JEDDAH: Bringing together a combination of light and color with stimulating artworks and live performances, Raibal Events and Silent Echo staged a “Luminarium” event in Jeddah over the past 10 days. Supported by the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), the event was held between Jan. 10-20 and attracted thousands of visitors.
The luminarium tour involved a spectacular walk through a monumental inflatable sculpture of color and light. Visitors removed their shoes before entering an airlock and explored the installation. The light and shimmering colors inside the inflatable sculpture created a sense of wonderment for explorers of all ages.
The luminarium was designed by Alan Parkinson in the early 1980s in Nottingham, UK, but the idea came into existence in 1992. Inspired by natural forms and geometric solids, the luminarium is a maze of winding paths and dome structures where the visitors lose themselves in sensory bliss.
Visitors were seen sitting and lying back while enjoying the ambience in the cocooning, pod-like structure. Bandr Al-Meeman, founder of Silent Echo, said: “The scale of the structure is impressive even before anyone steps through the airlock and, once inside, it will mesmerize them. A truly unmissable experience of light and color as it plays with the senses.”
Explaining more about the experience, he said that it was created to support the special needs community, especially those who have autism. He added that since 1992, it has been set up in five continents and more than 40 countries where more than three million guests visited the attraction.
Moreover, describing the structure, he added, “The luminarium’s pneumatic environment provides a utopian vessel to contain light’s radiant brilliance and through cavernous domes visitors move in a medium of saturated color, in a world apart from the normal and everyday routine.
“It took us two months to construct the 1000sqm luminarium dome-like structure that consists of three colors and one tree,” he said.
Nasser Al-Nasseri, executive projects director of Raibal Events, said: “It was a nice opportunity to work with Silent Echo, a Switzerland-based company, and spread the idea of luminarium that is light and color in the Saudi and Middle-Eastern culture. However, having the luminarium tour alone was not enough, so we decided to expand the event by adding four other activities to the main activity.”
“We brought more entertaining activities related to the event theme — that is light and color — while focusing on all ages, both kids and adults, who have a passion for arts and entertainment,” he added.
Four different zones consisting of a kids’ color experience, show and performances, art stations and a color adventure zone were added to the event.
“This unique event bears testament to Saudi Arabia’s engaging and creative evolution, presenting to audiences a diversity of entertaining activities and experiences that underpin the Kingdom’s position as an entertainment hub,” Al-Nasseri said.
Speaking to Arab News, he explained that the entire production was built in-house using recycled materials. LED lights were made with the help of empty boxes that were initially containers used in factories to store liquids and chemicals.
The creative juices really seemed to be flowing in every corner of the event. The art station that had different workshops, 3D-modeling and art works was enthralling. The color maze presented an innovative way for visitors to have fun while they threw color powder at each other while finding their way out of the maze.
The art station zone was organized by Ninetyd, a local creative platform. At the event, they brought together more than 14 creative individuals — artists, designers, 3D artists, digital artists and animators — to present their work.
Mona Balhemar, CEO of Ninetyd, said, “Ninetyd basically runs a creative project called Passionures. The main theme of this project is to make creativity a living and bring opportunity for creatives and artists. The main aim for us to take part in luminarium was as it’s all about colors and arts, we decided to do interactive booths with the help of artists registered in our platform and help them display their work.”
Hazzan Felemban and Wijdan Al-Ghalbi, both pottery makers, displayed their products. As did Amal Abdullah who specializes in digital-art coffee mugs and cups and is founder of the Miss Coffee brand. “It was a unique experience to do live art on mugs and cups. People had a chance to understand and appreciate this kind of art,” Abdullah told Arab News.
Hind Bataweel, founder of Colorfly, said “Our space at luminarium was more like a healing space. People came to vent and express themselves freely with paints. Expression varies from one person to another, so it’s more likely a free self-expression. Our participation in luminarium was more about adult adventure so they could express themselves with color using their hands and feet. However, kids came along too to express themselves, paint without brushes, splash colors on the walls, which expressed freedom.
“The concept of painting and getting creative while expressing their feelings turned out to be one of the main attractions during the event as people sometimes want to feel creative because it is such healing process,” Bataweel added.
Visitors came in groups of friends, with colleagues, as couples and some people even came by themselves to make new friends. Live performances by musical bands and a live radio station organized by Mixed FM made it an exciting few days to remember.
Luminarium event captivates Jeddah audiences with light and color
Luminarium event captivates Jeddah audiences with light and color
Dutch artist Vincent Ruijter’s exploration of heritage and ethnicity on show at Noor Riyadh
RIYADH: Dutch artist Vincent Ruijters explores themes of identity and self at the ongoing Noor Riyadh, the annual Saudi festival of light and art. The festival runs until Dec. 14.
At this year’s edition, Ruijters digs deeper into hybrid cultures through the interplay of light, shadow and fabric. “This is telling my own story from a very personal way. But by doing that, hopefully connecting to all kinds of people,” Ruijters told Arab News.
Set in a studio in the Jax District, one of the three main festival hubs, “Selintas Selalu” is a kinetic installation: a steel-based structure stands at the center of the space where strips of red fabric hang off vein-like rods. A light is suspended in the center while steel light structures with sharp metal spikes frame the surrounding walls.
The work came about after three months’ research in Indonesia, where the work was created. While he was born and is based in the Netherlands, Ruijters’ mother is a seventh-generation Indonesian, with family roots going back to China.
These multi-ethnic groups, referred to as Peranakan, demonstrate a fusion between Chinese and Indonesian culture. “They have their own arts, colors, patterns, music, and their own culture,” he said.
The Betawi people, native to Jakarta and its outskirts, blend cultures including native Indonesian, Arab, Chinese and Portuguese.
“Actually, a lot of Chinese and Asians immigrated after the independence of Indonesia after the Second World War because the colony was over. So, they went to the Netherlands and America, and then they had children like me, but those children do not know about their ancestors,” Ruijters said.
Taking ownership of his own difficult history, he decided to research the topic not just for himself but also “for my other generations of Chinese Indonesians living in the Netherlands, younger people, to show them: this is your heritage,” he said.
The mix of cultures is realized in the motifs: the sun-shaped lamps on the periphery which are reminiscent of kembang kelapa decorations, the petal shapes at the structure’s base that are popular in Javanese batik dyeing techniques, and the red fabric, which is made in collaboration by Chinese and Indonesian craftsman with a special red color, associated with the Peranakan culture. This fabric was specially made in a batik house for this project.
“To make big installations, it’s never one person,” Ruijters said. “So, I was always trying to emphasize this as part of a team. I worked with an Indonesian electronic engineer, with a Dutch electronic engineer, with the batik workshop house for the fabric … I’m more like a guide to the creative process,” he said.
The artwork branches out from the light in the center, a symbol of Ruijters’ ancestors. As time progresses, the lamp moves forward, symbolically straying from those strong roots of the past, toward the twiggier branches at the forefront, leading us to the present.
Shadowplay is an important element, because it preserves Indonesian culture through shadows as a means of accessing an inner world. “You can feel your ancestry; you can feel the past shivering and whispering to you. And this is similar, I think, to the guiding light that is the constellation of the theme … I think shadow is a beautiful way of expressing that, because you cannot touch it. It's there, but it’s also not,” he said.
Art under the stars: Noor Riyadh returns to dazzle Kingdom’s capital
- Fleet of drones illuminates Saudi capital for Noor Riyadh
- 18 Saudi, 43 international talents present light artworks themed ‘Light Years Apart’
RIYADH: The courtyards of the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in central Riyadh came alive on Tuesday evening with the launch of the Noor Riyadh Festival, attended by creatives from around the world.
London-based artist collective United Visual Artists transformed the night sky into a living canvas with a preview of their drone show “Aether.”
Featuring 1,500 drones, the seven-minute performance explored the silent harmony of the stars and planets.
Noor Riyadh Festival, a key initiative of the Riyadh Art, is being held under the theme “Light Years Apart” and will continue until Dec. 14.
This year, the festival will feature artworks by over 60 artists across three hubs: King Abdulaziz Historical Center, Wadi Hanifa, and Jax district.
Architect Khalid Al-Hazani, director of the Riyadh Art Program, said Noor Riyadh is designed to transform the city into an open-air art exhibition.
Festival director Nouf Al-Moneef told Arab News: “What’s great about these three is the connection between art, heritage, culture, nature — and also contemporary creativity in Jax.
“The most important thing in Noor Riyadh is accessibility for people. Noor Riyadh is under the umbrella of Riyadh Art, whose mission is to transform the city into a gallery without walls. Wherever you go and whatever locations or hubs that you go to, you find these spectacular art pieces.”
The festival aims to enhance the quality of life in the Kingdom’s capital and contribute to fostering creativity and presenting art to the community, he added.
It serves as a platform for artistic and cultural exchange in line with Riyadh Art’s objective to nurture local talent and boost the cultural economy of the capital.
In addition to 18 Saudi artists, 43 international artists are representing countries including Australia, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Turkiye, the UK, the UAE, and the US.
Speaking about the theme, Al-Moneef said that “Light Years Apart” is inspired by the connection between the Earth and the sky, praising the curatorial team who came up with the idea.
The festival invites citizens, residents, and visitors to explore the city and to celebrate the deep connection between heritage and creativity.
Mohammed Al-Bahri, an Omani journalist, said what caught his attention the most during the opening ceremony was the stunning harmony between the lights and music, which created a unique and immersive sensory experience for the viewers.
In recent years, the Kingdom has witnessed cultural and artistic development, which has contributed to enhancing its position on the global art scene, he added.
“I expect that interest in artistic creativity will continue to grow in the future, especially with the increasing government support for arts and culture, as well as the growing awareness of the importance of art in people’s lives,” Al-Bahri said.
“Art will thus become an integral part of the social fabric. Moreover, the younger generation is more open and has a deeper appreciation for the arts, signaling a bright future for artistic creativity in the Kingdom,” he said.
Munirah Abdulrazaq, a Bahraini beautician, said: “The Noor Riyadh Festival is a remarkable celebration of light and art, transforming Riyadh into a luminous canvas that bridges the gap between tradition and modernity.
“The fusion of creativity, technology, and heritage enhances the cultural landscape and positions Saudi Arabia as a burgeoning hub for contemporary and public art. By celebrating local and global artists, the festival fosters a deep appreciation for artistic expression and cultural dialogue, highlighting the Kingdom’s dedication to nurturing creativity and inspiring future generations.”
Diriyah Art Futures opens doors with tech-savvy exhibit
- Exhibition features works by more than 30 international and regional artists exploring the history of computer art from the 1960s to the present day
- Director of Diriyah Art Futures Haytham Nawar: The art hub is transforming Saudi Arabia into a global center of exchange and discourse in these emergent fields
RIYADH: Diriyah Art Futures, a new media arts hub in the region, has opened its doors with its inaugural exhibition, “Art Must Be Artificial: Perspectives of AI in the Visual Arts,” running until Feb. 15.
Curated by Jerome Neutres, former director at the Reunion des Musees Nationaux-Grand Palais in Paris, the exhibition features works by more than 30 international and regional artists exploring the history of computer art from the 1960s to the present day.
Haytham Nawar, director of Diriyah Art Futures, told Arab News that the art hub is “transforming Saudi Arabia into a global center of exchange and discourse in these emergent fields.”
The exhibit includes pieces by Saudi artists Lulwah Al-Homoud, Muhannad Shono and Nasser Al-Shemimry, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning contributions to new media and digital art.
International artists include Frieder Nake (Germany), Vera Molnar (Hungary/France) alongside contemporary innovators like Refik Anadol (Turkiye) and Ryoji Ikeda (Japan).
“By placing works from different geographic regions, eras and mediums alongside one another, we aim to introduce the region to the immense power of new media art, while shining a light on its remarkable depth and potential,” said Nawar.
He added that the exhibition brings “a much-needed regional perspective to the conversation, allowing the works to be experienced, understood and perceived in new ways.”
Speaking about new media art explorations in the Saudi context, the hub director added: “Interestingly, with the word ‘algorithm’ originating from the Islamic world, the exhibition invites viewers to reflect on the relevance of these themes to Saudi Arabia, a country with a very young and technologically literate population, currently experiencing a dramatic transformation.”
Alongside its opening, the hub is also launching the Emerging New Media Artists Programme, developed in collaboration with Le Fresnoy — Studio National des Arts Contemporains in France.
The initiative will last one year, equipping emerging artists with advanced equipment, mentorship and funding to create innovative multidisciplinary works.
Nawar says Diriyah Art Futures selected a group of emerging artists from diverse backgrounds, hailing from across the world and representing a broad range of mediums.
“We wanted to work with artists whose work already stands out, but would benefit from a one-year program, under the mentorship of world-class artists.”
In addition, the hub has announced the Mazra’ah Media Art Residency, which will run from February to April next year. This three-month program invites established artists and scholars to engage with its resources to create works reflecting on the relationship between nature, technology and society.
Mona Khazindar, adviser to the Ministry of Culture, said that the hub is creating “a space for diverse perspectives and creative expressions to meet, converse and flourish — breaking down barriers and demonstrating the power of art to connect humanity.”
“DAF embodies Saudi Arabia’s commitment to facilitating cultural exchange and international collaboration, while creating opportunities for shared learning, innovation and mutual understanding,” Khazinder added. “Through our embrace of these principles, we aim to not only celebrate regional heritage, but also contribute to the global conversation about the role of culture in shaping a more connected and creative future.”
Developed by the Saudi Museums Commission in partnership with Diriyah Co., Diriyah Art Futures contributes to the global new media and digital art landscape by integrating regional voices and pioneering practices in art, technology and innovation.
The launch of Diriyah Art Futures aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s commitment to advancing innovation, driving global collaboration and positioning the country as a leader in the global creative economy.
Saudi Culture Ministry selects 20 research proposals for camel studies grant
- Grant targets researchers interested in camel-related studies, with a focus on boosting cultural research output
- Out of 405 applications from 15 countries, the ministry chose 20 research proposals that met the necessary criteria
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture has completed the assessment and selection process for the camel studies grant, introduced last June in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, as well as King Faisal University.
This grant targets researchers interested in camel-related studies, with a focus on boosting cultural research output in areas connected to cultural, social and economic aspects through scientific exploration across diverse specialized fields within the camel sector.
Out of 405 applications from 15 countries, the ministry chose 20 research proposals that met the necessary criteria, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The selected researchers will receive financial and scientific assistance throughout their work, which will lead to the publication of scientific papers.
The grant is part of activities carried out under the “2024, The Year of the Camel” initiative, which coincides with the UN General Assembly declaring 2024 as the International Year of Camelids.
The grant aims to encourage the study of the camel as a cultural symbol of Saudi Arabia, preserve national cultural heritage, highlight the intangible heritage linked to camels in Saudi Arabia, strengthen national identity, and promote Saudi culture internationally.
The grant covers six key areas: Historical, cultural, social, economic, environmental, and health dimensions. The objective is to examine relevant subjects with modern concepts, theories and methodologies.
The historical dimension includes studies comparing the importance of camels across civilizations, analyzing camel-related traditions, and exploring methods to preserve this heritage.
The cultural dimension focuses on the artistic and literary representation of camels in Arabic and Saudi literature, children’s books and various artistic media, including visual arts, cinema, engravings and sculptures.
The social dimension explores the role of camels in Arab and Islamic societies, including their social impact, traditions linked to ownership, and the influence of camel events on local and global communities.
The economic dimension examines the financial contributions of camels, including the use of camel wool and leather in fashion and furniture, the sustainability of camel products, and the financial impact of camel festivals.
The environmental dimension covers research on sustainable grazing practices, carbon emissions and camels’ role in maintaining ecological balance in arid regions.
The health dimension focuses on the medical applications of camel products, technologies for measuring camel meat quality, and the preservation of camel breeds through genetic mapping.
Global Harmony event concludes with celebration of Egyptian culture in Riyadh
- Saudi Arabia and Egypt continue to strengthen their political relationship through agreements in trade, tourism, energy and culture
RIYADH: The Global Harmony initiative concludes its week-long celebration of Egyptian music, art and tradition in Suwaidi Park as part of Riyadh Season.
Running from Nov. 24-30 and organized by the Ministry of Media, the event invites visitors to experience Egypt’s rich heritage through a range of cultural activities.
Speaking to Arab News, Egyptian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Tarek El-Meligy highlighted the deep-rooted connection between the two nations. “The Egyptian community is the most harmonious, coexistent and understanding in a positive way within Saudi society,” he said.
“If you ask any Egyptian which country they would like to live in after Egypt, they will say Saudi Arabia.”
Sarry Shaaban, an executive and consultant at the General Entertainment Authority, said: “We are talking about millions of visitors, both residents and Saudis, entering the park. Whether I’m a resident, a Saudi or from a country hosting the event, it provides an opportunity for residents to learn about your culture, colors, explore its arts, food, crafts, and traditional industries.”
Live music and dance performances displaying Egypt’s cultural traditions, with the rhythm of drums and flutes and performers in traditional costumes, have brought the life and spirit of Cairo’s streets to Riyadh.
A separate bazaar area has been set up featuring Egyptian cuisine, traditional clothing and handcrafted items.
“An event like this carries positive messages and highlights something we strive to emphasize every day, that we are one people, united by love and affection,” said El-Meligy.
Egyptian Sameh Nabil emphasized the feel of unity: “This initiative brought us closer together as Egyptians, and with Saudis here, I feel like we are brothers. I always feel like we are not expatriates.”
And visitor Khaled Zahir said: “This event reflects the love, connection and affection between Egyptians living in the Kingdom and Saudis.”
Egyptians make up 11 percent of Saudi Arabia’s population, according to the Saudi Census, meaning such exhibitions are important in promoting mutual respect and harmony.
El-Meligy said Saudi Arabia hosted the largest Egyptian expatriate community abroad, with remittances from those in the Kingdom forming a significant part of their home nation’s income.
“In recent months, remittances from Egyptians abroad have increased substantially, thanks to the facilities between the two countries and the confidence in both the Saudi and Egyptian economies,” he added.
Saudi Arabia and Egypt continue to strengthen their political relationship through agreements in trade, tourism, energy and culture. In his October visit to Cairo, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to discuss investment opportunities and the establishment of a supreme coordination council to deepen bilateral relations.
Trade between Saudi Arabia and Egypt saw a 35.16 percent annual increase in the first half of 2024, according to the General Authority of Statistics. The increase was driven by a 73.44 percent surge in Saudi imports from Egypt, totaling $4.18 billion.
Egypt has also shown a growing interest in investing in Saudi Arabia, with a 71 percent rise in licenses granted to Egyptian firms in the second quarter of 2024.
The festival, which began in October, highlights the lives, contributions and cultural integration of its residents. So far, it has celebrated cultures including Indian heritage and moving through Philippine, Indonesian, Pakistani, Yemeni, Sudanese, Bangladeshi, Jordanian, Lebanese and Syrian traditions.
