Riyadh, January 09, 2025 – The Diriyah Art Futures (DAF) center, a pioneering institution at the intersection of art, science, and technology, is continuing its exploration of the boundless horizons of art throughout January 2025. The center’s dynamic programming, which includes a series of performances, talks, and professional workshops, is part of the inaugural exhibition titled Art Must Be Artificial: Perspectives of AI in the Visual Arts, running through February 15, 2025. This groundbreaking exhibition reflects the center’s commitment to advancing interdisciplinary creativity, providing a platform for artists, researchers, and technologists to explore the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the visual arts.
The month-long series of events kicked off on January 3 with a thought-provoking talk titled Cartographies of a Future, where the renowned ScanLAB Projects took center stage to showcase their innovative use of 3D scanning technology. This session delved into how 3D scanning can transcend traditional photography, offering new methods for capturing and preserving memory in ways that challenge conventional understanding. Attendees were introduced to the cutting-edge works Post-Lenticular Landscapes and Replica-real-Replica, which pushed the boundaries of visual representation and digital preservation.
On January 4, the center hosted Echos II, an evocative sound performance that incorporated field recordings from nature and the Tunisian Atlas. This immersive auditory experience was complemented by another enlightening talk, Raw Material, which explored the deep connection between humanity and the natural world, discussing the intrinsic value of Earth's resources in contemporary art practices. This session underscored the significance of nature as both an artistic inspiration and a critical medium for environmental dialogue.
Looking ahead, the DAF center has prepared a rich lineup of events that will continue to stimulate intellectual discourse and foster creative innovation. On January 17, the center will host the discussion Creative Convergences: The Intersections Between Art and Science, where artists and scientists will explore the synergy between the two fields. This discussion will feature works that incorporate groundbreaking technologies such as genetically modified materials, biomedia, robotics, data visualization, video mapping, and augmented reality. The session aims to highlight how the convergence of these disciplines opens up new possibilities for the future of art and science.
In addition to the engaging talks, the center is offering a series of professional workshops designed to provide hands-on experiences and practical skills in the evolving world of digital art. The Memory in Three Dimensions workshop, which took place on January 3 and 4, explored the intersection of 3D scanning technology and human memory, offering participants the chance to experiment with innovative methods for preserving personal and collective histories in digital formats.
Two additional workshops are planned for January 17 and 18. The Creative Photogrammetry: Digital Memories and Intangible Moments workshop will guide participants through the process of creating 3D virtual models from photographs, enabling them to transform static images into dynamic digital objects. Another workshop, Academy of Neglected Material, will focus on sustainable art practices, teaching attendees how to repurpose discarded materials into thought-provoking art projects that challenge perceptions of waste and sustainability in the art world.
From January 30 to February 1, the DAF center will offer a three-day immersive workshop titled Cultural Totems: Sculpting Saudi Heritage with 3D Printing. This workshop will explore Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage through the lens of digital fabrication, using 3D printing technology to create representations of Saudi culture, architecture, and landscapes. It will provide participants with the opportunity to engage in the intersection of cultural preservation and technological innovation.
Finally, the center will host the Unpacking Midjourney workshop on January 31 and February 1, diving into the world of generative AI art with a specific focus on the Midjourney platform. This workshop will introduce participants to the growing realm of AI-driven creativity, offering a hands-on exploration of how AI can be used to generate unique and dynamic artworks.
The Diriyah Art Futures center, established by the Saudi Museums Commission, serves as a cutting-edge hub for art, research, and education, dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary creativity where art intersects with science and technology. As the first institution of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa to focus on new media and digital arts, the center is at the forefront of a global movement that is reshaping the cultural landscape. It invites artists and researchers from around the world to engage in public events, educational programs, and residency opportunities that foster innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Through its unique programming and support for creative expression, Diriyah Art Futures is playing a pivotal role in enriching Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape. By positioning the Kingdom as a global leader in new media and digital arts, the center is also spotlighting regional artists and their contributions to the global dialogue on art, science, and technology. This ambitious initiative not only showcases the Kingdom’s growing role in the international art community but also underscores its commitment to nurturing the next generation of creatives who will drive forward the cultural and technological advancements of the future.
As the Art Must Be Artificial exhibition continues to evolve, the Diriyah Art Futures center remains a key player in the ongoing transformation of the art world, offering a platform for innovation, collaboration, and inspiration that will leave a lasting impact on both the local and global artistic communities.
