Riyadh Art Week 2025
This April, I had the privilege of traveling back to Riyadh to attend the inaugural edition of Art Week Riyadh, curated under the visionary leadership of Vittoria Matarrese as Artistic Director and Curator, alongside Associate Curators Basma Harasani and Victoria Gandit Lelandais, with Shumon Basar overseeing the Public Program. This art event marked a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia's Art and Cultural evolution.
Themed At The Edge, the week-long event hosted in the heart of JAX District in Diriyah, served as the central hub, hosting over 45 galleries from Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, North Africa, and international participants.
Among the regional and local galleries, Perrotin Gallery and Tabari Artspace from Dubai, and Athr Gallery from Jeddah presented exceptional exhibitions. Perrotin Gallery featured the work of Monira Al Qadiri, a Kuwaiti artist whose thought-provoking pieces explore themes of identity, transformation, and the intersection of culture and technology. Tabari Artspace displayed the striking geometric works of the Saudi artist Lulwah Al Homoud, blending traditional Islamic art with contemporary techniques to offer a fresh perspective on Saudi art. Meanwhile, Athr Gallery from Jeddah showcased Maha Malluh, a Saudi multi-disciplinary artist whose works explore themes of memory, cultural identity, and the blend of tradition and modernity in the Saudi society.
In parallel to the main program, there were some really exciting exhibitions showcasing young and emerging Saudi artists. First up is Passages by Lift Gallery especially caught my attention it offered a beautiful glimpse into the journeys of new talents, exploring both personal narratives and Saudi cultural stories in fresh, contemporary ways. The exhibition featured a strong lineup of artists, including Saudi talents like Dr. Saad Al Howede and Nasser Al Turki and Hmoud Alattawi, whose works reflected deep connections to heritage while also pushing forward new ideas and forms of expression. Their pieces, along with others, curated a thoughtful dialogue between tradition and modernity, making Passages feel very much in tune with the spirit of this year's Art Week theme, At The Edge. The second exhibition that stood out was Shaishai Studio's Annual Salon, which created a lively and open space for artists to experiment and share bold ideas across different mediums. It truly felt like a celebration of fresh creativity and new energy.
There was a lovely mix of works by artists like Alif, ElSeed, and Donia Alshetairy. Each artist brought something different from abstract paintings to experimental sculptures, showing just how exciting and diverse the next generation of Regional and Saudi artists are. What I loved most about the Annual Salon exhibition was how the diversity in artwork mediums and themes encouraged risk-taking and fresh ideas. It wasn’t about perfection; it was about artistic exploration, growth, and pushing creative boundaries.
The third exhibition I really enjoyed was Coollect by Atrum, which brought together a curated selection of artworks infused with design and fine art, blending creativity with functionality in a new artistic lense. Artists like Um Kalthoom Al-Alawi, Dr, Saad Howede, and Amani Ghaith had their works displayed, each offering unique perspectives that complemented art and design. Additionally, it was wonderful to see how different calibers of artists are pushing boundaries and shaping a new, dynamic chapter for Saudi Arabia’s art scene.
Overall, Art Week Riyadh was a meaningful and energizing event within Saudi Arabia’s evolving art scene. Bringing together established, emerging, and young artists, the week became a vibrant hub for creativity, experimentation, and cultural exchange. It was a privilege to experience this alongside the artists and the local art community, and to witness the vision shaping the future of art in the region.
