Riyadh, December 4, 2024 – The world’s largest light art festival, Noor Riyadh, has returned with its highly anticipated fourth edition, running from November 28 to December 14, 2024, under the Riyadh Art Project. This year’s festival, themed Light Years Apart, is a celebration of creativity, drawing over 60 light-based artworks from 61 artists across 18 countries. With installations spread across three iconic hubs in Riyadh – the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, Wadi Hanifah, and the JAX District – Noor Riyadh is once again transforming the Saudi capital into a “gallery without walls,” inviting the public to experience art in public spaces and engage with cutting-edge creativity in the heart of the city.
This year’s festival is a testament to the international and local fusion of talent, featuring contributions from 18 Saudi artists alongside 43 international creators. The array of participating artists includes prominent figures such as Architect Saad Al-Howede, Artist Asmaa Aljohani, Artist Anna Ridler, Artist Jiyen Lee, Artist Stefano Cagol, Artist Krista Kim, Artist Stanza, Artist Javier Riera, Studio Atelier Sisu, and Artist Ryoji Ikeda, who bring unique perspectives to the festival’s theme. Their collective work will undoubtedly capture the imagination of thousands of visitors from all over the world.
According to Architect Khalid Al-Hazani, Director of the Riyadh Art Project, Noor Riyadh has evolved into more than just an art event – it is a platform that transforms Riyadh into an accessible and inspiring artistic space where creativity is allowed to flourish in the open, free for everyone to witness. Nouf Almoneef, Festival Director, echoed this sentiment, describing Noor Riyadh as a “beacon of creativity and connection,” inviting the public to explore this year’s theme, Light Years Apart, through an extraordinary collection of light-based installations scattered throughout Riyadh.
Curated by Dr. Effat Abdullah Fadag and Dr. Alfredo Cramerotti, the theme Light Years Apart explores the profound connection between Althara (the earth) and Althuraya (the stars), reflecting humanity’s journey from its current realities to its far-reaching aspirations. The theme invites viewers to contemplate the duality of life on earth and the celestial dreams that propel us forward. This exploration connects our lived experiences with the vast possibilities of the universe, using the medium of light as a visual metaphor for transformation and growth.
The installations are strategically placed across Riyadh, ensuring that each location enhances the thematic exploration while also reflecting Riyadh's historical, cultural, and natural significance. The King Abdulaziz Historical Center serves as a symbol of the city’s past and its bright future, offering a juxtaposition of tradition and innovation. Wadi Hanifah offers a serene natural backdrop, while JAX District has become an interactive space where art, digital creativity, and technology seamlessly blend to push the boundaries of light as an artistic medium.
One of the most prominent and anticipated works is Chris Levine’s Higher Power (2024), which will transform Al Faisaliah Tower into a beacon of light. This monumental city-wide light projection will transmit a Morse code message of hope and unity, visible across Riyadh, signaling the festival’s underlying message of connection and togetherness. Meanwhile, in Wadi Hanifah, Dutch artist Daan Roosegaarde presents SPARK, a breathtaking installation of biodegradable floating sparks that create a mesmerizing light display, offering a striking visual spectacle rooted in environmental sustainability.
In Digital City, Saudi artist Maryam Tariq’s Shifting Perspectives explores the theme of perceptual ambiguity, using pixelated imagery to challenge viewers' perceptions and invite them into a new way of seeing. Over at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, Studio United Visual Artists’ Aether features a synchronized light show involving 1,500 drones, making use of aerial technology to craft a stunning visual narrative that speaks to the festival's themes of transformation and innovation.
Also featured at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center is Rashed AlShashai’s The Fifth Pyramid, an illuminated pathway installation that reimagines the ancient pyramid, symbolizing Riyadh’s ambition to become a global art capital while honoring its historical roots.
Noor Riyadh is not only about the spectacular art installations – it also offers dynamic community-focused projects designed to engage visitors of all ages. Workshops are being held for adults, with opportunities to explore photography and mixed media techniques. For children, there are fun activities like crafting kaleidoscopes and puppetry, providing hands-on experiences that inspire creativity and imagination.
Since its inception in 2019, Riyadh Art has showcased more than 500 artworks by over 500 artists, attracting over six million visitors and solidifying the city’s role as a global hub for art and culture. Noor Riyadh itself has earned 14 Guinness World Records, including the title of the most impactful light art festival worldwide, further cementing its position as a major cultural event.
This year’s festival is another step in Riyadh’s journey to being a center for culture, innovation, and artistic expression. The success of Noor Riyadh exemplifies the Kingdom's commitment to cultural development and its vision to offer accessible and inclusive art to people from all walks of life. The festival, already a transformative event, continues to push the boundaries of art and technology, inviting everyone to see the city in a new light – literally and figuratively.
For those who have not yet experienced the magic of Noor Riyadh, there is still time to visit before the festival concludes on December 14, 2024. The festival promises an unforgettable artistic journey through the heart of Riyadh.
