Latest news with #TuwaiqSculptureSymposium
Arab News
26-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Cheetah, lion and buffalo sculptures unveiled in Riyadh park
RIYADH: Striking animal sculptures were unveiled in Riyadh's Al-Nafal Park in the Diplomatic Quarter in a collaboration between Riyadh Art and Italian artist Davide Rivalta. The installation features depictions of a cheetah, lion, lioness and buffalo, and was created in partnership with the Italian Embassy. Under the theme, Echoes of Land, the sculptures encourage public engagement and contemplation of environmental and cultural heritage. Omar Al-Braik, senior director of public art at the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, said that the collaboration with Rivalta was an 'enriching process.' 'Art has the power to transform public spaces, spark conversations and connect people with their surroundings in ways that are both profound and unexpected,' he said. 'By bringing Rivalta's work to Riyadh, we continue to expand the city's artistic landscape, ensuring that diverse voices and creative perspectives are accessible to all.' This installation also brings attention to conservation efforts, particularly for species such as the cheetah, which once thrived in the Arabian Peninsula. By introducing these sculptures to Riyadh, Rivalta's work serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human development and natural ecosystems. Born in 1974, Davide Rivalta is renowned for his striking, life-sized sculptures of animals, distinguished by their raw, textured surfaces. Rivalta's sculptures have been exhibited in cities across the world, with this latest installation marking his first contribution to Riyadh Art's public art program. Since its launch in 2019, Riyadh Art has installed in excess of 550 public artworks, engaged more than 500 local and international artists, and hosted 6,500 community engagement activities, attracting 9.6 million visitors and spectators. One significant initiative by Riyadh Art is the recent Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium, in which 30 sculptures were created in live sessions, and will be displayed at public spaces around the city. The organization's efforts contribute to Saudi Vision 2030's goal of enhancing culture and creativity in the Kingdom.
Arab News
12-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Tuwaiq International Sculpture Symposium launches in Riyadh
RIYADH: The sixth annual Tuwaiq International Sculpture Symposium began in Riyadh on Wednesday with 30 works of art created during a live sculpting exhibition at Roshn Front last month. Held under the theme 'From Then to Now: Joy in the Struggle of Making,' the event runs until Feb. 24. The annual symposium brings together local and international artists, and includes a series of workshops, educational trips and interactive talks. Organizers have announced that all sculptures created during the event will become part of the permanent collection of Riyadh Art. These sculptures will be placed in prominent public spaces across the city, complementing the 35 sculptures from previous editions of the Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium, which were installed at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center. Among the prominent additions to Riyadh Art's permanent collection are 'LOVE (Red Outside Blue Inside)' by American artist Robert Indiana and 'Janey Waney' by American artist Alexander Calder, both located at the King Abdullah Financial District Metro Station. Additionally, 'Sun' by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone was recently installed at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center. Riyadh Art is dedicated to installing more than 1,000 public artworks throughout the city as part of its efforts to enhance and diversify Riyadh's cultural landscape. The symposium showcases works created at Roshn Front during a live public sculpting phase which took place from Jan. 15-Feb. 8. The event featured artists from a range of backgrounds. Out of more than 750 applications from around the world, 30 artists from 23 countries were selected. The artists represent a wide range of sculptural traditions and contemporary practices, with each piece reflecting this year's theme. Sebastian Betancur-Montoya, curator of the 2025 Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium, said: 'The exhibition is the culmination of weeks of dedication, artistic exchange and craftsmanship. 'These sculptures are not merely temporary installations; they are part of an ongoing cultural dialogue that connects history with modernity, contributing to the development of Riyadh's public art scene.' As part of the public engagement program for the live sculpting phase, which features group discussions, workshops, training sessions and guided tours, the exhibition provides visitors with an opportunity to interact with the artists' creative processes and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of contemporary sculpture. Tuwaiq Sculpture is a key program within the Riyadh Grand Projects, an initiative launched by King Salman in 2019.
