TLDR:
Saudi art debuts in Rio de Janeiro
Exhibition explores desert, cultural identity
“Art of the Kingdom” to go global
RIO DE JANEIRO (The Thursday Times) — Saudi Arabia’s contemporary art scene has made a significant international debut at the Paço Imperial in Rio de Janeiro with the opening of “Art of the Kingdom.” Showcasing the diverse works of 17 Saudi artists, this landmark exhibition captures the Kingdom’s cultural evolution, weaving past and present through visual storytelling.
The exhibition, launched to coincide with the G20 Summit, serves as the Kingdom’s first travelling group exhibition, with plans to tour Beijing and Riyadh in 2025. Curated by Diana Wechsler under the theme “Poetic Illuminations,” it features a variety of artistic media, including installations, paintings, and video works. Through this display, Saudi Arabia aims to share its rich artistic heritage with a global audience, inviting viewers to engage with the depth and diversity of Saudi culture.
Themes of desert and cultural identity
Central to the exhibition are two core themes: the desert, as an emblem of vastness, life, and space, and the unique visual language of Saudi cultural tradition. Through these motifs, the exhibition explores how the Kingdom’s landscapes and traditions shape its contemporary artistic voice. The desert emerges as a potent symbol, embodying both the mystery of infinite space and a grounding sense of place, while the cultural tradition is seen evolving through new forms of artistic expression.
Global recognition for Saudi contemporary art
Mona Khazindar, an advisor to the Saudi Ministry of Culture, describes the exhibition as a platform that honours Saudi talent, establishing a space for Saudi artists to share their perspectives on a global stage. By fostering cross-cultural dialogue, Saudi Arabia hopes to contribute meaningfully to the international art scene and strengthen its cultural presence worldwide.
Historic setting adds depth to the dialogue
Held in the historical Paço Imperial, the exhibition creates a visual and thematic dialogue between the old and the new, merging the colonial architecture of Rio de Janeiro with modern Saudi expressions. The Museum’s choice of this venue reflects a desire to connect Saudi artistic vision with Brazil’s own rich cultural backdrop, blending heritage with contemporary art.
The exhibition also highlights specific works that reflect Saudi artists’ engagement with themes of identity, heritage, and transformation. Pieces like Nasser Al-Salem’s “Arabi/Gharbi” use symbolic imagery to explore the boundaries between Saudi culture and the world, inviting the audience to contemplate these elements within a broader, global context.
