Saudi Contemporary Art's Decade of Transformation: From Dissidence to Diriyah Biennale
Over the last ten years, contemporary art in Saudi Arabia has evolved into a means of soft power and societal transformation. The Diriyah Biennale, which began in 2021 and will continue until May 2, 2026, exemplifies this shift. One notable piece by artist Abdulnasser Gharem, titled 'The Safe,' recreates the scene of journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s 2018 murder, serving as a critique of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The journey of Saudi contemporary art commenced in January 2012 in Jeddah, gaining traction through the artist collective Edge of Arabia. Featuring 67 artists from 35 nations, the Biennale's theme is 'In Interludes and Transitions,' with the 2024 edition curated by Ute Meta Bauer highlighting ongoing social advancements.
Key facts
- Contemporary art was considered forbidden in Saudi Arabia until recently
- The Diriyah Biennale for Contemporary Art runs until May 2, 2026
- Abdulnasser Gharem created 'The Safe' about Jamal Khashoggi's murder
- First Saudi contemporary art exhibition occurred in January 2012 in Jeddah
- Edge of Arabia collective formed around ATHR Gallery and Hamza Serafi
- Mohammed bin Salman began using art for soft power after 2017
- Diriyah Biennale features 67 artists from 35 countries
- Saudi art funding was world's largest from 2018 until recent cuts
Entities
Artists
- Abdulnasser Gharem
- Ahmed Mater
- Manal Al Dowayan
- Ahmad Angawi
- Ahaad Alamoudi
- Sabih Ahmed
- Nora Razian
- Ute Meta Bauer
- Hamza Serafi
Institutions
- Diriyah Biennale for Contemporary Art
- Edge of Arabia
- ATHR Gallery
- Washington Post
- CIA
- Documenta
- Venice Biennale
- Art Basel
- German Federal Government
- Saudi Ministry of Culture
Locations
- Saudi Arabia
- Riyadh
- Jeddah
- Istanbul
- Turkey
- Berlin
- Germany
- London
- United Kingdom
- Venice
- Italy
- Kassel
- Diriyah
- Mecca
- Red Sea
- Arabian Peninsula
- Gulf
- Iran
- United States
- Marokko
- Pakistan
- Qatar