Riyadh, February 03, 2025 – Following its remarkable debut in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the "Art of the Kingdom: Poetic Illuminations" exhibition, the first traveling group exhibition dedicated to contemporary Saudi artists, is set to make its next stop at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art at Jax District (SAMoCA@Jax) in Riyadh. Opening on February 24, 2025, and running until April 24, 2025, the exhibition will showcase the works of 17 distinguished Saudi artists, each representing a diverse array of generations, regions, and artistic practices.
The exhibition presents an eclectic mix of art forms, including paintings, installations, and video works, all of which serve as a vivid exploration of Saudi Arabia's rich history, collective memory, and deep-rooted cultural traditions. Through these works, visitors will experience a profound dialogue with the country’s past, present, and future, offering an unprecedented window into the creative expressions that define contemporary Saudi art.
Art of the Kingdom was first unveiled at the historic Paço Imperial in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024, where it garnered significant attention, drawing over 26,000 visitors. The exhibition’s success in Brazil set the stage for its continued international journey, and the Riyadh edition is expected to offer a deeper connection with local audiences, reflecting the Kingdom's evolving artistic landscape. The Riyadh stop will feature newly commissioned, site-specific works designed for the SAMoCA@Jax space, providing an entirely fresh experience compared to the inaugural display in Brazil.
Organized by the Museums Commission, the exhibition brings together a broad range of talented Saudi artists, including renowned figures such as Muhannad Shono, Lina Gazzaz, Manal AlDowayan, Ayman Zedani, Moath Alofi, Ahmed Mater, Ahaad Alamoudi, Shadia Alem, Faisal Samra, Ayman Yossri Daydban, Daniah Al Saleh, Filwa Nazer, Sarah Brahim, Ahmad Angawi, Nasser Al Salem, Basmah Felemban, and Fatma Abdulhadi. These artists represent some of the most influential voices in Saudi contemporary art, whose works reflect the diverse and evolving artistic practices that are emerging from the Kingdom.
The Riyadh edition of the exhibition will not only highlight the immense talent of Saudi artists but will also serve as a platform for forging new cultural narratives on the global stage. This exhibition is part of the broader efforts to position Saudi Arabia as a leading force in the international art scene, while also celebrating the country's cultural and creative evolution as part of the broader goals of Vision 2030.
Following its Riyadh presentation, Art of the Kingdom: Poetic Illuminations will continue its international tour, with a special presentation at the National Museum in China later this year. This stop marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and China, making it a milestone moment in both the cultural and political ties between the two nations.
By bringing together these dynamic works of contemporary Saudi art and showcasing them on the international stage, the Art of the Kingdom exhibition serves as a testament to the Kingdom's commitment to fostering creative expression and its ongoing efforts to elevate the global profile of Saudi artists. As the exhibition unfolds in Riyadh, it will undoubtedly continue to foster dialogue, inspire new ideas, and offer a deeper understanding of the Kingdom's cultural richness to the world.