The new Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art (SAMoCA) has opened in Diriyah, hosting the International Biennale of Contemporary Art of the South. Under the evocative theme “Imagine: Fantasies, Dreams, Utopia,” this illustrious exhibition in the Temporary Hall will be available to art enthusiasts until December 31, 2023.
The Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art (SAMoCA) officially opened to the public on 1 November. It is the first art and culture destination to open in Diriyah, in a step to establish the site to become one of the Kingdom’s largest contemporary art locations.
In 2019 Saudi Arabia made history as the first Middle Eastern country to host the event – known as “Bienalsur” – at the National Museum in Riyadh. In 2021, Bienalsur returned to Saudi Arabia with installations at Jax District in Riyadh and Khuzam Palace in Jeddah, welcoming over 20 artists from five continents, including five artists from Saudi Arabia.
Showcasing an eclectic mix of visionary pieces from both Saudi and global artists, the exhibition invites the public to explore a realm where fantasy intersects with reality. Admission is complimentary, with tickets available online at the official site.
The event is designed to challenge and expand visitors’ perspectives, merging the familiar with the fantastical. The collection encourages introspection and a fresh appreciation for the transformative power of art. Breaking free from conventional constraints, the exhibition extends into the Jax neighborhood, engaging the local community with stunning, thought-provoking installations.
Part of the current exhibition is also showcased at Fenaa Alawwal’s cultural center in the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh. Titled “Blur the borders”, it displays artworks that are the product of the cross-residencies of six photographers from Saudi Arabia, France and Argentina who engaged in an inspiring cross-cultural dialogue and encounter.
The Temporary Hall at SAMoCA, a cultural jewel in Diriyah, serves as a dynamic venue for a range of artistic endeavors, including triannual art displays and educational workshops.
As the Kingdom’s premier institution for contemporary art and a beacon for creative expression, SAMoCA stands as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering artistic talent and promoting cultural dialogue. The launch of the Temporary Hall in Jax represents a strategic move to support artists and enhance the Kingdom’s cultural vibrancy.
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