Diriyah Art Futures Unveils 'Maknana' Exhibition Showcasing New Media Art In The Arab World

The MENA region's first New Media Arts hub, Diriyah Art Futures (DAF), proudly launched its second exhibition, "Maknana: An Archaeology of New Media Art in the Arab World," on display until 19 July 2025.

This groundbreaking exhibition, housed in DAF's space in Diriyah, Riyadh, delves into the evolution of New Media Arts within the Arab world. It showcases over 70 pieces from more than 40 renowned artists across the region, offering a profound exploration of the intersection between art and technology.

"Maknana," meaning automation in Arabic, sets the stage for the exhibition's central theme: the innovative ways Arab artists have engaged with technology to craft unique artistic expressions. The exhibit is a testament to the dynamic use of technology by artists to navigate, repurpose, and challenge technological advancements, thereby enriching their creative language.

The exhibition is thoughtfully divided into four thematic sections: Automation, Autonomy, Ripples, and Glitch. Each segment illuminates the varied artistic concerns and methods that span different generations, geographies, and technological frameworks. This structured approach not only highlights the recurring motifs in the artists' work but also showcases the depth and diversity of new media art in the Arab world. The range of topics covered, from machine logic to glitch aesthetics, reflects the artists' engagement with the pressing issues of their time.

Mona Khazindar, an Advisor to the Ministry of Culture, underscored the significance of the exhibition, stating, "This exhibition reflects the region's rich history of artists who have embraced and experimented with technological mediums to push creative barriers and respond to the questions of their time. It represents Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to celebrate the Arab world's pioneering artists, while also opening doors to global creative and technological innovators of the future, through an inspiring range of talent and artworks."

Enhancing the exhibition experience, "Maknana" will feature an extensive public programme, including masterclasses, workshops, talks, and performances. Notably, on 26 and 27 April, Joe Namy will conduct a two-day masterclass focusing on the transformative power of sound as an artistic medium.

This class offers a blend of theory and practical experience, encouraging participants to engage and experiment with sound collectively. Simultaneously, artist Susan Hefuna will lead a two-day workshop using smartphones to manipulate visuals and audio. This session, inspired by Glitch Art, will invite participants to embrace digital errors and artifacts as creative mediums.

The opening of the exhibition was celebrated with a unique performance by Joe Namy's "Automobile (2025)," which featured excerpts from his performance piece through the custom sound systems of eight cars, in collaboration with the Riyadh Muscle Cars Team. Curators Haytham Nawar and Ala Younis further enriched the event with a panel discussion alongside artists Akram Zaatari, Ahmed Mater, and Ruba Al Sweel, delving into the evolving art and technology landscape in the Arab world.

Artists featured in the exhibition include Muhannad Shono, Ahmed Mater, and Mohammed Alsaleem from KSA, Akram Zaatari from Lebanon, and many others from across the region. This diverse lineup underscores the exhibition's role in highlighting the Arab world's contribution to new media art.