Riyadh, December 27, 2024 – The Diriyah Biennale Foundation has officially announced that the second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale is set to open on January 25, 2025, at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. This highly anticipated event will present a unique fusion of historical masterpieces from Islamic civilization alongside dynamic contemporary works, offering visitors an immersive exploration of Islamic art’s rich legacy and its evolution into the modern era.
The biennale, which will span both indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces, promises to be an artistic journey that stimulates the senses and engages the intellect. The exhibition will showcase the work of over 30 distinguished artists from Saudi Arabia and around the world, each contributing new pieces that harmoniously align with the timeless heritage of Islamic art. The aim is to blend the old and the new, providing a platform for artists to respond to historical Islamic artifacts with fresh, contemporary perspectives. The event will also feature a diverse collection of Islamic religious relics, maps, and jewelry, offering visitors a chance to experience a multifaceted view of Islamic culture.
Saudi artist Muhannad Shono, renowned for his contemporary work, will serve as the lead curator for the exhibition, overseeing the integration of modern art into the context of Islamic history. He is supported by associate curators Joanna Chevalier and Amina Diab, who will work alongside a distinguished team of artistic directors including Julian Raby, Amin Jaffer, and Abdul Rahman Azzam. This collaborative effort reflects the biennale’s commitment to creating a global dialogue through art, enriching the cultural narrative of Saudi Arabia and the broader Islamic world.
The theme for this year’s biennale, "And all that is in between," encourages exploration beyond simple definitions or cultural dialogues. It invites viewers to engage in a deeper understanding of the space between past and present, tradition and innovation, offering a collective interpretation of art that transcends time and borders. Artists participating in the biennale have drawn inspiration from timeless Islamic concepts such as space, time, light, and nature, creating works that also reflect contemporary social and environmental concerns. These works are not only visual expressions but serve as thought-provoking pieces on how to preserve, nurture, and evolve culture in the context of a rapidly changing world.
The exhibition will be housed across seven thematic sections that provide a structured yet immersive experience. These sections include AlBidaya (The Beginning), AlMadar (The Orbit), AlMuqtani (Homage), AlMathala (The Canopy), and special sections dedicated to Makkah al-Mukarramah, Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, and AlMusalla (The Prayer Hall). Each of these sections will be spread across 100,000 square meters of exhibition space, including both indoor halls and expansive outdoor areas beneath the iconic canopy of the Hajj Terminal. The design and layout of the exhibition aim to evoke the Islamic concept of the garden, symbolizing a space where nature and traditional design merge while engaging with contemporary environmental and societal themes.
The 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale will not only celebrate the past but will also serve as a vital platform for future artistic exploration, placing Saudi Arabia at the forefront of global cultural dialogue. By juxtaposing historical and modern works, the biennale aims to deepen appreciation for Islamic art, promote creativity, and solidify the Kingdom’s position as a global leader in cultural exchange and heritage preservation. This year’s event is expected to attract a wide international audience, further enhancing the Kingdom’s growing reputation as a vibrant cultural hub.