Second Islamic Arts Biennale Set To Showcase Contemporary Art And Heritage In January 2025

The Diriyah Biennale Foundation has announced the second Islamic Arts Biennale will commence at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. This event promises a unique blend of ancient Islamic treasures and modern artistic expressions, offering an immersive experience into the rich artistic heritage of Islam.

Visitors can expect to see contributions from over 30 artists, both from Saudi Arabia and internationally. These artworks will be displayed across indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces. Saudi artist Muhannad Shono is leading the curation of contemporary art, with assistance from associate curators Joanna Chevalier and Amina Diab.

The theme for this biennale, "And all that is in between," aims to transcend simple cultural dialogues. It encourages a collective understanding and interpretation through contemporary artworks. Many artists have drawn inspiration from timeless elements such as space, time, and light to engage visitors.

Artistic directors Julian Raby, Amin Jaffer, and Abdul Rahman Azzam have collaborated with Shono to guide artists in creating new pieces that complement historical Islamic artifacts. The artworks are designed to explore ways of preserving culture while reflecting on Saudi Arabia's evolving landscape.

The biennale will feature new art pieces alongside historical artifacts like religious relics, maps, and jewelry. These will be displayed in five indoor exhibition halls and various outdoor areas under the Hajj Terminal's canopy. The concept of the garden in Islamic civilization inspires these works, merging nature with traditional design while addressing contemporary environmental and social issues.

The 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale will be organised into seven sections: AlBidaya (the beginning), AlMadar (the orbit), AlMuqtani (homage), AlMathala (the canopy), Makkah al-Mukarramah, Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, and AlMusalla (the prayer hall). These sections will span various galleries and outdoor areas across 100,000 square meters of exhibition space.

This biennale offers a platform for artists to create pieces that resonate with historical artifacts while fostering dialogue about cultural preservation. By exploring themes like space, time, and light, the event seeks to captivate visitors' imaginations through a journey into Islamic art's past and present.

With inputs from SPA