Saudi Visual Arts Commission Delegation Explores South Korean Art Institutions in Art Bridges Exchange
In February 2026, a delegation from the Visual Arts Commission of Saudi Arabia traveled to South Korea for the Art Bridges initiative, which focused on “Identity Through Art and Community.” The group explored significant art studios and institutions. Zahrah Alghamdi, an associate professor and visual artist, was deeply impacted by Park Seo-Bo’s studio and suggested a collaborative exhibition featuring artists from both Saudi Arabia and South Korea. Sarah Orfali, another visual artist, drew inspiration from Park Seo-Bo’s dedication and Kimsooja’s installation To Breathe (2021), highlighting the contrasting artistic approaches of the two nations. Cultural practitioner Raed Kadi stressed the importance of ongoing investment in research and public programs. All three participants appreciated informal discussions and expressed a desire for future collaborations. The initiative also links Saudi artists with counterparts in Scotland, South Korea, Japan, and Spain.
Key facts
- In February 2026, Saudi Arabia’s Visual Arts Commission sent a delegation to South Korea as part of Art Bridges, themed “Identity Through Art and Community.”
- Participants visited MMCA, SeMA, ARKO Art Center, and Art Sonje Center, and toured artist studios.
- Three participants—Zahrah Alghamdi, Sarah Orfali, and Raed Kadi—shared reflections on the exchange.
- Zahrah Alghamdi is a Saudi visual and land artist and associate professor at the University of Jeddah.
- Sarah Orfali is a Saudi visual artist working in drawing, painting, and gesture-driven markmaking.
- Raed Kadi is a cultural and heritage practitioner and world heritage site protection manager at the Diriyah Foundation.
- The program included visits to Park Seo-Bo’s studio and foundation, and Kimsooja’s installation To Breathe (2021) at Leeum Museum of Art.
- The exchange is part of a series connecting Saudi and Saudi-based artists with peers in Scotland, South Korea, Japan, and Spain.
Entities
Artists
- Zahrah Alghamdi
- Sarah Orfali
- Raed Kadi
- Park Seo-Bo
- Adrián Villar Rojas
- Kimsooja
- Kim Ayoung
- Samah Filmban
- Arwa Alneami
- Dana Awartani
- Manal AlDowayan
- Ahmed Mater
Institutions
- Visual Arts Commission
- Art Bridges
- National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea (MMCA)
- Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA)
- ARKO Art Center
- Art Sonje Center
- Park Seo-Bo Foundation
- Leeum Museum of Art
- University of Jeddah
- Diriyah Foundation
- ACC
Locations
- Saudi Arabia
- South Korea
- Seoul
- Korea
- Jeddah
- Scotland
- Japan
- Spain