.
The exhibition includes a study of the development of the nature of the quarantine and its influence with external contexts, and its ability to generate new meanings from an emergency or new situations.
The Architecture and Design Authority is responsible for supervising the pavilion for this year, based on its supportive roles for the architecture and design sector in the Kingdom, and to empower local talents specialized in this sector, and in the context of its efforts to promote international cultural exchange between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the world.
Dr. Sumaya Al-Sulaiman, CEO of the authority, said, “The Saudi National Pavilion for this issue of the Venice Biennale of Architecture provides a platform for the thriving architectural community in our homeland to share his creative vision with international audiences in this distinguished artistic event that provides an opportunity for dialogue and cultural exchange.”
She added: “The three artists participating this year embody the diversity of emerging talents, and we are pleased to host their work in our second participation in the 2021 Venice Biennale of Architecture, with a concept aimed at stimulating discussion about the architectural impacts of last year resulting from the emerging Corona pandemic.”
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s participation in the Venice Biennale is part of its ambition to support and empower the thriving visual arts, architecture, and design sectors. The Saudi Pavilion provides a venue for the exchange of ideas, where visitors will be able to learn about the various features of the Kingdom, which leads to building solid relationships with the world.
Supported by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2030 Vision and the Quality of Life Program, the Ministry of Culture is leading a cultural transformation to develop rich sectors that stimulate creativity, unleash new and inspiring forms of expression, and support the economic potential of the sector.
The delegate of the Saudi National Pavilion changes annually, alternating between the Visual Arts Authority and the Architecture and Design Arts Authority, according to the nature of participation, as the Supervisor of the Biennial of Architecture Arts, respectively.
About the suite
The National Pavilion of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has housed a wide range of creative artists and architects since the Kingdom’s first participation in the 2011 Venice Biennale of Art.
Through participation in the biennial, the pavilion seeks to support the field of visual arts and architecture in the Kingdom by providing a platform that enables Saudi artists and architects to present their work to an international audience.
The National Pavilion is located in the Arsenal region, and provides a headquarters for talented artists and architects from various regions of the Kingdom, and provides opportunities for cooperation between practitioners and those interested in culture and provides a platform for them to practice cultural, creative, and research activities in the fields of visual arts and architecture.
The relationship with the Venice Biennale forms part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to continue developing its flourishing artistic and architectural sector.
Through the exchange of ideas in the biennial, audiences will be able to learn about and learn about different features of the Kingdom, ineffective creative communication to continue building solid relationships with the international community.
