Noor Riyadh Exhibition In Venice Showcases Saudi Art And Cultural Exchange

The Noor Riyadh festival is bringing a new art exhibition to Venice from October 19 to November 23. This event aims to introduce international audiences to the creative essence of Noor Riyadh 2025, the world's largest festival dedicated to light art. The exhibition, themed "In the Blink of an Eye," is organized with Italy's Fondazione Querini Stampalia and highlights Riyadh's cultural transformation.

The exhibition, curated by Mami Kataoka alongside Sarah Al-Mutlaq and Li Zhenhua, presents a cohesive artistic vision. It explores human experience, transformation, and light, creating a visual and emotional connection between Riyadh and Venice. This collaboration underscores Riyadh's emerging role as a regional and global arts hub.

Four artists whose works will feature in Noor Riyadh 2025 are part of this exhibition. Among them is artist Kim Eung-won, who showcases the Riyadh Metro Project. This project serves as both an urban landmark and a public art gallery where contemporary artworks are integrated into station designs.

Wang Yuyang offers a dynamic interpretation of Riyadh’s rapid technological and urban growth. His work symbolizes the city's luminous modern identity. Meanwhile, Saudi artist Abdulrahman Al Shahed contributes a calligraphic piece that links Riyadh and Venice, representing historical dialogue between Arab and European cultures.

The exhibition also pays tribute to Safeya Binzagr (1940–2024), a pioneer of modern Saudi art. Her influential contributions are introduced to Italian audiences, highlighting her legacy in the art world. This initiative forms part of the broader mission of the Riyadh Art Program.

Hosted in the architecturally renowned halls of Fondazione Querini Stampalia, designed by Carlo Scarpa, the exhibition creates a dialogue between classical Italian architecture and contemporary Saudi creativity. This setting enhances the visual impact of the artworks on display.

Cultural Exchange

This initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030's goals by positioning Riyadh as a global center for cultural exchange. It aims to strengthen Saudi art's international presence while advancing urban growth through culture and arts as vital components of the creative economy.

The exhibition not only showcases artistic talent but also reflects Riyadh's evolving cultural landscape. By bridging different cultures through art, it fosters understanding and appreciation among diverse audiences worldwide.

With inputs from SPA