Happy reading,
Rebecca
P.S. Have feedback or tips on Riyadh’s culture scene? Send them my way at contactus@al-monitor.com. This week, we bring you exciting updates from Riyadh’s vibrant arts and culture scene. A groundbreaking exhibition, new landmark artworks, and initiatives to support the film industry are just a few of the highlights. **Art and Culture**
A landmark exhibition, “Khaleej Modern: Pioneers and Collectives from the Arabian Peninsula,” opens this week at Hayy Jameel in Jeddah, showcasing the largely untold story of the development of modern art in the Khaleej, or Arabian Gulf. The show, curated by Aisha Stoby, explores the emergence of modern art movements across six countries, from Bahrain to the UAE. Instead of presenting a linear progression of the region’s art history, the exhibition highlights creative practices that arose during pivotal periods of nation-building, reflecting the transformations and tensions between tradition and modernity. The exhibition borrows its title, “Redrawing the Boundaries,” from an eponymous foundational text by Okwui Enwezor, published in 1994, where he explores the boundaries imposed by art institutions that historically excluded artists from visibility and discourse. Some of the pioneering artists and collectives showcased include:
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- Al-Thumairi Group, Bahrain
- Al-Thurayya Group, Kuwait
- Omani artist Nasser Al-Deeb
- Qatari artist Ali Al-Hasan Al-Aswad
- Abdulnasser Gharem, Saudi Arabia
- Emirati artist Mohammed Kazem
- UAE-based collective, Al-Bayt
The show is an expanded edition that includes original works from the first edition alongside new loans from public and private collections, most of which are being shown in Saudi Arabia for the first time. **Arts Tower on Sports Boulevard**
Saudi artist Abdulnasser Gharem has unveiled the Arts Tower, a striking new landmark on Sports Boulevard in Riyadh. The 83.5-meter tower, clad in 691 colored panels, is designed as an immersive experience that shifts with the sun, shadows, and movement around it. Gharem envisions the structure as a living artwork — ever-changing like the natural environment. “The Arts Tower is not merely an aesthetic sculpture, but an experience to be lived at every corner,” Gharem said. He aims to create a space where art and nature blend seamlessly, inviting visitors to explore and engage with the artwork in a dynamic and interactive way. **The Art Storage**
ATHR, one of Saudi Arabia’s leading galleries, has launched Saudi Arabia’s first purpose-built, museum-grade art storage facility. Located in Jeddah’s Al-Nakheel District, the depot offers long-term security for artwork. The facility features:
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| Security Measures | Description |
|---|---|
| 24/7 CCTV Surveillance | Advanced monitoring system for real-time security monitoring. |
| Climate-Controlled Storage | Stable temperature and humidity conditions to preserve artwork. |
| Advanced Dust Control | State-of-the-art equipment to minimize dust and prevent damage. |
| Gallery-Standard Viewing Room | Space for collectors and curators to experience works in ideal conditions. |
| Dedicated Workshop | Custom crate building and packaging services for artwork transportation. |
| Administrative and Client Service Areas | Facilities for handling administrative tasks and providing client service. |
This innovative facility provides a safe and secure environment for art storage, supporting the growing cultural scene in Saudi Arabia. **New Film Studio in Riyadh**
The Saudi Film Commission has announced plans for a cutting-edge production complex in Riyadh’s JAX District. The facility will feature:
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| Facilities | Description |
|---|---|
| Two 16,000-Square-Foot Sound Stages | State-of-the-art sound stages for film and television production. |
| Virtual Production Stage | LED tech for creating immersive and interactive experiences. |
| Screening Rooms | Space for film screenings and premieres. |
| Dining Areas | Facilities for catering and socializing. |
| Meeting Spaces | Areas for brainstorming and collaboration. |
| VIP Lounge | A luxurious space for VIP guests and industry professionals. |
The launch of this new facility is a significant step forward for Saudi Arabia’s film industry, aiming to position the kingdom as a global filmmaking hub. We hope you enjoy this week’s highlights from Riyadh’s vibrant arts and culture scene. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting developments in the coming weeks!