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Dec 18, 2018 • 7 min read
In Saudi Arabia’s capital city, the art scene is buzzing with a swell of local artists eager to showcase their talents to an expanding public clamoring for more. With a limited number of galleries, exploring the best of Riyadh’s art and culture requires minimal time yet yields substantial rewards.
The work on display provides a deeper understanding of Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage and Islamic traditions while highlighting universal human connections.
Change has firmly taken hold in the Kingdom. Recent government initiatives are encouraging Saudis to honor their history and faith through creative expression, and artisans have responded enthusiastically. On the global stage, Saudi artists are being celebrated, most notably through this year’s exhibits at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC and at the Venice Architecture Biennale. Domestically, the blossoming Saudi artistic scene coincides with the announcement of a new 14-day tourist visa that aims to be issued in conjunction with upcoming entertainment and sporting events. This synergy of art and tourism presents an excellent opportunity for national artists to define and reframe this once cloistered and mysterious kingdom.
Whether you’re a collector, an art enthusiast, or a novice watercolorist seeking inspiration, now is the perfect time to devote a few hours or even a weekend exploring Riyadh’s essential art galleries, which offer something for every taste.
Naila Art Gallery
Located on one of Riyadh’s chicest streets, Naila Art Gallery is one of the biggest and most well-known contemporary art venues in the city. It frequently features work from acclaimed Saudi Arabian artists such as Abdullah Al Marzook, Ahlam Al Shedoukhy, and Shrouq Bnt Fahad, as well as exhibits from regional masters like Syria’s Sabhan Adam. Beyond the bold red door, Naila’s two gallery spaces are arranged with aesthetic precision. High ceilings and a modern interior create a welcoming atmosphere, and visitors are encouraged to drop in. Artist bios and information are presented in both Arabic and English, allowing for easy navigation of the gallery independently, although staff are available to answer any inquiries. Exhibits change every few months, making it an ideal location for seasonal visits. As a leader in Riyadh’s arts community, Naila Art Gallery fosters young artists and nurtures art enthusiasts through various programs, talks, and workshops.
Mono Gallery
Open since February 2018, Mono Gallery is Riyadh’s latest contemporary fine art gallery, showcasing talent from Saudi Arabia and across the Middle East. An homage to modern architectural allure, the three galleries present a diverse array of artistic mediums. Exhibits shift seasonally, featuring artists such as Saudi painter Abdulaziz Al Najam, Emirati watercolorist Abdul Qader Al Rais, and Iraqi master sculptor and painter Sabah Arbilli.
Once a month, the gallery holds a film night spotlighting renowned artists like Monet and Da Vinci. This unique social event, initiated by gallery founder Momen Al Moslimani, aims to foster greater interest in art and art education within the Kingdom. While driven by a passion for art, Moslimani seeks to do more than merely sell paintings; he aspires to promote opportunities for creative expression and enhance public interest in contemporary art. Beyond its exhibits, Mono Gallery organizes seminars, symposiums, and art talks.
Hewar Art Gallery
Situated in one of the city’s most luxurious areas, Hewar Art Gallery feels like a bespoke luxury experience. The gallery is open to the public; however, due to Kingdom Tower’s security protocols, visitors must call the gallery before arrival. Staff will greet you in the lobby and escort you to the 52nd floor. Originally a stunning private residence, this extravagant space was transformed into a public gallery by passionate art collector Shatha Al Tassan, who desires to share her art knowledge and appreciation with others. Upon entering the gallery, visitors are often awed by expansive city views through a wall of windows that bathe the room in natural light, making it one of the most spectacular public spaces in the city.
Hewar hosts solo exhibits featuring Saudi and regional artists. Past shows have included works by Iraqi artist Akeel Abbas Al Awssi, Tunisia’s Nja Mahdaoui, and Saudi artist Hanan Bahamdan. The gallery staff offer refreshments and guided tours of the exhibits. Be sure to ask to see the private collection room that complements the gallery, where a stunning Gustav Klimt-inspired mural dominates the back wall, alongside a plethora of paintings and sculptures.
L’Art Pur Gallery
As one of the largest art showcase spaces in the Middle East, L’Art Pur Gallery is part of the L’Art Pur Foundation, which promotes and supports Saudi artists and creative talent. The three gallery halls regularly host contemporary exhibitions from local and international artists, including art, fashion, and design, while also hosting annual competitions, workshops, and seminars. Highlights of previous shows feature the work of Spanish master Joan Miró, alongside national artists such as Abdullah Hammas, Tarfa Fahad, and Zaman Jassim. The gallery’s state-of-the-art lighting and sound system provide an impressively immersive experience. Within the gallery, a boutique showcases high-quality handmade goods and decor, making it a great spot for special gifts. L’Art Pur Gallery does not maintain a permanent art collection and is open only during exhibitions. Current and upcoming exhibit information is updated on their social media and other communication platforms.
Noqtah Studio
Artist Talal Al Tukhaes, a renowned Saudi sculptor, is also a respected figure in the Riyadh art scene. His works have been commissioned and displayed in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Oman. When he’s not creating new pieces, he curates art shows for various embassies and diplomats or travels through the region to collect and promote work from other artists. With a keen eye for emerging talent in the fine art world, Tukhaes is the go-to figure when seeking Arab art. By appointment only, Tukhaes welcomes collectors and art enthusiasts into his home studio gallery. His work is prominently featured within the studio, alongside a vibrant display by Saudi and regional artists. Tukhaes’ sculptures are primarily crafted from local materials such as marble, obsidian, quartz, and other stones. Although the collection on display is limited due to space constraints, a catalogue of work is available, as well as an extensive contact list for artists within Tukhaes’ creative network for inquiries about additional pieces.
SAMA Creatives Hub
As a creative hub in Riyadh, SAMA Creatives Hub is more than just a gallery space. Beyond its modern glass facade and colorful urban mural, the expansive two-story area features a wide array of paintings available for purchase. For art patrons on a budget, this is the ideal venue to acquire works from up-and-coming local and regional artists. Making art accessible for everyone is integral to SAMA’s mission, which promotes creative expression within the Kingdom and advocates for peaceful coexistence worldwide. In addition to on-site displays, SAMA maintains an extensive collection of paintings and other mediums at an offsite location, available for visitation upon request.
In conjunction with its exhibited works, the ground floor houses a small bookstore offering a variety of adult and children’s art books in both English and Arabic – a rare find in the Kingdom. For hobbyists and artists, there is an essential selection of art supplies including paints, high-quality canvas, and paper. Weekly workshops enable SAMA to support Riyadh’s growing art community, and their educational classes and seminars provide excellent networking opportunities for artists. Particularly encouraging families with children to visit, SAMA offers creative activities and classes that promote artistic exploration.
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