Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale: Fostering Cultural Dialogues In Saudi Arabia (image: screen grab from x.com/Biennale_Sa)
The Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale has been launched in order to promote the cultural interests and aptitudes of Saudi Arabia. The mission of the biennale is to initiate a platform for contemporary art so as to engage connection between Saudi Arabia and other parts of the world.
The exhibition is held in the JAX district of Diriyah on the outskirts of Riyadh, exemplifying the historical importance the town carries. The ancient city of At-Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also situated in Diriyah. The event spread across seven halls and several terraces and courtyards in a number of repurposed former warehouses.
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The inaugural edition, titled “Feeling the Stones”, conducted from December 11, 2011—March 11, 2022. The second edition of the biennale, held from 20 February, 2024—24 May, celebrated 92 artists from 43 countries, including 30 artists from the wider Gulf region. The title of the second edition was “After Rain.”
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The German-born curator Ute Meta Bauer, the artistic director of the biennale, explained that “After Rain” symbolises renewal and hope, highlighting the energy and change today’s Saudi Arabia stands for.
Bauer told The Art Newspaper: “If you live in an oasis or in the desert, if it’s raining, it immediately has an impact because nature is so ready for it, for every drop of water. It’s this moment of being nurtured and for me, it’s also a moment of hope.”
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The exhibition is organised by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, which conducts the Islamic Arts Biennale as well. The biennals are planning to be held in alternate years.
