Saudi Arabia's First Traveling Contemporary Art Exhibition Debuts in Rio de Janeiro
The "Art of the Kingdom," Saudi Arabia's first traveling contemporary art exhibition, is currently being held at Rio de Janeiro's Paço Imperial until January 12. This exhibition showcases the works of 17 Saudi artists, such as Manal AlDowayan and Ahmed Mater, divided into three thematic sections: desert, cultural traditions, and future transformations. Mona Khazindar from the Ministry of Culture emphasized the exhibition's goal of promoting cross-cultural dialogue. Curator Diana Wechsler highlighted the depth of Saudi contemporary art. The inaugural segment, "Poetic Illuminations," encapsulates Saudi history and culture. Brazil was selected for its global aspirations, with future exhibitions planned at The National Museum of China. Ayman Zedani's video installation explores the environmental effects of Saudi oil.
Key facts
- Art of the Kingdom is Saudi Arabia's first traveling group exhibition of contemporary art
- The exhibition features 17 Saudi artists including Manal AlDowayan, Filwa Nazer, Ahmed Mater, Ayman Yossri Daydban, Muhannad Shono, and Ayman Zedani
- Currently showing at Paço Imperial in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil until January 12
- Organized into three sections: desert, cultural traditions, and future transformations
- Includes paintings, drawings, photography, video, performance, sculpture, and installations
- Curated by Diana Wechsler with Mona Khazindar as advisor to Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Culture
- Future venue includes The National Museum of China in Beijing
- Ayman Zedani's work "the return of the old ones (2020)" is a single-channel video installation exploring environmental themes
Entities
Artists
- Manal AlDowayan
- Filwa Nazer
- Ahmed Mater
- Ayman Yossri Daydban
- Muhannad Shono
- Ayman Zedani
- Diana Wechsler
- Mona Khazindar
Institutions
- Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Culture
- Paço Imperial
- The National Museum of China
- Ithra Art Prize
- Misk Art Grant
- Wadi AlFann
Locations
- Saudi Arabia
- Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro
- Beijing
- China
- Riyadh
- Sharjah