Exploring Cultural Connection: Chinese Art Exhibition In Saudi Arabia (image:x.com/SAMOCAmoc)
Exploring the cultural connection between Chinese and Arab traditions, Saudi Arabia has hosted an art exhibition titled “The Writings of Today Are a Promise for Tomorrow.” Organised by the Museums Commission of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, and curated by Martina Koppel Yang, the event exhibited 30 artists’ work delving into the myriad aspects of Chinese contemporary art in Saudi Arabia.
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Since both Chinese and Arabian cultures observe calligraphy as an important cultural and spiritual practice, it finds a profound presence in the exhibition. Another important element is the concept of the garden, which is being viewed in both cultures as spaces of beauty as well as meditation, linked to the natural and spiritual world. Besides, the event will detail the themes such as memory, nostalgia, and modernism.
Waterfall part of “Indoor Courtyard” -Zheng Guogu
see “Indoor Courtyard”. The calligraphies used to build this waterfall and the pond were written by amateurs.
The artists actually asked random people on the street to write theses calligraphies. pic.twitter.com/tu6ftBwzoC— SAMoCA@Jax (@SAMOCAmoc) October 6, 2024
The sculptures, videos, paintings, photography, and installations entail a new outlook on Chinese contemporary art finds space in the event. The prominent collections in the exhibition included the Donnersberg Collection and the DSL collection and site-pertained works created in Saudi Arabia, Arab news reports.
The event will explore a huge range of cultural and societal themes, emphasising the relevance of writing in both Arabic and Chinese traditions, a statement read. The scenography designed and curated by Studio GGSV enables leads visitors through different thematic stages.
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About the exhibition, Ibrahim Al-Sanousi, acting CEO of the Museums Commission, told the Arab news: “It presents works from an important period in Chinese contemporary art, from the late 90s to early 2000s, along with several site-specific pieces. The curatorial narrative draws on the shared cultural values of calligraphy and gardens in both Arab and Chinese traditions, with the Literati garden as a central theme, inviting visitors to slow down and fully immerse themselves in the experience,”
Began at the end of September, the exhibition is scheduled to last till January 18.
