Museums Commission Organises 4th BIENALSUR At Saudi Arabia Museum Of Contemporary Art In Diriyah

The Museums Commission is hosting the fourth International Contemporary Art Biennial of the South – BIENALSUR at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art (SAMoCA) in JAX District, Diriyah. The event, running from October 15, aims to enhance cultural exchange through art and creativity. This edition commemorates a decade since BIENALSUR began in Buenos Aires, now extending to over 70 cities globally.

The exhibition, titled "LET’S PLAY: A Labyrinth of Options," offers an interactive experience inspired by play and Julio Cortázar's novel Hopscotch. It encourages audiences to engage in a visual dialogue that explores life and imagination through contemporary art. The event showcases both local and international artists, highlighting BIENALSUR's cross-border nature.

BIENALSUR has become one of the most geographically expansive and culturally diverse biennials worldwide. It highlights local artistic practices alongside prominent global artworks. This approach reflects its commitment to fostering cultural exchange and shared creativity across borders.

The exhibition features notable Saudi artists such as Nasser Al Turki, Arwa Alneami, Rex Chouk, and Dur Kattan. Internationally acclaimed artists include Carlos Amorales from Mexico, Christian Boltanski from France, Robbie Cooper from the UK, and many others from various countries.

Among the international artists are Dias & Riedweg (Mauricio Dias from Brazil and Walter Riedweg from Switzerland), Félix González-Torres (US/Cuba), Glenda León (Cuba), Marcelino Melo (Brazil), Marta Minujín (Argentina), Vik Muniz (Brazil), Michelangelo Pistoletto (Italy), Liliana Porter (Argentina), Tansy Xiao (China), Erwin Wurm (Austria), and Aimée Zito Lema (Netherlands).

The Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art is the first contemporary art museum in Saudi Arabia under the Museums Commission. It serves as a dynamic platform for both local and international artists to connect and grow. This initiative shapes the future of contemporary art within Saudi Arabia and beyond.

Commitment to Artistic Growth

This exhibition underscores the Museums Commission’s dedication to advancing contemporary cultural practices. By making art accessible to everyone, it aims to cultivate a vibrant cultural landscape that evolves continuously. The commission's efforts contribute significantly to shaping a thriving artistic community.

The event not only celebrates ten years of BIENALSUR but also reinforces Saudi Arabia's role in promoting global artistic dialogue. Through this biennial, SAMoCA continues to be a hub for creative exchange, fostering connections between artists worldwide.

With inputs from SPA