More than Meets the Eye showcases the evolution of the Kingdom’s contemporary art scene
The exhibition looks to re-canonise the history of art in Saudi Arabia.
AlUla Arts Festival is currently underway, boasting an impressive program of events, exhibitions, and creative initiatives. From Desert X in Wadi AlFann to the Ithra Art Prize winner in AlUla Oasis, there’s plenty to keep culture vultures captivated until 2 March.
“More than Meets the Eye” is a contemporary art exhibition aimed at reshaping the narrative of Saudi Arabian art history. The free-to-attend exhibit is on display inside Maraya, the world’s largest mirrored building.
Offering insights into the evolution of the Kingdom’s contemporary art scene, More than Meets the Eye presents paintings, sculptures, photography, installations, and videos spanning the last 25 years. Many of the works are on display publically for the first time, offering a fresh perspective on the region’s artistic landscape.
Curated by Dr. Effat Abdullah Fadag, the exhibition seeks to reframe the evolution of contemporary art movements in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the contributions of artists and collectors to the Kingdom’s burgeoning art scene. Featuring pieces by renowned Saudi artists such as Abdulhalim Radwi, Mohammed Alsaleem, and Mounirah Mously, alongside contemporary figures like Ahmed Mater and Muhannad Shono, the exhibition explores intergenerational connections, influences, and shared narratives across various mediums.
“More than Meets the Eye” celebrates the crucial role of private collectors in nurturing and preserving Saudi Arabia’s contemporary art movement, signalling a significant shift towards institutional collections like the forthcoming contemporary art museum in AlUla. This museum aims to become a central hub in Saudi Arabia’s art collecting ecosystem, collaborating with collectors and curators to further explore and support contemporary art.
The exhibition, divided into seven thematic sections, delves into concepts of homeland, identity, love, and social engagement, inviting viewers to interpret and explore the layered meanings within the artworks. “More than Meets the Eye” features a diverse roster of exhibiting artists, showcasing the breadth and depth of Saudi creativity.
“I am confident that More than Meets the Eye will re-canonise the history of art in Saudi Arabia while also celebrating the collectors that have supported these artists. I hope this exhibition will encourage national and international art communities to explore the depth and breadth of Saudi creativity and cultural output,” said Dr. Effat Abdullah Fadag, Curator.
“More than Meets the Eye” follows in the footsteps of the 2022 exhibition “What Lies Within,” showcasing works from the private collection of Saudi female patron Basma AlSulaiman.
GO: Visit www.experiencealula.com for more information.
