Diriyah Art Futures Opens Its Doors with Groundbreaking Exhibition on AI in Visual Arts

RIYADH: Diriyah Art Futures, the new media arts hub in Saudi Arabia, has officially launched with its inaugural exhibition, “Art Must Be Artificial: Perspectives of AI in the Visual Arts,” which will run until February 15, 2024. The exhibition marks a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s bid to position itself as a global center for the exchange of ideas in the rapidly evolving fields of digital and new media art.

Curated by Jerome Neutres, the former director of the Reunion des Musees Nationaux-Grand Palais in Paris, the exhibition features works by over 30 international and regional artists, with a focus on the intersection of computer art and artificial intelligence. The show spans a period from the 1960s to the present day, providing a comprehensive overview of the historical evolution and future possibilities of AI in the visual arts.

Exhibition Highlights: A Global and Regional Exploration

The exhibition includes works by notable Saudi artists such as Lulwah Al-Homoud, Muhannad Shono, and Nasser Al-Shemimry, highlighting the Kingdom’s growing contributions to the field of digital art. These pieces are joined by works from internationally renowned artists like Frieder Nake from Germany, Vera Molnar (Hungary/France), Refik Anadol (Turkey), and Ryoji Ikeda (Japan), among others.

According to Haytham Nawar, director of Diriyah Art Futures, the aim of the exhibition is to introduce audiences in the region to the vast potential of new media art while emphasizing its depth and diverse practices. “By placing works from different geographic regions, eras, and mediums alongside each other, we aim to showcase the power of new media art while highlighting its relevance to our rapidly transforming society,” said Nawar.

Bringing a Regional Perspective to Global Conversations

Nawar further highlighted the unique significance of the exhibition within the Saudi context. The word “algorithm,” which is central to AI and computer programming, originates from the Islamic world, making the theme of the exhibition especially relevant in Saudi Arabia. The country, with its young and technologically literate population, is undergoing a dramatic transformation, making this exhibition a timely reflection on the intersection of technology, culture, and creativity.

The exhibition invites viewers to consider how the region’s rich heritage in mathematics, astronomy, and engineering is deeply connected to the global conversation about the role of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in shaping the future of art.

Emerging New Media Artists Programme and Residency Launches

In addition to the exhibition, Diriyah Art Futures is launching several initiatives aimed at fostering innovation in new media art. One of the key initiatives is the Emerging New Media Artists Programme, developed in collaboration with Le Fresnoy — Studio National des Arts Contemporains in France. The program will last one year and offer emerging artists advanced equipment, mentorship, and funding to create groundbreaking, multidisciplinary works.

“We have selected a group of emerging artists from diverse backgrounds whose work already stands out but would benefit from further mentorship,” Nawar explained. “Our goal is to provide them with the tools and support they need to push the boundaries of creative expression in new media.”

Additionally, Diriyah Art Futures has announced the Mazra’ah Media Art Residency, a three-month program running from February to April 2024. This residency invites established artists and scholars to engage with the hub’s resources and create works exploring the relationship between nature, technology, and society.

Cultural Exchange and Innovation: A Vision for the Future

Mona Khazindar, adviser to the Ministry of Culture, praised Diriyah Art Futures for its role in creating a space where diverse perspectives and creative expressions can thrive. “The hub is breaking down barriers and demonstrating the power of art to connect humanity,” she said. “By facilitating cultural exchange and international collaboration, Diriyah Art Futures is contributing to the global conversation on the role of culture in shaping a more connected and creative future.”

Diriyah Art Futures was developed by the Saudi Museums Commission in partnership with Diriyah Co. The hub is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to position itself as a leader in the global creative economy, in alignment with Vision 2030’s emphasis on innovation, cultural development, and international collaboration.

With its commitment to integrating regional voices and pioneering practices in the fields of art, technology, and innovation, Diriyah Art Futures is poised to be a key player in the global new media art scene, fostering an environment where creativity can flourish and contribute to shaping the future of art and culture in the digital age.