Latest news with #SaudiArt
Al Arabiya
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Arabiya
Saudi art is becoming ‘active voice' in global contemporary circles: Lulwa al-Hamoud
Saudi art is not only gaining recognition within contemporary art circles but is also 'becoming an active voice in the evolving dialogue around art and technology,' Saudi artist Lulwa al-Hamoud told Al Arabiya English, as she debuted new work at The Digital Art Mile during this year's prestigious Art Basel in Switzerland. At a time when Saudi Arabia's cultural identity is rapidly evolving, al-Hamoud stands at the forefront of a growing wave of artists who are blending tradition with cutting-edge technology – and finding global resonance. 'Being part of The Digital Art Mile during Art Basel is a meaningful milestone in my artistic journey as a Saudi artist,' she said. 'This moment signifies that Saudi art is not only gaining recognition within contemporary art circles but is also becoming an active voice in the evolving dialogue around art and technology,' she added. The Digital Art Mile, an emerging satellite of Art Basel, is a platform spotlighting artists working at the intersection of digital art, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and poetry. Bridging the ancient and the futuristic At Art Basel, al-Hamoud presented new pieces that continue her exploration of Arabic geometry and coded language. Her work, which is grounded in Islamic art traditions, reflects a philosophy that bridges the ancient and the futuristic, she told Al Arabiya English. 'The Language of Existence series is my life's project – an evolving body of work in which I create new geometric codes for each Arabic letter, based on their numerical values arranged within a mathematical square,' she said. 'The pieces exhibited at Art Basel reflect this evolution – they center around the word 'READ', presented in different ways that cannot be traditionally read, but perhaps deciphered or felt. It's a visual irony that invites viewers to engage beyond language.' This latest body of work also incorporates elements of AI and biotechnology – mediums she described as both a challenge and an opportunity. 'My participation in an exhibition that fuses AI, biotechnology, and digital poetry reflects my ongoing interest in dissolving the boundaries between the machine and the human touch,' she said. 'I generate coded forms digitally, then translate them by hand – printing them onto hand-painted canvases to create works that are unique in both style and texture.' Saudi creatives on the global stage Al-Hamoud is among a new generation of Saudi artists reshaping how the world perceives the Kingdom's creative output – and she sees this evolution as both deeply authentic and internationally significant. 'Saudi art is increasingly becoming an integral part of the international contemporary art scene,' she said. For al-Hamoud, the event represents not just a personal milestone, but a signal of the rising prominence of Saudi creatives on the global stage. She added: 'I'm proud to be among a generation of artists whose work has been collected by major museums, institutions, and auction houses – a recognition that reflects not only individual merit but also the growing global trust in Saudi artistic voices.' 'As my practice embraces multiple mediums, it naturally finds space across diverse platforms – from traditional exhibitions to cutting-edge digital contexts.' Her work continues to reflect a deep engagement with identity and heritage – themes that she believes are resonating strongly today. 'We are living through a remarkable moment – one where we're reconnecting with our heritage in new and awakening ways,' she said. 'Vision 2030 has inspired not only artists but the entire nation to look to the past for inspiration, and to create and innovate with the future in mind.' AI and art When it comes to technology's impact on artistic expression, al-Hamoud said she takes a measured, philosophical stance. 'Spirituality can be expressed through any medium – whether light, music, or digital tools. It's not about the medium itself, but how it's used and the intention behind it,' she said. 'When used with purpose, technology can become a powerful extension of an artist's vision – even a vessel for spiritual expression.' Beyond Art Basel After Art Basel, Al-Hamoud is turning her focus to education and community development through her Art Foundation and its physical center, ISDAR. 'This summer, I'm focusing on developing my Art Foundation, which supports and educates both local and international artists,' she said. 'Through this initiative, I hope to enrich the local art scene by fostering both conceptual exploration and practical development – creating a space for dialogue, experimentation, and growth.'
Arab News
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Saudi pavilion at Expo 2025 highlights nation's culture and artists
OSAKA: The Kingdom's pavilion at Expo 2025 is showcasing contemporary Saudi Arabia artworks tailored for a Japanese audience, which is aimed at promoting cultural ties between the two countries. The artworks are on show within two cultural studios that are also used to host workshops and exhibitions. Since opening in April, the studios have hosted more than 115 events, including exhibitions and live performances, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently. The events in the cultural spaces feature Saudi Arabia artists who showcase the Kingdom's heritage. Saudi Arabia's pavilion at Expo 2025 is the second-largest after Japan. It has registered more than 1 million visits. Expo 2025 Osaka began in April and will conclude in October.
Al Arabiya
23-05-2025
- Al Arabiya
The 'Arts Tower' shines along Riyadh's Sports Boulevard
A prominent landmark along Riyadh's Sports Boulevard encapsulates the future of the city. The colorful 'Arts Tower' includes several different elements, shapes and colors. Saudi artist Abdulnasser Gharem said the purpose of the landmark is to continuously change with the sun, clouds and different angles. The 83.5-meter icon has 691 colored panels to bring the façade to life. Gharem said he was inspired to include so many colors based on the spectrum of colors from older homes. The triangular shape is for people to feel a sense of belonging, and the shape represents a constant presence in Saudi civilization. 'The wind taught me that no project should resist nature but rather learn humility before it. Therefore, the number of slices was not just a technical decision, but a dialogue with the air, with life, with our limits as human beings,' Gharem said.
