Saudi Artist Muhannad Shono to Illuminate Desert X 2025
Saudi artist Muhannad Shono will showcase his innovative vision at Desert X 2025 in California's Coachella Valley from March 8 to May 11. The Desert Biennial selected Shono among artists from Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East for this renowned exhibition. His participation underscores Saudi Arabia's rising influence in global contemporary art.
Artists Explore Identity Through Desert Landscapes
Shono's installation, What Remains, merges identity and environment using fabric strips infused with Coachella Valley sand. Wind dynamically reshapes the work, mirroring desert dunes' fluidity. This interplay highlights nature's impermanence and humanity's evolving footprint. Curators Neville Wakefield and Kaitlin Garcia-Maestas praised the piece for bridging cultural narratives with ecological awareness.
'Desert X 2025 challenges myths of untouched wilderness,' Wakefield stated. Artists now confront climate realities, blending time, light, and space into sustainable dialogues. Shono's work aligns with themes of temporality, urging creative solutions for imperiled ecosystems.
Global Artists Unite for Sustainability
The lineup includes Sanford Biggers (USA), Jose Davila (Mexico), and Kapwani Kiwanga (Canada), among others. Each artist reimagines desertscapes through site-specific installations. Saudi Arabia's inclusion reflects Desert X's commitment to diverse perspectives.
Based in Riyadh, Shono gained acclaim for large-scale, material-driven works exploring memory and transformation. His Desert X debut follows exhibitions at Venice Biennale and Diriyah Biennale Foundation. Cultural leaders hail his selection as a milestone for Saudi creative exports.
Event Details and Cultural Impact
Produced by The Desert Biennial, the free exhibition attracts global audiences. Visitors can experience Shono's work near Palm Springs, a hub for art and sustainability debates. Follow Desert X social channels for updates.
Desert X 2025 amplifies urgent climate conversations through art. Shono's participation elevates Saudi Arabia's role in global cultural diplomacy, fostering cross-border dialogue on environmental stewardship.
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