Our Art Curator’s review of the Diriyah Biennale
In February, I travelled back to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to attend the second edition of the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale After Rain, curated by Ute Meta Bauer. This exhibition features artists from diverse backgrounds, including Saudi artists by coming together to explore the shared themes of land, water, food, and healing practices through various artistic expressions. The Biennale showcases a diverse curation of artworks that explore the intricate relationships between humanity and nature, reflects on our surrounding landscapes and sheds light on historical narratives.
I was present at the exclusive VIP opening ceremony, where I experienced an evening filled with creativity and elegance. The event featured the attendance of diverse artists, business professionals and designers who came together to experience this distinctive exhibition.
The Biennale exhibition was divided into 8 exhibition halls, where my top 3 halls were; Knowledge in Material and Spiritual Intelligence, Modern Legacies and Geopoetics, and Water and Habitats. The following exhibitions displayed a diverse immersive collection of interactive artworks and installations created by local and international artists featuring Sara Abdu, Arin Rungjang, and Dala Nasser. Despite the difference in artistic themes and intricate techniques, they all collided to welcome the public to engage and appreciate the artwork as they walked through the exhibitions.
Overall, the exhibition was a platform displaying a wide range of art, crafting a diverse community for both the artists and the public to visit. As the exhibition was situated in the heart of JAX District known as the artistic hub in Riyadh, it offered a distinct experience by celebrating the local culture through art.