Riyadh, December 11, 2024 — The King Abdulaziz Historical Center (KAHC) continues to enchant visitors as one of the three key hubs of the Noor Riyadh 2024, the world’s largest light art festival. This year’s festival, under the captivating theme “Light Years Apart”, explores the dynamic intersection of heritage, innovation, and cultural exchange. It features a stunning array of contemporary and thought-provoking light installations and artworks by both prominent Saudi and international artists. A press release issued by KAHC today highlights the center’s role in offering a space for cutting-edge art that resonates with the Kingdom's vision of blending tradition and modernity.
Located in the heart of Riyadh’s historic Al-Murabba district, KAHC is a monumental symbol of Saudi Arabia's rich heritage and culture. The center houses several historically significant sites, including the iconic Murabba Palace and Al-Hukm Palace, which have played pivotal roles in shaping the Kingdom’s identity and governance. This unique historical setting provides the perfect backdrop for a collection of art that bridges the past with the future, creating an immersive experience that reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing cultural transformation.
Among the featured Saudi artists is Rashed AlShashai, who presents “Fifth Pyramid,” a monumental installation crafted from green petrochemical shipping pallets. This deconstructed pyramid, split by a glowing fuchsia path, symbolizes Riyadh's shift from its oil-based economy to a vibrant cultural and artistic hub. In another striking piece, Ali AlRuzaiza showcases “Part of a Human Life”, a digital projection mapping installation that animates his symbolic paintings on the walls of KAHC, inviting viewers to delve into the intricacies of the human experience through a mesmerizing fusion of color and texture.
Also contributing to the festival is Najla Alqubaisi, who unveils “The Sound of Millstone”, an audiovisual installation inspired by traditional Najdi folk songs. Projected onto the sand, the work uses AI-generated visuals to evoke the rhythmic labor and enduring legacy of women’s contributions to Saudi culture, drawing attention to their invaluable role in the Kingdom’s heritage.
Internationally, Random International introduces “Alone Together”, an interactive light installation that tracks visitors within KAHC’s open-air spaces, exploring the tension between solitude and connectivity in the age of digital interconnectedness. Meanwhile, Refik Anadol presents “Coral Dreams,” a data-driven AI sculpture that transforms millions of coral reef images into a vibrant, immersive digital ocean. The piece is a powerful call to action for climate awareness and conservation, urging the public to recognize the urgent need for environmental stewardship.
Lastly, the renowned art collective United Visual Artists (UVA) showcases “Aether”, a kinetic installation that merges light and sound to create a dynamic, sensory experience. Drawing from scientific and philosophical principles, this installation invites reflection on the nature of time and perception, offering visitors a moment of introspection amidst the festival’s dazzling array of installations.
With these diverse and cutting-edge artistic expressions, Noor Riyadh 2024 at KAHC not only celebrates the Kingdom’s cultural past but also positions Saudi Arabia as a beacon of global innovation in the world of light and art. The festival continues to attract art enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and global audiences, affirming Riyadh's reputation as a center for creative and cultural exchange.