AlUla International Airport, KSA
Capsule Arts were appointed as the Art Consultants for AlUla International Airport by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), to curate an artwork and accessories collection across the executive and midfield terminals. The goal was to enhance the visitor’s experience from the moment they arrived, until the moment they left, taking them on a ‘journey through time’ in the unique cultural destination of AlUla.
Client: Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU)
Industry: Aviation
Year: 2022
Location: AlUla, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Services: Full-service Art Consultancy and Art Production
Featured artists: Ali Alhamoud, Ayah Al Bitar, Billal Hassam, Dana Awartani, Eman Aljishi, Farah Behbehani, Ishaq Madan, Lulwah Al-Homoud, Moath Alofi, Moe Moussa, Mohammed Abdel Aziz, Nazira Bibi, Nidanin Woodwork, Obaid Albudoor, Raeda Ashour, Ranim Halaky, Richard Wilding, Sandra Boutros, Shaikha Al Mazrou, Shaker Kashgari, Stephanie Neville, Studio Muju, Tamana Abbas, Zahrah Al Ghamdi.
No. of artists engaged: 24
No of artwork commissions: 13
Total no. of artworks delivered: 123
Total no. of accessories delivered: 625
The overall narrative formed a curatorial concept that allowed us to discover AlUla through the lens of time, exploring it's past, present, and future inspired by six elements: History, Heritage, Nature, Culture, Arts, and Community.
Throughout the space, we focused on creating a cohesive flow through the themes by using multiple Arab artists, as well as creating an authentic dialogue between the pieces.
Upon entering the terminal, two resin sculptures were placed by artist Shaikha Al Mazrou. The pieces reflect the archaeological wonders of Hegra by highlighting their aesthetic motifs, bringing them closer to the viewer.
As guests enter they find as series of Royal Portraits made using a laser engraving and handcrafted marquetry technique, commissioned by Saudi artist Ayah Al Bitar. Within the same reception space, the framed diptych works by Saudi Artist Dana Awartani are inspired by aerial views of the famous heritage sites, which are complemented by two mixed media commissioned artworks by Saudi Artist Raeda Ashour symbolizing rock carvings found at the same sites.
In the terminal’s central courtyard, a striking typographic sculptural installation in raw steel, titled “Conversations through time” by Artist Ranim Halaky, was developed to give special recognition to the current habitants and previous civilizations of AlUla.
We also accessorized the Library with a ‘cabinet of curiosity’ feel by layering framed images of traditional patterns, alongside photography from the RCU collection. The space also featured a series of decorative accessories and bespoke sculptural pieces as well as a curated collection of exclusive, limited-edition books centred around AlUla’s rich history.
At the arrivals gate, Saudi Artist Zahrah Al-Ghamdi’s leather installation explores a parallel language that looks to express a series of feelings and associated memories with history, culture, the past, and the present. The clusters of cube forms come together to resemble the heritage mud houses in the old city of AlUla.
For the departure lounge within the Midfield Terminal, Capsule Arts curated a collection inspired by the experience of traveling through the ancient heritage of AlUla. The display layers artworks and photography by young and emerging Saudi artists alongside framed crafted objects and textile works to connect the rich heritage, to the modern world. The centrepiece of the collection is a large embroidery art piece with traditional calligraphy and intricate detailing by Kuwaiti artist Farah Behbehani to reflect AlUla’s ancient roots, cultural heritage and handicraft techniques.
24
artists were engaged in this project
42%
of artists originate from Saudi Arabia
83%
of artists are Arab
61%
of artists are based in the GCC
“Capsule Arts perfectly captured our vision of creating a journey through the airport and a journey through AlUla’s past heritage and future legacy, which would take the visitor on a curated journey connecting to their experience of AlUla. In building the Safar art collection, Capsule Arts carefully managed the curation and commissioning of works that represent the depth and breadth of AlUla’s relationship with the arts, showcasing a diverse array of artists: a large proportion of which are Arab and Saudi.”
Raghad Hazzazi
Senior Arts and Cultural Programming Specialist
Royal Commission for AlUla