From August 3 to September 3, 2024, the ultra-chic Promenade du Larvotto in Monaco has been transformed into an open-air gallery showcasing “AlUla: A Tapestry of Creativity.”
This remarkable photography exhibition, organised by Arts AlUla and supported by Monaco’s Cultural Affairs Directorate, highlights the stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of AlUla, a mesmerizing desert region in northwestern Saudi Arabia. The open air exhibition is open to the public and free of charge, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the enchanting landscapes, ancient history, and vibrant culture of AlUla.
A confluence of tradition and modernity
“AlUla: A Tapestry of Creativity” features the works of eight talented photographers from Saudi Arabia and around the world, offering a unique perspective on the region’s archaeological, artistic, and natural treasures. The exhibition aims to showcase the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity in AlUla through diverse artistic expressions and innovative techniques.
The artists’ large-scale photographs capture the vastness of the desert, the intricate details of historical and contemporary architecture, and the daily life of AlUla’s inhabitants.
Participating artists
The exhibition includes the captivating works of the following photo artists:
- Moath Alofi: A multi-talented artist, researcher, and explorer, Moath Alofi is known for capturing cultural artifacts and hidden treasures within the Madinah region. His photographs document the arid landscapes and urban beauty of the greater Madinah region, expanding his artistic exploration to encompass the entire Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- Huda Beydoun: A visual artist based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Huda Beydoun’s career began in 2010. She focuses on painting, mixed media, and photography, establishing herself as a creative director and fashion photographer with a distinctive and influential presence in the local art scene.
- Lance Gerber: A contemporary photographer from Southern California, Lance Gerber specializes in fine art documentation, interior design, architecture, and still-life photography. His work explores the transformative effects of desert landscapes and their influence on personal and artistic discovery.
- Catherine Gfeller: A Franco-Swiss artist renowned for her photography, Catherine Gfeller transforms urban scenes into what she calls ‘Urban Friezes.’ Her fascination with AlUla began during a visit in March 2023, leading her to create works that highlight the convergence towards AlUla and invite dialogue with the spirit of the place.
- M’hammed Kilito: A documentary photographer and National Geographic Explorer based in Casablanca, M’hammed Kilito’s work documents communities in geopolitically sensitive areas. His photographs have been showcased in renowned international festivals and museums, capturing the cultural and natural landscapes of AlUla.
- Prince Michel de Yougoslavie: An experienced photographer, Prince Michel started his photography journey at the age of 16. After a professional career, he returned to photography in his fifties, capturing subjects through a contemplative approach. His works have been exhibited in various international art fairs and galleries.
- Matthieu Paley: A French photographer and regular contributor to National Geographic, Matthieu Paley is known for documenting isolated communities in the greater Himalayan region. His recent work focuses on environmental and pollution-related themes, capturing the cultural heritage of AlUla.
- Robert Polidori: Born in Montreal, Robert Polidori is one of the world’s leading architectural photographers. His meticulously detailed, large-scale color photographs transcend pure architectural photography, capturing a visual citation of both past and present.
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Highlighting AlUla’s cultural richness
AlUla, located 1,100 km from Riyadh, is a region rich in natural and human heritage. The area spans 22,561 km² and includes a lush oasis valley, towering sandstone mountains, and ancient cultural heritage sites dating back thousands of years. The most recognized site in AlUla is Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring more than 100 well-preserved tombs with elaborate facades.
The exhibition also showcases Desert X AlUla, a biennial event that brings international attention to the region’s cultural and natural landscapes. This recurring and temporary open-air art exhibition encourages artists to explore the desert’s unseen aspects, fostering cultural dialogue through art.
A cultural exchange between Monaco and AlUla
“AlUla: A Tapestry of Creativity” not only aims to introduce the captivating beauty and cultural richness of AlUla to an international audience but also to foster a cultural exchange between Monaco and AlUla. By supporting local talent and promoting Saudi art on the global stage, the exhibition contributes to AlUla’s growing international reputation and offers long-term career opportunities for the next generation of artists.
SAFE’s senior editorial staff, visiting the exhibition, noted the apparent enthusiasm of passers-by for the works. One Ukrainian Monegasque resident said that while she had never been to Saudi Arabia, the images stirred considerable interest to travel to the kingdom. Other residents and tourists took the time to take “instagrammable” selfies alongside the AlUla images.
Visitors to the exhibition can learn more about the art and artists through an official brochure available in English, Arabic, and French. The exhibition also features QR codes that provide access to additional information and a digital catalogue.
For those who cannot visit the exhibition in person, a glimpse of the stunning photographs and the stories behind them can be found on SAFE’s Instagram reel and other digital platforms, ensuring that the beauty and heritage of AlUla reach a wider audience.
All photos – copyright 2024 – R. Barnes – SAFE
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Read also: AlUla Desert Blaze 2024: The ultimate endurance challenge in the scorching Arabian desert
