Ithra Showcases Significant Art Collection During Inaugural Art Week Riyadh 2025

The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, known as Ithra, has announced its role as an Exhibition Partner at the first Art Week Riyadh. This event, organised by the Ministry of Culture’s Visual Arts Commission, will take place from April 6 to 13, 2025. It will be held at prominent cultural sites in Riyadh, such as JAX District and Al Mousa Center.

Art Week Riyadh aims to celebrate Saudi Arabia's vibrant art scene. It will bring together top local and international galleries, cultural institutions, artists, patrons, collectors, and art enthusiasts. The theme for this event is "At The Edge," highlighting the dynamic nature of contemporary art.

During the event, Ithra will present a curated selection of 15 significant works from its museum collection. This exhibition is titled "Landscape and Memory" and is part of the invited collections exhibition called "Collections in Dialogue." It will be showcased at JAX District from April 6 onwards.

Diverse Artistic Practices

The display spans from the early 1900s to 2022 and showcases a wide range of artistic practices and cultural expressions. Featuring both regional and international artists, it includes sculptures, paintings, and installations that offer a captivating overview of Ithra’s prized art collection.

Exploring Memory Through Art

The exhibition delves into how material memory interacts with transformation and landscapes that shape identity. It questions how history is preserved, reinterpreted, and reimagined through art. Memory is portrayed not only as a mark on the world but also as a dynamic force linking us to the past while opening new possibilities for the future.

Featured Artists and Their Works

Notable works include Saudi Arabian artist Mohammed Alfaraj’s "Fossils of Knowledge" (2022) and Maha Malluh’s "Oil Candies" (2019). American artist Gregory Mahoney contributes with "Sea Land" (1991), "Five Gallons/Five Oceans" (1995), and "End of the World" (1993).

South Korean artist Do Ho Suh’s "Screens" (2005) will also be displayed alongside three photographs by Saudi photographer Moath Aloufi: "The Scene," "I Am the One," and "The Family," all from 2019. Italian master Michelangelo Pistoletto’s "Persone in Comunicazione" (2019) is another highlight.

Lebanese calligraphy artist Joumana Medlej’s piece "Who Am I?" (2015) joins Saudi eclectic artist Sultan bin Fahad’s work titled "Sultan Bin Fahad 1440 AH" (2016). Palestinian sculptor Abdul Rahman Katanani’s "Tornado" (2020) adds to the diverse collection.

Palestinian artist Hazem Harb's series "#3 The Place is Mine" (2019) and Egyptian painter Moataz Nasr’s sculpture "Burning" (2019) are also featured. These works provide insight into Ithra's diverse collection while celebrating contemporary art's vibrancy.

Farah Abushullaih, Head of Museum at Ithra, stated: "Ithra’s participation in Art Week Riyadh is an opportunity to celebrate creative expression and embrace diverse artistic and cultural perspectives. It is an opportunity to share a glimpse of the Ithra Museum and its rich collection of works."

With inputs from SPA