Folklore is often thought of as an oral tradition – stories, myths, and legends passed down through generations. Yet, folklore is more than narrative; it is also a language of symbols, patterns, as well as a conduit for cultural preservation. This rich heritage has served as both an anchor to history and a catalyst for innovation in art. In Fragments of Folklore, four contemporary artists – Hamra Abbas, Lulwah Al Homoud, Rashid Al Khalifa, and Raeda Ashour – engage with elements of their cultural heritage, translating them into bold artistic expressions. Here, folklore is not a static relic of the past but a dynamic archive of identity, reshaped and reimagined across time and geography.
- Hamra Abbas’s Aerial Studies series showcases her use of geometric patterns, echoing the intricate calligraphy of Arabic scripts.
- Al Homoud’s Garden 4 features a delicate balance of nature and geometry, reflecting the artist’s fascination with the relationship between humans and the environment.
- Rashid Al Khalifa’s works embody the tension between tradition and innovation, combining symbolic motifs with modernist abstraction.
- Raedah Ashour’s Detail Allah Series 2 presents a powerful exploration of Islamic heritage, blending abstract expressionism with intricate calligraphy.
The exhibition marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of contemporary art in Saudi Arabia, reflecting the kingdom’s dynamic cultural transformation under Vision 2030. Saudi Arabia is entering a new era of cultural ambition and artistic innovation, positioning itself as a global hub for the arts.
| Exhibition Details | Description |
|---|---|
| JAX District, Riyadh | The epicenter of Saudi Arabia’s contemporary arts scene, hosting acclaimed artists, galleries, creative agencies, and SAMOCA, the kingdom’s first contemporary art museum. |
| April 30 – May 12, 2025 | Presented by THAA, MIR’A, and TRIYAD, this exhibition showcases the works of four Saudi artists, marking a first-of-its-kind collaboration between three pioneering institutions. |
By bringing these four artists together for the first time, Fragments of Folklore creates a landmark cross-cultural conversation on tradition, symbolism, and storytelling. The exhibition aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global cultural hub, placing its contemporary artists on the world stage and creating an infrastructure where art is not just displayed, but actively lived, debated, and reimagined. The Saudi government’s emphasis on female empowerment is also evident in the exhibition, with three-quarters of the featured artists being women, including two Saudi artists, Lulwah Al Homoud and Raeda Ashour. In Fragments of Folklore, folklore is reimagined as a dynamic archive of identity, reshaped and reinterpreted for future generations. The exhibition is a cultural statement, an invitation to rethink accessibility, identity, and the evolving role of art in a rapidly transforming society. Fragments of Folklore is not just an exhibition; it is a cultural reckoning, marking a shift from Euro-centric to Multi-centric narratives, and a step towards decolonizing the art world.
“Fragments of Folklore is a landmark exhibition that elevates regional voices, redefines creative accessibility, and ensures that the next generation of artists and audiences engage with art not as an exclusive privilege, but as an intrinsic right.”
— Ali Al-Hassan, Director, THAA
The exhibition also features a curated Art Store, making prints and smaller works by emerging artists available at reasonable prices, allowing a broader audience to engage with and own contemporary art. Join the conversation and experience the bold reimagining of cultural identity, artistic innovation, and accessibility in contemporary art. Fragments of Folklore is a cultural reckoning, marking a new chapter in Saudi Arabia’s creative and intellectual evolution. Fragments of Folklore is presented by THAA, MIR’A, and TRIYAD, and will be held at JAX District, Riyadh, from April 30 to May 12, 2025. For more information, please contact Gifford PR.