Diriyah Art Futures Unveils Maknana Exhibition Highlighting Arab New Media Art Innovations

Diriyah Art Futures (DAF) has unveiled its second exhibition titled "Maknana: an Archaeology of New Media Art in the Arab World." This event, which is the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, will be open until July 19 at DAF in Diriyah. The exhibition features over 70 artworks by more than 40 pioneering Arab artists.

The term "Maknana" in Arabic refers to entrusting a task to a machine or becoming part of it. This concept drives the exhibition's main question: how have Arab artists interacted with, repurposed, and challenged technology to develop their creative expressions? The showcased works delve into contemporary sociopolitical themes like digital protest, machine logic, memory preservation, speculative environments, and glitch aesthetics.

The exhibition is divided into four thematic sections: automation, autonomy, ripples, and glitch. These sections highlight how artists have engaged with non-traditional technological mediums. They aim to innovate and address pressing issues relevant to their time. The works reflect a rich history of Arab artists exploring these mediums.

Mona Khazindar, an advisor at the Ministry of Culture, stated: "This exhibition reflects the rich history of Arab artists who have explored non-traditional technological mediums, driven by an authentic desire to innovate and respond to the pressing issues of their time." She emphasised Saudi Arabia's commitment to celebrating Arab artists' contributions and opening new avenues for innovation in art and technology.

The exhibition examines the evolving relationship between art and technology within the Arab world. It showcases how artists have utilised new media tools such as video, digital imagery, data programming, and sound. These tools are used to tackle issues related to identity, memory, and social transformation.

This event not only highlights artistic talent but also underscores Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to foster innovation in art and technology. By providing a platform for these pioneering contributions, DAF aims to inspire future innovators through a diverse range of artistic expressions.

The collection presents a unique opportunity for visitors to explore how technology influences art in the Arab context. It encourages reflection on how these interactions shape cultural narratives and artistic vocabularies across different sociopolitical landscapes.

With inputs from SPA