The Hajj Terminal in Jeddah is set to host the second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale from Jan. 25 to May 25, an event curated by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation that will explore the profound ways in which faith is lived, expressed, and celebrated through emotions, creativity, and thought.
Following the overwhelming success of the inaugural 2023 biennale themed Awwal Bait (First House), this year’s edition, titled And All That Is In-Between, promises to be even more ambitious, drawing together over 30 global institutions from countries such as Saudi Arabia, France, Egypt, Indonesia, the UK, and the US.
The biennale will present more than 500 rare historical artifacts and contemporary artworks, including pieces from the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. These extraordinary works have been loaned by prestigious institutions, including the Louvre in Paris and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
More than 20 renowned artists and collectives from Saudi Arabia and beyond will also showcase new commissions, including a highly anticipated piece by Libyan artist Nour Jaouda.
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Culture, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, who chairs the board of trustees of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, emphasized the transformative role of the arts in his statement to Arab News. He spoke of the biennale’s far-reaching vision, saying, “Building on the remarkable success of the inaugural edition, this second edition arrives with even greater ambition, strengthened partnerships, and a more diverse range of institutions, patrons, and artists from both Saudi Arabia and countries with rich Islamic cultural traditions.”
Aya Al-Bakree, CEO of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the event’s growth under its expert curatorial team and the expanding involvement of world-class institutions and artists. Al-Bakree noted that the biennale aims to “cement its place as a global platform for cultural exchange and a beacon for new research in the field of Islamic arts.”
The curatorial team, led by Julian Raby, Amin Jaffer, and Abdul Rahman Azzam, will feature Saudi artist Muhannad Shono as curator of contemporary art. Among the biennale’s highlights are themes of celestial navigation, Islamic gardens, and an innovative design competition for a new prayer space, with the winning concept being brought to life on-site.
In a significant cross-cultural collaboration, the Vatican Library will participate in the event, presenting a selection of rare works in an exhibition titled The Art of Numbers as part of the biennale’s Al-Madar section.
Archbishop Angelo Vincenzo Zani, archivist and librarian of the Vatican Library, hailed the partnership, stating, “This esteemed collaboration is a tangible opportunity to foster fraternity through universal symbols that serve as powerful tools for understanding and connection, promoting dialogue and cooperation among diverse cultures.”
The prefect of the Vatican Library, the Rev. Don Mauro Mantovani, emphasized the significance of the works on display, describing them as “extremely rare and invaluable.” He added, “From the dawn of civilization, numbers—from their simple contemplation to complex mathematical systems and cutting-edge digital technologies—have been a constant companion to humanity’s story, building bridges between peoples, cultures, and philosophies.”
