Saudi 2030 to expand art scene in Jeddah, Riyadh
With Saudi Arabia’s new social reform plan the local art scene is blooming with a plethora of cultural initiatives.
A big black feathered animal traverses the space of the Arsenale at the Venice Biennale, the biggest event of the art world, where each country presents the very best of their art scenes.
Called “The Teaching Tree,”,the petrol-colored creature is the artwork that Saudi Arabia has chosen. It’s 260 square meters of woven dried palm leaves dyed black, undulating thanks to a pneumatic machine, giving the impression of breathing.
Saudi artist Muhannad Shono, one of the most active members of the growing Saudi art scene, conceived it as a visual metaphor for the country's socio-political and cultural transformation.
“Escaping from the dark ages” is how many Saudi artists refer to the country's emergence from a period of cultural obscurity. Following a similar strategy to neighbors such as the Emirates, Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is trying to diversify the economy which has been mostly reliant on oil and gas revenues.
