Diriyah Art Futures, the first new media arts hub in the MENA region, has announced its inaugural exhibition titled “Art Must Be Artificial: Perspectives of AI in the Visual Arts.” Developed by the Saudi Ministry of Culture, DAF will host the exhibition from Nov. 26 to Feb. 15, 2025 in Diriyah, Riyadh, introducing the region to the power and potential of new media and digital art.

Curated by the renowned Jérôme Neutres, former director at the Réunion des Musées Nationaux-Grand Palais in Paris, the exhibition brings together more than 30 global and regional artists to explore new forms of creative expression at a critical juncture of technological development. 

“Art Must Be Artificial” will present a sweeping history of computer art, from the 1960s to the present day, featuring works by iconic regional and international artists. The exhibition includes Saudi talents Lulwah Alhomoud, Muhannad Shono, Nasser Alshemimry (DesertFish), and Daniah Al-Saleh, their works spanning geometric abstraction, robotic and audiovisual art, and digital installations, showcasing the innovative spirit of the Kingdom. Notable MENA artists include VJ Um Amel (Laila Shereen Sakr, Egypt/US) and Haythem Zakaria (Tunisia), whose practices explore the intersections of media, culture, and technology.

Internationally acclaimed contributors include Refik Anadol (Turkiye), Ryoji Ikeda (Japan), Miguel Chevalier (Mexico/France), and Yang Yongliang (China), each known for their revolutionary use of AI, data, and digital landscapes. The exhibition also celebrates pioneers such as Frieder Nake (Germany), Vera Molnar (Hungary/France), Harold Cohen (UK), and Manfred Mohr (Germany), who laid the foundations of algorithmic and computational art. Other prominent names include Peter Kogler (Austria), Elias Crespin (Venezuela), Casey Reas (US), Daniel Rozin (US), John Gerrard (Ireland), Leonel Moura (Portugal), and Alan Rath (US), whose practices redefine creativity in the digital age.

Further enriching the exhibition are the collaborative works of Christa Sommerer and Laurent Mignonneau (Austria/France) and Edmond Couchot and Michel Bret (France), alongside experimental artists like aaajiao (Xu Wenkai, China), Anna Ridler (UK), Yining Fei and Chuck Kuan (China/US), Charles Sandison (UK), and Quayola (Italy). Together, these artists offer a comprehensive exploration of computational and robotic art, bridging history, innovation, and regional narratives.

The exhibition’s setting in Saudi Arabia, a country with a young, tech-savvy population, provides a fitting backdrop for this exploration of the evolving relationship between art and technology. With the word “algorithm” originating from the Islamic world, “Art Must Be Artificial” presents an intriguing regional connection, while bridging past, present, and future, to examine how algorithms and AI are transforming the nature of art creation.

Reflecting on his curatorial vision, Neutres said: “This exhibition seeks to explore a profound transformation, where artists are not just creators but architects of a new digital age. By embracing the power of AI and computational technology, contemporary artists are redefining the boundaries of art, opening infinite possibilities for the future. 

“At Diriyah Art Futures, we are presenting a dialogue between past pioneers and today’s visionaries, showcasing how the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is uniquely well-positioned to lead these critical conversations in the global art world,” Neutres added.

In addition to the exhibition, Diriyah Art Futures offers a robust programming schedule that includes panel discussions, masterclasses, hands-on workshops, performances, and guided tours, designed to engage audiences in the dynamic intersection of art and technology. The activities, which feature prominent artists and scholars, provide an immersive experience for those looking to deepen their understanding of new media art. Tickets for both the exhibition and public programs are available through the Diriyah Art Futures website, offering visitors the chance to participate in a range of unique experiences that push the boundaries of art. 

Abdul Latif Jameel collaborated with the Saudi Music Commission as a strategic partner to organize the “Marvels of Saudi Orchestra” concert in Tokyo, Japan. This concert comes as part of an initiative to elevate cultural exchange between the Kingdom and Japan while highlighting Saudi talents on an international platform.

This strategic collaboration reflects Abdul Latif Jameel’s commitment to promoting arts and music, and its continued support for globally-renowned Saudi cultural and creative initiatives. Boosting the Kingdom’s international presence, the collaboration falls under Saudi Vision 2030 and aligns with the objectives of the National Culture Strategy, aimed at highlighting the Kingdom’s cultural identity and enriching international cultural exchange.

This step also underscores Abdul Latif Jameel’s ongoing focus on further showcasing Saudi talents on the global stage. It celebrates the artistic skills and cultural diversity of the Saudi community, which holds high regards for creative arts. The “Marvels of Saudi Orchestra” concert is a major event that contributes to introducing Saudi Arabia’s musical heritage and diversity to international audiences, featuring several international engagements led by talented Saudi artists.

Previously, the “Marvels of Saudi Orchestra” concerts have dazzled audiences in Paris, New York, London and Mexico.

The Jameel family, through its philanthropic arm, boasts an impressive track record of major contributions to the arts and crafts industry, most notably through the Nafisa Shams Academy of Arts and Crafts. This program develops and refines the artistic talents of Saudi women. Managed by Art Jameel, Hayy Jameel in Jeddah is also a leading arts and creative hub in Saudi Arabia that supports art and culture and provides a platform for creativity and innovation. It also offers Saudi artists ample opportunities for self-expression and networking with the global art community.