Saudi Arabia has been offering an exceptional blend of cultural exhibitions and events that reflect its deep-rooted history and growing cultural landscape.
In 2024, the Kingdom launched several artistic, entertaining, and informative exhibitions to portray a clear image about its heritage and dynamic present.
Riyadh Summer Exhibition
In August, Misk Art Institute hosted its Summer 2024 exhibition at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Arts Hall in Riyadh, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The exhibition showcased 35 digital media artworks by 28 Saudi and Saudi-based artists. It boasted 35 pieces that mirror artists’ personal narratives, human interactions in public and private spaces, and depictions of Saudi Arabia’s historical sites and evolving urban landscapes.
The event featured Hind Al-Duwaish’s “Arta” which delved into her origins showcasing an accurate portrayal of her hometown, Al-Artawiyah.
“The arta plant is known for its fragrant scent and beauty,” Al-Duwaish told SPA. Her research uncovered a verse by the poet Dhu Al-Rumma, further enriching the cultural context of her work: “So he spent the night as a guest by an arta tree, piled high with sand dunes, warm and secluded,” the translation reads.
Furthermore, Osama Jebrti’s “The Fisherman Abdo” offered glimpses into the intimate relationship between a Farasan Island fisherman and his natural surroundings.
Similarly, Jebrti’s artwork shed light on the dire need to reevaluate human’s relationship with nature and the environment’s pivotal role in shaping human identity.
TeamLab Borderless Museum
The “teamLab Borderless” museum achieved a remarkable success and captured the attention of more than 52,500 visitors in the first two months since its opening on June 10.
As a collaboration between the Saudi Ministry of Culture and the Japanese art collective teamLab, the museum stood as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to showcasing the bequest of the Saudi heritage and civilization through innovative forms of artistic and cultural expression.
Moreover, it marked the first permanent museum in the Middle East, providing visitors with an amazing opportunity to enjoy more than 80 interactive digital artworks in a 10,000 square meter museum.
The Director General of the Jeddah Historic District Program, Abdulaziz bin Ibrahim Al-Issa, stated that hosting such a promising museum in the heart of Jeddah boosts the Kingdom’s status as a global tourist destination.
Al-Issa also indicated that choosing the historic Jeddah Historic District to be the headquarters of the museum perfectly aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030 and greatly fosters Jeddah’s pursuit to become a leading global cultural and tourist destination.
In addition, he stated that the exhibition is part of a promising initiative designed to develop the infrastructure of cultural exhibitions, outlined by the Quality of Life Program.
Saudi Manuscripts Exhibition
Saudi Arabia has recently hosted the Saudi Manuscripts Exhibition to preserve the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Organized by the Saudi Libraries Commission, the exhibition showcased various manuscripts dating back over 1,200 years.
The event witnessed wide participation from heritage enthusiasts with an unmissable opportunity for visitors to have a deep look at the Saudi rich cultural and civilizational legacy as well.
Therefore, the exhibition offered a unique opportunity for visitors to discover very rare manuscripts displayed for the first time.
In other words, the occasion perfectly mirrored Saudi Arabia’s exceptional interest in maintaining such extraordinary pieces and exposing them to local and global audience as well.
For example, the exhibition featured “The Title of Glory in the History of Najd,” a rare manuscript dates back over 100 years.
Preserved by the King Abdulaziz Public Library in Riyadh, the manuscript represented the Kingdom’s second copy of the book, and the only other copy after the original copy.
Through hologram technology, the exhibition also featured another significant piece, “Explanation of the Chapters of Hippocrates,” allowing visitors to explore its chapters interactively.
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Year-end Review: Saudi Arabia Hosts Stunning Artistic Exhibitions in 2024
