Al-Sharq Newspaper published an extensive report on the third edition of the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale, organized by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation under the theme "In the Flow and the Journey" in JAX District, Diriyah. The Biennale draws its themes from the depths of human history related to movement, migrations, and the cultural bridges that connected the Arabian Peninsula to the world over centuries.
This edition is held over an area of 12,900 square meters and features 29 newly commissioned artworks, the highest number in the Biennale's history to date. The Foundation's Director of Artistic Evaluation, Wijdan Reda, confirmed that this edition "is distinguished by its unprecedented geographical and creative expansion, extending for the first time to encompass the entire JAX Creative District," noting that the space used this year is more than double that of the previous two editions.
The theme "In the Flow and the Journey" reflects a philosophical question rooted in the Arab consciousness: What shapes a person's identity when they are in a constant state of movement? Participating artists evoke this question through various media, including installations, video, sculpture, performance art, and expanded outdoor works. The theme has particularly allowed Saudi artists an opportunity to reflect on the history of the tribe, the journey, and commercial exchange as part of the Kingdom's deep identity.
The Biennale offers an accompanying cultural program including workshops, dialogues, and artistic meetings, aiming to provide an integrated visitor experience for local and global audiences that blends artistic contemplation with creative dialogue. In its broader context, the exhibition serves as a cornerstone in the development of Diriyah as a global cultural destination and in establishing the Kingdom, under Vision 2030, as a center for contemporary creativity.
The Biennale operates under the supervision of a multinational leadership team of international curators, led by Maan Abu Taleb, Mai Makki, Kapwani Kiwanga, and Lantian Xie, alongside architect Sami Zarqa who handles spatial design. This makes this edition a true meeting point for intersecting artistic visions from Asia, Africa, Europe, America, and the heart of the Arabian Peninsula all at once.