Art of the Kingdom Exhibition Opens in Riyadh with Global Acclaim

A Cultural Milestone for Saudi Arabia

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – February 24, 2025
The Saudi Museum of Contemporary Art (SAMoCA), located in Riyadh’s vibrant JAX District, has officially opened the Art of the Kingdom: Poetic Illuminations exhibition. This groundbreaking event runs from February 24 to April 24, 2025, and is free to the public.

Organized by the Museums Commission under the Ministry of Culture, this exhibition marks a historic moment as the first international traveling showcase of Saudi contemporary art.

The exhibition aims to reflect the Kingdom's modern identity, cultural diversity, and artistic innovation, as it enters a new chapter of global engagement through creativity and storytelling. It aligns closely with Saudi Arabia's broader cultural strategy, which places arts and heritage at the center of Vision 2030.

Honoring the Creative Spirit of the Kingdom

Featuring 17 Prominent Saudi Artists

Curated by international art historian Diana Wechsler, the exhibition brings together a dynamic collection of works by 17 leading Saudi artists, including:

• Muhannad Shono – Multidisciplinary; explores identity, memory, and the human condition
• Lina Qazzaz – Blends traditional/contemporary elements; focuses on heritage and women’s roles
• Manal Al Dowayan – Addresses invisibility, societal memory, and women’s participation
• Ahmed Zeidani – Reflects on tradition vs. globalization through various mediums
• Moath Al Oufi – Focuses on heritage, urbanization, and environmental documentation
• Ahmed Mater – Doctor-turned-artist; explores Islamic culture, history, and transformation
• Ahed Al Amoudi – Uses digital/video art; explores identity, folklore, and technology
• Shadia Alem – Engages with memory, identity, and transformation; Venice Biennale 2011
• Faisal Samra – Pioneering artist; examines existence, identity, and embodiment
• Ayman Yidiban – Palestinian-Saudi; addresses displacement and collective histories
• Dania Saleh – Critiques cultural conditioning and media-driven behavior
• Fawlah Nazer – Expresses personal and cultural identity through vibrant works
• Sara Ibrahim – Fuses Saudi motifs with contemporary design
• Ahmed Angawi – Founder of Zawiya 97; revives traditional crafts
• Nasser Al Salem – Reimagines Arabic calligraphy in spatial forms
• Basmah Felemban – Investigates symbolism, spirituality, and Islamic metaphysics
• Fatima Abdulhadi – Focuses on social change, women, and cultural contrast

The inclusion of both established and emerging talents gives the exhibition a dynamic balance between legacy and innovation.

Themes: Desert and Cultural Memory

The exhibition explores two poetic themes:

• The Desert – As a symbol of silence, vastness, and spiritual depth
• Cultural Tradition – As a living, evolving force in Saudi society

Through immersive installations, paintings, videos, and sound art, the artworks offer visitors a powerful journey into the Kingdom’s past, present, and future.

These themes are not only symbolic but deeply rooted in the collective psyche of the region, serving as a bridge between physical geography and emotional heritage.

Mediums on Display

• Paintings
• Sculptures
• Installations
• Video and digital media
• Mixed-media works

Each piece serves as a bridge between Saudi Arabia’s rich history and its dynamic future, offering thought-provoking visual storytelling.

A Global Tour Rooted in Vision 2030

From Rio to Riyadh to Beijing

Art of the Kingdom made its international debut at the Imperial Palace in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, drawing over 26,000 visitors during its two-month run. Following its Riyadh showcase, the exhibition will travel to the National Museum of China in Beijing, celebrating 25 years of Saudi-Chinese diplomatic relations.

This global journey represents more than a tour of art; it is an opportunity to engage in cross-cultural dialogue and build global awareness of Saudi Arabia's creative identity. It also highlights the role of museums and cultural diplomacy in shaping new international narratives about the Arab world.

The exhibition is part of an ambitious initiative to position Saudi contemporary art on the world stage, enhancing cultural relations and fostering artistic collaborations.

A Message from the Curator

“This exhibition is a vibrant exchange between tradition and innovation. It reflects the authenticity of Saudi identity and its openness to the world,”
— Diana Wechsler, Curator

Wechsler brings with her years of experience curating exhibitions that foster international engagement, and she views Art of the Kingdom as an important contribution to the global contemporary art scene.

Plan Your Visit

📍 Location:
Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art (SAMoCA)
JAX District, Diriyah, Riyadh

🗓 Dates:February 24 – May 24, 2025

🎟 Admission: Free for all visitors

🌐 Learn More: Official Exhibition Page
🌐 Tickets: Available via WeBook platform
🔗 Activities: Artist talks, guided tours, and educational events listed on official SAMoCA website

A Nation Reimagining Its Cultural Identity

Art of the Kingdom is more than an exhibition—it is a statement of vision, talent, and pride. It captures a nation in the midst of transformation, driven by its people, heritage, and creative power.

As Saudi Arabia invests in its cultural future, exhibitions like this one demonstrate the Kingdom’s rising presence in the global arts scene—and the world is taking notice.

By opening its artistic doors to international audiences, the Kingdom signals a new era where contemporary art is not only created and celebrated at home, but also shared as a vital part of its global identity.