This exhibition features the works of 17 Saudi artists spanning multiple generations and artistic styles. The pieces, ranging from paintings to installations and video art, represent the vibrancy and diversity of Saudi creativity today. Some of the prominent artists featured include Sara Abuabdallah, Ghada Al-Hassan, Ayman Yossri Daydban, Ahmed Mater, Ayman Zedani, and Nasser Al-Salem, among others.

The “Art of the Kingdom” exhibition will eventually make its way to Riyadh in early 2025, where it will be showcased at the Saudi Museum of Contemporary Art in the JAX district. Later in the year, it will travel to the National Museum of China in Beijing.

Mona Khazindar, advisor at the Ministry of Culture, shared in a written statement to Arab News: “The exhibition is a testament to the profound impact that art has on our understanding of history, culture, and community. It not only honors our country’s past and collective memory, but also demonstrates the dynamic role art plays in connecting us to our shared identity, inspiring creativity and dialogue for generations to come.”

The exhibition’s curator, Diana Wechsler, emphasized the importance of exhibitions in expanding horizons and offering audiences new perspectives.

She explained, “Every exhibition must open new horizons for its audience, offering an experience of discovery and challenging habitual thinking. Exhibitions, to me, are also experiences of knowledge. This is especially important here, as this exhibition is the first to showcase a group of contemporary Saudi artists abroad.”

Wechsler handpicked Nasser Al-Salem’s striking “Arabi/Gharbi” (“Arab/Foreigner”) to open and close the exhibition. The large neon Arabic script in the piece serves as both a question and a clue, symbolizing the cultural divide between the contemporary Saudi experience and that of the international audience. “Through each piece, the exhibition unfolds like a revelation — a poetic illumination — exploring various facets of a captivating culture where past and present, tradition and transformation, are interwoven,” said Wechsler.

Muhannad Shono, one of the featured artists, reflected on Saudi Arabia’s growing role in the global art scene, saying: “As Saudi Arabia now invests in its arts and cultural expression, and strives to invite the world in, it’s important that this cultural dialogue does not flow in one direction, but to also reach outwards in an honest and equal exchange of ideas with the world. My role is to continue to express and imagine, not only in my country but beyond its borders … bypassing the perceived lines that separate us and divide.”

The exhibition also features a collaborative piece by artists Sara Abuabdallah and Ghada Al-Hassan, who are a mother-daughter duo. Their work, “Horizontal Dimensions,” explores themes of intergenerational complicity, urban transformation, and shared dreams. They see this exhibition as an opportunity to contribute to the global conversation about cultural exchange and the evolving narratives of their region.

The “Art of the Kingdom” exhibition is more than just a showcase of art; it is a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing effort to place itself at the forefront of global cultural exchange. The show’s impact is set to extend far beyond Rio, fostering greater international dialogue and appreciation of Saudi art and culture.

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The fourth annual Hia Hub conference in Saudi Arabia’s JAX district, known for exploring the latest in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle, has turned its attention to skincare. The event showcased discussions, live performances, masterclasses, and more. Among the highlights was “The Skincare Edition: Unfiltered,” featuring Patrick Chalhoub, President of Chalhoub Group, who explored evolving skincare trends and product innovations.

Chalhoub noted a generational split in skincare habits, with mature consumers sticking to trusted brands, while the younger crowd, including men, gravitated towards wellness-focused, experimental products like those from South Korea and Japan. Chalhoub emphasized that skincare needs are also shaped by local climates; sunscreen and moisturizers are essential due to the Gulf’s intense sun exposure.

He also mentioned the potential for a homegrown skincare industry, though he warned about the high standards required for successful entry, emphasizing quality over mere aesthetics in product development.

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Endorsed by Arab culture ministers at the ALECSO General Conference, the initiative highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to cultural exchange on a global scale.

Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Culture and chair of the organizing commission, emphasized the country’s goal of building stronger cultural bridges and uniting Arab nations through shared heritage and values.

The event will feature an array of exhibits and activities, including a marketplace for Arab cultural products, demonstrations of Arabic calligraphy, traditional music performances, and displays of UNESCO-listed heritage sites. Food tastings, traditional crafts, and a showcase of Arab fashion will further engage attendees, offering an immersive experience of Arab culture.

Alongside these vibrant exhibits, the program includes academic symposiums that delve into topics such as artificial intelligence in art, novel writing, and the evolution of Arabic calligraphy. Competitions and presentations by Arab authors and poets aim to celebrate both historical and modern contributions to literature. Children’s literature and poetry will also feature prominently, creating a broad platform for creativity and cultural expression.

Arab Week serves as a dynamic medium for sharing Arab culture’s global impact, fostering intercultural dialogue, and promoting cultural goals that benefit the region and the world. By combining artistic showcases with intellectual discussions, this landmark event enhances the international presence of Arab cultural heritage, encouraging unity and shared vision among Arab nations.

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The exhibition is part of a broader initiative by Arts AlUla to promote the ancient oasis city as a rising art and creativity hub. Known historically for trade and cultural significance, AlUla is home to Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, and boasts a storied connection to the Incense Road.

“Orbis Tertius” brings this heritage into focus, presenting diverse mediums that reflect the region’s pre-Islamic heritage and its current creative renaissance.

Artists created their works within the residency’s inspiring settings, including Mabiti AlUla’s palm groves and AlJadidah’s new residence facilities. Morand highlighted the theme “Orbis Tertius, A Journey Between Fictions and Myths” as a response to the area’s evocative mix of legend and reality, aiming to provoke a “dynamic dialogue” among artists, local experts, and residents.

Notable exhibits include Monira Al-Qadiri’s striking aluminum sculpture “The Guardian,” based on the resilient Calotropis Procera plant native to the region. Meanwhile, multidisciplinary artist Anhar Salem’s “A Day in AlUla” showcases local lives, balancing personal narratives with broader cultural reflections. The Gazzaz brothers, co-founders of Bricklab, introduced sustainable construction methods in rammed earth, blending regional materials with AlUla’s layered history. Works by artists like Ayman Zedani and Reem Al-Nasser continue this thoughtful engagement with the area’s natural and anthropological heritage.

The exhibit reinforces AlUla’s role as a bridge for cultural exchange, supporting the vision to create a sustainable, globally recognized creative center. “We are showcasing the extraordinary artistic vision flourishing in AlUla,” said Nora Aldabal, RCU’s executive director, “a place where ancient history meets contemporary art.”

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Rodriguez, a prominent figure for Guess, was captured by the brand’s long-time photographer Nima Benati, who highlighted a variety of looks from the upcoming holiday line.

In one striking image, she reclined gracefully on a sofa, dressed in a nude mini-dress adorned with diamonds. In another ensemble, she showcased a satin animal-print dress layered with a fluffy pink coat and nude heels, all complemented by a vibrant red handbag. Additionally, she was photographed in a chic long camel coat cinched at the waist, paired with matching snakeskin boots and a stylish handbag.

Another highlight of her photoshoot featured Rodriguez in a stunning deep red knit dress, accessorized with knee-high boots and a coordinating red handbag.

Black-and-white photographs also portrayed her in a denim jumpsuit teamed with pointed-toe heels.

Creative Director Paul Marciano spoke highly of their collaborative relationship, stating, “Georgina perfectly embodies the spirit of the Guess woman — her beauty, confidence, and elegance make her the ideal face of our brand. Working with her over the years has been a wonderful experience, and this new campaign brings her iconic look and the essence of the brand to the forefront once again.”

Expressing her excitement, Rodriguez remarked, “I was delighted when Guess asked me to be the face of the Holiday campaign. It is truly an honor to be part of the Guess family, and I am absolutely thrilled for the wonderful opportunity to be a Guess Girl again.”

Recently, Rodriguez was in Paris attending high-profile fashion shows, including those by Messika and Vetements. At the Messika show, she wore a glamorous off-the-shoulder silver dress featuring a metallic sheen and subtle draping at the bust, which she complemented with silver pointed-toe heels, a dazzling diamond necklace, and matching earrings.

At the Vetements show, Rodriguez donned a sleek black velvet mini dress with off-the-shoulder details, paired with sheer black tights and classic stiletto heels. She accentuated her look with a bold diamond necklace and matching earrings, finishing her hairstyle in a trendy wet-look finish.

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Curated by Martina Koppel Yang, the exhibition explores how both Arab and Chinese cultures elevate calligraphy beyond a mere means of communication, viewing it as a spiritual and cultural practice. Additionally, gardens in both cultures are seen as spaces of contemplation and beauty, deeply connected to the natural and spiritual world.

Ibrahim Al-Sanousi, acting CEO of the Museums Commission, explained the significance of the museum as a space for rotating exhibitions. “We aim to integrate contemporary art into everyday life,” he stated. He also highlighted that this exhibition marks the beginning of a series of collaborations with different countries, fostering international dialogue. “This exhibition, focused on Chinese artists, is the beginning of a series of collaborations with countries worldwide, aimed at fostering cross-cultural dialogue and international exchange,” Al-Sanousi added.

Several featured artists spoke about their work and its connection to both cultures. Dexi Tian discussed how he incorporates elements of Saudi culture into his creations by reusing discarded objects found during his explorations of the city and desert. “I reassemble these objects into new creations that reflect this culture,” Tian noted.

Wang Du, a Chinese artist residing in France, explained the concept behind his sculpture, which is made from crumpled newspapers.

“It symbolizes how we consume news and information in our modern world,” he said. Wang emphasized the fleeting nature of news consumption, reflecting on how quickly we discard information after consuming it. “This piece serves as a monument to that short-lived nature of news,” he explained.

The exhibition delves into the intersection between calligraphy and the natural world, with gardens symbolizing creation and community in both cultures. The event also offers a forward-looking perspective, highlighting the synergy between past traditions and future possibilities.

The scenography, designed by Studio GGSV, enhances the visitor experience by guiding them through stages that reflect various themes, such as presence and absence, memory and imagination. Alongside works from the Donnersberg Collection and the Dslcollection, the exhibition also features site-specific pieces created in Saudi Arabia.

Notable artists such as French-Algerian Adel Abdessemed and Taiwanese Michael Lin are exhibiting in Saudi Arabia for the first time, further enriching the cultural dialogue presented in the exhibition.

Running until January 18, 2025, the exhibition offers a glimpse into the ongoing evolution of contemporary art, bridging cultural gaps and laying the groundwork for future artistic exchanges.

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“Having it in Riyadh, the capital and the heart of the country, was important,” Baltyuor states. He envisions Cinehouse as a vibrant center for filmmakers, aspiring to attract audiences from all corners of Riyadh, including travelers from the airport.

The inaugural screening will showcase the 1975 documentary “Development of Riyadh City,” directed by Abdullah Al-Muheisen, chosen intentionally to highlight the city’s history.

Supporting Saudi talent is a cornerstone of Cinehouse’s mission. The venue is committed to nurturing local professionals across various roles, ensuring it becomes a place that honors and cultivates Saudi creativity.

“We wanted to create a place that feels like home, while showcasing the best of Saudi talent in both cinema and dining,” Baltyuor says. He emphasizes that Cinehouse aims to offer more than just a place to watch films; it is about creating a holistic cinematic environment.

Cinehouse will feature three intimate screening rooms equipped with cutting-edge Dolby Atmos sound systems, as well as a menu curated by a renowned Saudi chef. “We’re creating a space where people feel like they belong,” Baltyuor adds.

Each month, a dedicated team will select films, ensuring a mix of local Saudi and Middle Eastern offerings alongside international cinema. October’s lineup includes films like “The Zone of Interest,” “The Executioner,” “Fallen Leaves,” and “The Burdened” by Yemeni director Amr Gamal.

Faisal Baltyuor’s Five Must-See Movies:

• The Godfather
  “I don’t think there’s a single person who doesn’t know how the great director Frances Ford Coppola, with this film, influenced lovers of artistic cinema — to the point that it turned into a cinematic icon that was, and still is, high up the lists of the best films in history.”

• The Shawshank Redemption
  “What I love most about this cinematic masterpiece is that it’s an ordinary story about hope, which the little-known director Frank Darabont transformed into a great film. Could Stephen King have imagined, when he wrote ‘Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption,’ what it would become? I don’t know. But, as Andy Dufresne says: ‘Remember, Red, hope is a good thing. Maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.’”

• Inception
  “Christopher Nolan’s visual world — which revolves around memory, mind, and the nature of the human psyche — always aims to explore topics within the framework of a social-philosophical plot in an attempt to reach the truth of man, time, and identity in an artistic way. In this film, he took inspiration from the architectural compositions of the works of the Dutch artist M. C. Escher.”

• Past Lives
  “In South Korean culture, the concept of In-Yun is one similar to fate, which suggests that nothing is coincidental and every single meeting is mainly the result of meetings that happened in previous lives. That’s what’s at the heart of Celine Song’s romantic drama.”

• Ratatouille
  “This is a must-see because Pixar, and even Walt Disney Pictures, have not yet produced a better film than this animation in all its aspects — the story, the imagery, the technology, and the acoustics.”

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Featuring approximately 2,000 publishing houses and agencies from over 30 countries, the fair will showcase 800 booths filled with a rich tapestry of books and publications. It promises to be a vibrant platform for exploring literary works and engaging with innovative ideas.

Riyadh, a host of prominent writers, thinkers, and intellectuals from Saudi Arabia and across the globe will be present, underscoring the fair’s importance as a key literary event in the region.

Qatar will take center stage as the guest of honor, presenting its cultural and intellectual heritage through a specially curated pavilion. This pavilion will display rare manuscripts and publications from Qatar’s Ministry of Culture.

In attendance will be leading figures from Qatar’s literary and artistic community, as well as significant cultural organizations from the country.

Mohammed Hasan Alwan, CEO of the commission, highlighted the fair’s role in showcasing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to cultural initiatives. “The fair offers visitors a unique intellectual and cultural experience, incorporating the latest technologies and digital solutions. Attendees can discover thousands of new releases across various fields and enjoy a wide range of activities and events within the diverse cultural program, featuring prominent cultural figures from Saudi Arabia and beyond. This makes the 2024 edition a truly inspiring cultural journey, building on the successes of previous editions.”

This year’s fair will introduce a specialized business zone, featuring literary agencies that handle author contracts and printing presses catering to publishers.

Government and financial institutions related to the publishing sector will also have a presence. The zone will offer special sessions and workshops covering entrepreneurship, licensing, and copyright.

Additionally, a dedicated children’s area will offer a plethora of literary, cultural, and entertainment activities aimed at fostering curiosity among young readers.

By championing local authors, supporting self-published works, and offering a broad spectrum of cultural events, the fair highlights Saudi Arabia’s efforts to nurture literary creativity and innovation.

The Cultural Channel will collaborate to deliver the event’s extensive cultural and intellectual programming, featuring dialogue sessions, workshops, poetry readings, concerts, and artistic performances. We designed this diverse range of activities to enrich the cultural landscape, encourage knowledge sharing, and promote reading as an essential part of life, contributing to the ongoing cultural and intellectual renaissance in Saudi society.

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The forum is set to feature five panel discussions with 24 creatives exploring a range of topics, including how Saudi artists influence the Kingdom’s global image. Discussions will cover Saudi youth culture, including music, street art, and fashion; the role of art professionals in creative environments; the rise of urban art districts; and the intersection of food and art.

Despite heavy traffic in Riyadh, the forum attracted a large turnout of art enthusiasts, curators, and locals to the venue, which was designed by the Omrania architecture firm as part of Alawwal Bank’s Riyadh branch in the Diplomatic Quarter, established in 1988.

The first panel, “Soft Power: Saudi Artists’ Role in Shaping the Kingdom’s Global Image,” was fully attended. It was moderated by curator Sara Al-Mutlaq and featured speakers Ahmed Mater, an artist with a background in medicine, and Alia Al-Senussi, a cultural strategist and art patron.

Al-Senussi shared her thoughts with Arab News, saying, “What we have really been able to embrace is the idea, (as) Ahmed Mater said, that it’s up to the artist to remove the power from the conversation. And soft power, in its kind of whole and holistic way, is really about translating who people are to the rest of the world.”

Mater, who is preparing to release a new book later this year, reflected on significant global events since his birth year of 1979, including the Iranian revolution and the Makkah seizure. He discussed how these events, along with others such as the Gulf War, 9/11, the Arab Spring, social media’s rise, and the COVID-19 pandemic, have impacted Saudi Arabia.

“There was a big change happening in Saudi Arabia during these decades. I spoke about art as a mirror for sociopolitical events and the culture of changing and that’s what shapes our narrative, our story, our strength—by telling our story that shapes our life and our memory,” Mater told Arab News.

Opening night speeches were delivered by curator Maya El-Khalil and Saudi artist Moath Alofi. Future speakers include Hala Al-Hedeithy from the Music Commission, Gigi Arabia, founder of Heavy Arabia; Nada Al-Helabi from MDLBEAST; and Mikey Muhanna, founder and executive director of Afikra.

Other notable participants include Lulwah Al-Homoud, curator and artist; Oliver Farrell from Misk Art; Mayada Badr, CEO of the Culinary Arts Commission; and Sybel Vazquez from the Diriyah Biennale Foundation. The forum will also feature a kitchen lab hosted by celebrity chef Joe Barza and conclude with a performance by culinary storyteller and social media sensation Nadir Nahdi.

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The Riyadh franchise will be overseen by Nour Kelani, managing director at Christie’s. The announcement comes as part of Christie’s broader strategy to deepen its engagement with the rapidly evolving Saudi art scene.

Anthea Peers, Christie’s president for EMEA, discussed the timing of this expansion in an exclusive interview with Arab News. “Christie’s has a longstanding presence in the Middle East, with deep-rooted relationships with Saudi Arabian collectors based both in the Kingdom and around the world,” Peers noted. “In recent years, we have witnessed a considerable period of growth within the arts and culture sector—I have the privilege of visiting the Kingdom regularly and each time I am blown away by the passion, the ambition, and the creative talent that I encounter—and the time is undoubtedly right for this expansion.”

While the official opening date is still pending, Peers expressed enthusiasm about the new venture, saying, “Having recently established our entity, we look forward to completing all necessary formalities and further extending our business in the Kingdom as soon as possible.”

Christie’s Riyadh will focus on modern and contemporary Middle Eastern art, along with high-end jewelry and timepieces. The franchise also aims to connect with Saudi youth and emerging art collectors.

“Bearing in mind the high percentage of millennials in the Kingdom, it’s likely we will also continue to see an increase in engagement among this demographic for Arab artists, modern and contemporary art, as well as engagement with the secondary luxury sector,” Peers added.

The announcement comes amidst a surge in the Saudi art market, highlighted by recent notable sales at Christie’s. Abdulnasser Gharem’s “Message/Messenger,” a golden-domed wood-and-copper installation, fetched $842,500 in 2011, making it the highest-priced Saudi artwork sold by Christie’s. Manal AlDowayan’s “Dove,” sold earlier this year, achieved over $15,000—three times its low estimate—demonstrating strong interest from Middle Eastern buyers.

Additionally, Ahmed Mater’s “Magnetism” triptych, sold at Christie’s London for £189,000 (approx. SAR 935,000), and Dana Awartani’s “Icosahedron within a Dodecahedron,” sold in Dubai for £35,000, underscore the growing prominence of Saudi artists in the global market.

“Our Saudi Arabian clients have shown a diverse range of interests, from Old Master paintings to modern Middle Eastern art,” Peers said. “We have seen increased interest in several Arab artists, including Saudi artists Ahmed Mater, Manal AlDowayan, and Dana Awartani.”

As Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape flourishes with new initiatives and institutions, Christie’s aims to support and elevate the local arts scene. “We will be honored to support the burgeoning arts scene in Saudi Arabia as part of the ongoing national diversification efforts,” Peers concluded. “We look forward to partnering with institutions, hosting exhibitions, and bringing international art highlights to the Kingdom, further raising awareness of Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage.”

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