Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale 2026 Explores Transformation and Movement

The Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale 2026, titled 'In Interludes and Transitions,' is curated by Nora Razian and Sabih Ahmed. Running until May 2, 2026, the exhibition examines themes of change and motion across personal, societal, and environmental dimensions. Featured artists include Petrit Halilaj, whose installation 'Very volcanic over this green feather' (2021) presents drawings created during his childhood in a Kosovo war refugee camp, juxtaposing images of nature with wartime violence. Taysir Batniji's 'The Remnants' series (2024–ongoing) consists of oil paintings that depict blurred digital images, reflecting internet disruptions during conflicts in Gaza. Abdelkarim Qassem's film installation 'The Final Scene' (2017), shot during his military service on the Saudi-Yemen border, portrays an endless, uncertain landscape. Lulua Alyahya's 'Untitled' (2026) commission explores isolation within crowds. Ivana Franke's 'Entanglement is a Fragile State (JAX Edition)' (2026) uses light and aluminum ropes to create a disorienting warehouse installation. Agustina Woodgate's 'The Source' (2026) features drinking fountains commenting on water access, referencing Saudi Arabia's Al Ahsa oasis. Trương Công Tùng's 'The State of Absence…Voices from Outside' (2020–ongoing) includes interconnected gourds and tubes, inspired by Vietnamese coffee plantation irrigation. Daniel Otero Torres's 'Echoes of the Earth' (2026) is a sculptural tribute to environmental defenders. The biennale addresses contemporary global tensions, including regional conflicts and environmental concerns, highlighting interconnectedness and collective responsibility.