Saudi Arabia stages first ever Biennale for Islamic Art in Jeddah

The inaugural Islamic Arts Biennale is being staged at the Western Hajj Terminal in Jeddah. (AN Photo by Ali Khamaj)
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Updated 26 January 2023
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Saudi Arabia stages first ever Biennale for Islamic Art in Jeddah

  • Artworks by 60 established and emerging artists from Saudi Arabia and around the world have been displayed at the event
  • The idea of Islam is the unifying element at the biennale that continues to connects cultures and people throughout the world

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia witnessed a historic moment with the opening of the inaugural Islamic Arts Biennale, which presented historic and contemporary works of Islamic art from around the world.

On the evening of Jan. 22, the Western Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah was filled with crowds of people waiting in eager anticipation. This was not the usual throng of pilgrims that use the terminal each year to travel to Makkah for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, but one awaiting the beginning of another voyage — a metaphorical one into the realm of Islamic art through the first-ever Islamic Arts Biennale hosted by the Kingdom. 

The crowd gathered under the impressive canopies of the Hajj Terminal, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, which won the 1983 Aga Khan Award for Architecture.

The biennial event, which includes many newly-commissioned and never-before-seen works of art, marked a historic moment not just for Saudi Arabia and the Diriyah Biennale Foundation that staged the event, but for the legacy of Islamic art, which has witnessed hardly any large-scale international exhibitions since the 1976 World of Islam Festival in London.

Jeddah’s inaugural Islamic Arts Biennale celebrates the legacy of Islamic art in a place close to Makkah, the fountainhead and cradle of Islam, while forging a dialogue between the past, present and future through contemporary artworks by 60 established and emerging artists from Saudi Arabia and around the world, and with over 60 new commissions and 280 historical artifacts. 




A woman walks by a display at the Islamic Arts Biennale staged at the Western Hajj Terminal in Jeddah. (AN Photo by Ali Khamaj)

The effect is illuminating, mystical and enlightening in that this biennial, like its theme “Awwal Bait” which means “First House” in Arabic, celebrates the beauty and heritage of Islamic art in the birthplace of Islam.

“The Islamic Biennale, staged in this location at the Western Hajj Terminal, has meaning and anticipation for the future,” Saad Alrashid, a leading Saudi scholar, archaeologist and one of the curators of the event, told Arab News.

“Jeddah is the gate of the Haramain and has a deep history. There is an accumulation of strata of civilization in Saudi Arabia and throughout the ages this area was the crossroads of civilization between East and West and up to the North. Staging the Islamic Biennale here presents to the world the idea of connection between all Muslims and everybody that comes and goes from Saudi Arabia geographically, historically and politically.”

In the same vein, the theme “Awwal Bait” explores how the Holy Kaaba in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah aim to inspire Muslims both culturally and metaphysically to explore their sense of belonging and ponder the definition of home.

“At its core, the Biennale is about giving contemporary objects a home by giving them a lineage and giving historic objects a home by giving them a future,” Sumayya Vally, artistic director of the Biennale, told Arab News. 




Artwork displayed at the Islamic Arts Biennale staged at the Western Hajj Terminal in Jeddah. (AN Photo by Ali Khamaj)

“Seeing the Biennale come to life through the voices and perspectives of our artists has been profound,” she added. “Each of them has boldly and sensitively taken on the opportunity of this platform to contribute to an emerging discourse on Islamic arts that we hope will continue.”

Staging the Islamic Arts Biennale was the result of a global effort. More than 18 local and international institutions, including the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, alongside artifacts loaned by other prestigious international institutions with an interest in Islamic Arts, such as Benaki Museum in Athens, the History of Science Museum at the University of Oxford, the Louvre in Paris and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

The Biennale was curated by a multi-disciplinary group of specialists, including Omniya Abdel Barr, an Egyptian architect and Barakat Trust Fellow at the V&A, and Julian Raby, director emeritus of the National Museum of Asian Art at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC.

“It was challenging to find objects that have survived that were made in Makkah and Madinah,” said Abdel Barr to Arab News. “We searched within collections to see how we could create a conversation between historic objects while also keeping in mind the contemporary context and this was the most interesting part.”

Regionally, the Diriyah Biennale Foundation has secured loans for the exhibition from institutions such as the King Abdulaziz Library, the National Museum, King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies and King Saud University — all in Riyadh — and Makkah’s Museum of Antiquities and Heritage, the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques and Umm Al-Qura University. From the wider region, works have been loaned from the Al-Sabah Collection and Dar Al-Athar Al-Islamiyyah in Kuwait, the Museum of Islamic Art, Cairo, and the Museum of Islamic Art, Doha, among others. 




Man taking a picture of the artwork displayed at the Islamic Arts Biennale staged at the Western Hajj Terminal in Jeddah. (AN Photo by Ali Khamaj)

The viewing experience is mystical, like a pilgrimage in itself. It begins in darkness with American Lebanese artist Joseph Namy’s commission “Cosmic Breath” presenting recorded calls to prayer from countries around the world played together, working as if in unison with the installation across the room by Saudi artist Nora Alissa, titled “Epiphamania: The First Light,” which depicts various black and white shots of pilgrims around the Kaaba shot impressively from beneath her abaya. Nearby is an Islamic astrolabe that is positioned towards Makkah. The trio of works mark the first example in the carefully curated show, demonstrating the dialogue generated from historic and contemporary Islamic works of art.

The structure of the Biennale is divided into four galleries and two pavilions that house artworks regarding daily Islamic rituals and Hajj. These sections intend to evoke both personal and collective emotions about the spiritual life of Muslims around the world. 

Large-scale, newly-commissioned works are found outside around the terminal’s expansive and evocative canopies, amid rays of sunlight and views of Jeddah that periodically include airplanes taking off high into the sky. The works outside communicate with nature and the Aga Khan award-winning architecture of the terminal itself.

Outside are also the pavilions of Makkah and Madinah, which present material from the Two Holy Mosques, Masjid Al-Haram and from the Hujra Al-Sharifa in Madinah. The focus here is on the initial journey that the Prophet Mohammad and his followers took from Makkah to Madinah to escape persecution. The objects on display, once again a mixture of historic and contemporary, shed light on the sense of universal belonging that ensues from the Muslim pilgrimage and journey home afterward.

Surrounding the pavilions are works by artists including Dima Srouji, Shahpour Pouyan, Moath Alofi, Reem Al-Faisal, Alia Farid, and Leen Ajlan. 




Display of Islamic art at the Islamic Arts Biennale staged at the Western Hajj Terminal in Jeddah. (AN Photo by Ali Khamaj)

Of note is Bricklab’s architectural installation “Air Pilgrims Accommodation 1958” inspired by Jeddah’s historic Hajj housing, which Vally describes as a site that “gathered people from all over the world to stay in one place — a place for cultural production and trade.”

“The idea emanating from the works outside is for them to generate invitations for gathering, for discussion and exchange,” Vally told Arab News.

This is reflected in Tanzanian artist Lubna Chowdhary’s “The Endless Iftar” which is a 40-meter-long table inspired by rituals of eating and gathering from around the world during Ramadan.

Also positioned outside is “My Place is the Placeless” by Iranian London-based artist Shahpour Pouyan, presenting three large-scale differently colored architectural domes that represent the three major traces in the artist’s DNA after he took a test that revealed his origins go beyond his native Iran to include Scandinavia, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East.

“It’s about human interconnectedness in an effort to break down ethnic labels and identities,” Pouyan explained to Arab News. 

Like the other works on show, Pouyan’s work reflects not just on Islamic culture but on its universality, its ability to connect beyond the Middle East and offer a unifying force that goes beyond religion, nationality and culture.

As Alrashid states: “Islam is a communication of knowledge and culture.”

He added: “Since the 2030 Vision we sense that we are more welcoming just like the Makkans in the past welcomed visitors during Hajj.

“We are showing the whole world how they can enjoy Islamic art,” he said. “The Biennale is not just an exhibition or something from the past — it continues through culture, through integration with the multiculturalism of Muslims.”

Perhaps the most powerful theme of the exhibition is the idea of Islam and its art across the ages as a physical and metaphorical unifying element that continues to connect diverse cultures and people throughout the world. It is also a way, as Vally stressed to Arab News, “to define what it means to be Muslim from our own perspective, through our own art and culture to the rest of the world and to show how Islam has the power to unite us all, even non-Muslims, through its history, traditions and spiritual practices.”

 

 


Saudi GEA chief named most influential personality of last decade at MENA Effie Awards

Updated 22 November 2024
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Saudi GEA chief named most influential personality of last decade at MENA Effie Awards

  • Turki Alalshikh’s contribution to Kingdom’s entertainment sector honored

RIYADH: The head of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority was named the most influential personality of the last decade at the MENA Effie Awards ceremony in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event, which was held on Thursday as part of this year’s Riyadh Season calendar, honored Turki Alalshikh’s contribution to the Kingdom’s entertainment sector and its emergence as a global hub for world-class events, the SPA added.

Alalshikh thanked Saudi Arabia’s leadership for their support in his acceptance speech, attributing the achievement to the “collaborative efforts of the nation’s people.”

He added that the recognition was a nod to the Kingdom’s growing global stature in the entertainment sector.

The 15th year of the MENA Effie Awards, which were hosted in Saudi Arabia for the first time, celebrated innovation and excellence in the marketing and advertising sectors across the Middle East and North Africa.

This latest accolade followed Alalshikh’s recent distinction as one of the 50 most influential figures in the world of boxing and mixed martial arts, awarded by the British online newspaper The Independent earlier this year.

Under Alalshikh’s leadership, the GEA has transformed the Kingdom’s entertainment sector, with Riyadh Season becoming a flagship event attracting millions of visitors each year.


Gaming community in Saudi Arabia catches them all with Pokemon Go

‘Saudi Arabia is experiencing incredible growth in gaming with more than 67 percent of the population being passionate gamers.’
Updated 22 November 2024
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Gaming community in Saudi Arabia catches them all with Pokemon Go

  • Maan Al-Qurashi, one of the community leaders at Pokemon Go Saudi, told Arab News that the game holds a special place in his heart because he has played different versions for more than 20 years

RIYADH: The official launch of Pokemon Go in Saudi Arabia has brought together a community of gamers who have embraced their inner child while competing and connecting in a world of nostalgic adventure.

Pokemon Go is an augmented reality game that creates an immersive experience of a world where human beings co-exist with colorful creatures with otherworldly superpowers, known as Pokemon.

The game, launched internationally in 2016, uses GPS to track movement and invites players to travel to real-world locations to catch Pokemon and battle with others.

Fans from more than 20 countries around the globe registered at the event. (Supplied)

A local gaming group, “Pokemon Go Saudi,” has created a lively community with members from Riyadh and the Eastern Province who have a shared love of the game.

Maan Al-Qurashi, one of the community leaders at Pokemon Go Saudi, told Arab News that the game holds a special place in his heart because he has played different versions for more than 20 years.

“Pokemon accompanied me in all stages of my life, from childhood to teenager, and still is a part of my daily life after marriage. Hopefully, I will pass down the same passion to my kids.”

HIGHLIGHT

Pokemon Go is an augmented reality game that creates an immersive experience of a world where human beings co-exist with colorful creatures with otherworldly superpowers, known as Pokemon.

Al-Qurashi said Pokemon Go Saudi began with 10 members in 2017, after the international launch of the game.

Today, the community comprises a diverse group of 500 members from all age groups who have made lasting friendships with their Pokemon partners. As a team, they go on adventures, train to improve their skills, and battle in friendly competitions.

‘Saudi Arabia is experiencing incredible growth in gaming with more than 67 percent of the population being passionate gamers.’ (Supplied)

Al-Qurashi said that it is more than a game. It is a community that fosters growth and friendship.

“Multiple in-person activities and relationships have been linked to Pokemon Go. For example, the daily routine is not only going to work and staying with family, it includes playing Pokemon Go even if it’s for a few minutes during the day or an hour or so.”

Last week, more than 5,000 Pokemon Go fans gathered at Boulevard City to celebrate the official launch of the Saudi application. Omar Tellez, vice president at Niantic, said that the event was the largest Pokemon Go event of its kind in the region to date.

Maan AlQurashi, one of the community leaders at Pokemon Go Saudi. (Supplied)

“Seeing the joy of the thousands of attendees, of all ages, has been such a delight. The success of today’s event is a testament to the popularity of Pokemon Go here in the Kingdom. The community has really responded.”

Fans from more than 20 countries around the globe registered at the event.

“It’s been incredible to see them unite to catch some of their favorite Pokemon and enjoy their time together in person. That’s what our game is all about.

Fans from more than 20 countries around the globe registered at the event. (Supplied)

“We have loved seeing their passion and excitement firsthand – whether through cheering on their teams during the PvP battles, or celebrating that iconic button-press moment — or join forces to catch Mewtwo as the legendary Pokemon took over the Boulevard Screens. The atmosphere was truly something special,” Tellez said.

Saudi Arabia is experiencing incredible growth in gaming with more than 67 percent of the population — more than 23.5 million people — being passionate gamers, Tellez said.

“We are excited to welcome many of them into our global trainers community, and we know this event is just the start of our adventure together as we create new experiences and ways for them to connect here in KSA.”

Today, more than 100 million people play Pokemon Go every year in more than 150 countries and regions, making for more than a billion downloads. Trainers have walked more than 8 billion kilometers collectively while playing the game.

 

 


Future cool: Understanding the Saudi national air conditioning replacement scheme

Mwan supervises private sector recycling operations and raw material utilization. (Supplied)
Updated 23 November 2024
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Future cool: Understanding the Saudi national air conditioning replacement scheme

  • Initiative aims to enhance energy efficiency

RIYADH: The National Center for Waste Management, also known as MWAN, in collaboration with the Saudi Energy Efficiency Center, announced on Thursday the launch of the third phase of the Replace initiative to dispose of old window air conditioners nationwide.

This scheme aims to enhance energy efficiency by replacing 250,000 old window air conditioners that do not meet environmental standards and turning them into recyclable materials during a period that extends until the end of December next year.

The initiative builds on the successes of the first and second phases of the scheme — in which 88,000 window air conditioners were recycled, reducing waste and transforming it into reusable raw materials — and aims to achieve the goals of sustainable development and environmental preservation.

The implementation of the initiative in its third phase will be expanded to include all regions of the Kingdom, in cooperation with the private sector, ensuring the continuity of the initiative and maximizing its positive impact.

MWAN plays a key role in supporting efforts and regulating the sector by supervising the private sector in achieving recycling operations and utilizing the resulting raw materials.

This contributes to building a sustainable economy, enhancing sector regulation and increasing the efficiency of using natural resources.

MWAN works through these endeavors to reduce waste production and promote the adoption of the circular economy, in addition to managing waste in a sustainable way.

It focuses on transforming environmental challenges into economic opportunities that reflect its pioneering role.

This is in addition to building effective partnerships with the private sector to ensure the continuity of these efforts and achieve a positive impact on the environment, economy, and society.

 


Saudi Orchestra dazzles audiences in Tokyo

Updated 22 November 2024
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Saudi Orchestra dazzles audiences in Tokyo

  • Hosted with support of Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Saudi minister of culture
  • Concert culminated in collaboration between Saudi Orchestra and Tokyo University of Music Orchestra Academy

TOKYO: The Saudi National Orchestra and Choir gave a finale performance on Friday at the Tokyo Opera City Theater of its “Masterpieces of the Saudi Orchestra” concert, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Tokyo show marked the fifth leg of the Saudi Orchestra’s global run, following critically acclaimed performances in Paris, Mexico City, New York City, and London.

Hosted with the support of Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Saudi minister of culture and chairman of the board of directors of the Saudi Music Authority, the event showcased a blend of the Kingdom’s rich musical heritage and Japan’s renowned musical traditions, SPA added.

The concert featured 100 musicians and performers, and attracted an audience of officials, business leaders, media professionals, and music enthusiasts.

Paul Pacifico, CEO of the Saudi Music Authority, praised the global impact of the Masterpieces of the Saudi Orchestra performances in his address at the event.

He said the concerts had introduced Saudi musical heritage to the world and represented a step toward sharing the Kingdom’s diverse traditions on an international stage.

The evening featured a performance by the Japanese Imperial Orchestra, presenting ancient Japanese court music with a history spanning over 1,300 years. 

The Saudi National Orchestra and Choir also performed an anime medley infused with Saudi musical motifs, followed by a performance of the theme of AlUla, composed by celebrated artist Omar Khairat.

The concert culminated in a collaboration between the Saudi Orchestra and the Tokyo University of Music Orchestra Academy, alongside Japanese artist Hotai.

The Saudi Music Authority said it has plans to continue the tour in new destinations in the coming years.


Lavish and Johara Global collaborate to celebrate Saudi Culture

Natural pigment, gold and gouache on paper by Sarah Mohanna Al Abdali, Sukoon, 2018. (Instagram: johara_global)
Updated 11 min 22 sec ago
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Lavish and Johara Global collaborate to celebrate Saudi Culture

  • Lavish founders Nada Altobaishi and Hala Alsharekh said in a statement: “Lavish Concept Store is more than just a destination for luxury and style; it is a platform where innovation, culture, and creativity thrive

LONDON: Lavish Concept Store and Johara Global on Thursday joined forces to host an event at the Lavish pop-up in The Music Room, Mayfair, London, celebrating the timeless beauty and rich traditions of Saudi culture.

Lavish Concept Store aims to foster creativity and innovation, while Johara Global is a platform to support female leaders and enable them to fulfil their potential.

In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the event offered an immersive cultural experience, spotlighting the heritage and artistry of Saudi Arabia through a blend of fashion, art and cuisine.

A fashion show featuring traditional Saudi costumes showed off the intricate craftsmanship and rich heritage of the region.

Lavish founders Nada Altobaishi and Hala Alsharekh said in a statement: “Lavish Concept Store is more than just a destination for luxury and style; it is a platform where innovation, culture, and creativity thrive.

“We are committed to curating exclusive, high-quality products while showcasing the work of emerging artists and artisans.

“Our vision is to redefine the retail experience by blending timeless elegance with cutting-edge trends, all while championing artistic expression and cultural diversity. At Lavish, we strive to inspire confidence and elevate everyday living through the fusion of luxury, culture, and innovation.”

Katie Partridge, founder and chairwoman of Johara Global, and Intisar Alyamani, CEO of Johara Global said in a statement: “Johara Global was set up with a mission to bridge the east-west gap and foster the leadership of women through our four main pillars. Collaborations like these create a lasting and powerful impact on the community. We are delighted to join forces to achieve this.”