Running from 24 February until 24 May 2025, Art of the Kingdom presents works by 17 prominent Saudi artists from different generations, regions and artistic practices. From paintings to installations and video works, the artworks on display shed light on Saudi Arabia’s rich history, collective memory, and cultural traditions. Commissioned by the Museums Commission, part of the Saudi Ministry of Culture, and curated by art critic and curator Diana Wechsler, Art of the Kingdom debuted at the historic Paço Imperial in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in November 2024, where it attracted 26,000 visitors. Following the Riyadh edition, the exhibition will be presented later this year at the Shanghai National Museum in China, marking the 25th-year anniversary of the establishment of Saudi-Chinese diplomatic relations.
Structured around two themes— the desert and cultural tradition— Art of the Kingdom presents an exploration of Saudi Arabia’s evolving visual culture, weaving the history of the region into an artistic narrative shaped by present-day questions and experiences. The desert, a symbol of space, infinity, and life, serves as both a physical and imaginative backdrop, with artists considering its materiality, atmosphere and metaphysical climate to reflect on identity, ecology and the environment.
The singularity of Saudi cultural tradition, enriched and shaped by diverse histories and influences, is also depicted throughout the exhibition, speaking to contemporary views on the influence of the creative industries in society, particularly cinema. Together, these cultural threads present a richly layered and multifaceted image of Saudi Arabia today, offering viewers an opportunity to engage with its past, present, and future through the lens of contemporary art.
A stellar lineup of the country’s most prominent and high-profile artists take part in the exhibition including Muhannad Shono (1977, Saudi Arabia) Lina Gazzaz (1979, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia), Manal AlDowayan (1973, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia), Ayman Zedani (1984, Saudi Arabia), Moath Alofi (1984, Medina, Saudi Arabia), Ahmed Mater (1979, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia), Ahaad Alamoudi, (1991, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia), Shadia Alem (1960, Mecca, Saudi Arabia), Faisal Samra (1956, Saudi Arabia), Ayman Yossri Daydban (1966, Ramallah, Palestine; lives in Jeddah), Daniah Al Saleh (1970, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), Filwa Nazer (1972, Swansea, UK), Sarah Brahim (1992, Saudi Arabia), Ahmad Angawi (1981, Mecca, Saudi Arabia), Nasser Al Salem (1984, Mecca, Saudi Arabia), Basmah Felemban, and Fatma Abdulhadi (1988, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia). The Riyadh edition will feature newly commissioned site-specific works for SAMoCA@Jax, and significant works from the Ministry of Culture’s contemporary art collection.
Diana Wechsler, curator, said: “Curating this exhibition has been an immensely enriching experience. The diverse voices represented in Art of the Kingdom reflect the vibrancy and dynamism of Saudi Arabia’s artistic and cultural scene, creating opportunities for both local creative communities and international audiences to engage in a global dialogue on cultural identity through the lens of contemporary art. I hope this exhibition provides viewers with a meaningful journey of discovery”.
Mona Khazindar, Advisor to the Ministry of Culture, said: “The Saudi Museums Commission is proud to present Art of the Kingdom at SAMoCA@Jax, an exhibition showcasing Saudi Arabia’s dynamic artistic landscape, where tradition meets innovation. We are thrilled to celebrate Saudi creative practices in this way, and invite audiences, both locally and internationally, to explore our history and culture through contemporary art.”
As Saudi Arabia undergoes significant cultural transformation, this exhibition showcases the diversity and ambition of contemporary Saudi artists, all actively forging new cultural narratives on the world stage.
About the Saudi Museums Commission
The Museums Commission is the leader of the Kingdom’s museums sector, preserving and promoting the nation’s rich heritage, history and culture for generations to come, while nurturing the creative scene and fostering new forms of artistic expression in Saudi Arabia. The Commission develops and strengthens the museum ecosystem by establishing and operating museums in line with international best practices, offering an engaging museum experience, and developing career opportunities in the sector. The museums established by the Commission are inspiring destinations, offering a compelling learning and educational journey, driving cultural and social engagement, and attracting local audiences as well as domestic and international tourists.
Find the Museums Commission on social media: X @MOCMuseums | Instagram @museums_moc | LinkedIn: Museums Commission.
About the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art at Jax
The Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art (SAMoCA@Jax) was inaugurated by the Museums Commission in 2023, contributing to the nation’s cultural renaissance under Vision 2030. SAMoCA@Jax serves as a vibrant platform for local and international artists to exchange, connect, and grow, shaping the future of contemporary art in the Kingdom and beyond.
Find SAMoCA on social media: X @SAMOCAmoc | Instagram @samocamoc
