Where Tradition and Technology Collide: Diriyah’s Groundbreaking Exhibition Exploring AI and Creativity
By Islam Salah
The inaugural Diriyah Art Futures exhibition, Art Must Be Artificial: Perspectives of AI in the Visual Arts, runs from November 26, 2024, to February 15, 2025, in Riyadh. This groundbreaking event is the first of its kind in the MENA region, curated by Jérôme Neutres.
Featuring over 30 regional and international artists, the exhibition explores how artificial intelligence and digital tools are reshaping creativity while also connecting modern art to the Islamic world’s historical contributions to mathematics and algorithms.
A Cultural Milestone for Saudi Arabia
The Diriyah Art Futures exhibition positions Saudi Arabia as a rising leader in the world of new media art, making it a crucial destination for anyone interested in the future of creativity.
Set in Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the exhibition is an intersection of cultural depth and cutting-edge technology, reflecting the country’s commitment to embracing innovation while honoring its rich heritage.
A New Era of Art and Technology
This exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the relationship between art and artificial intelligence. AI, algorithms, and digital technologies are not just shaping our daily lives—they are redefining how artists create.
The exhibition highlights how these tools are expanding the boundaries of human expression, making it an exciting moment for the global art scene.
Diriyah Art Futures is also an opportunity to witness a unique dialogue between past pioneers and contemporary artists. As the MENA region leads the charge in tech and innovation, this exhibition ties Saudi Arabia’s modern advancements to the Islamic world’s historic contributions to science, mathematics, and creativity.
Featured Artists
The exhibition celebrates a diverse group of artists, each redefining art through cutting-edge technologies and creative visions. Some of the highlights include:
Refik Anadol (Turkey)
Known for his groundbreaking use of AI and data, Anadol creates mesmerizing digital landscapes that blur the lines between art and technology.
Lulwah Al Homoud (Saudi Arabia)
A leading Saudi artist, Al Homoud combines geometric abstraction and digital installations to explore themes of identity and cultural heritage.
Ryoji Ikeda (Japan)
A master of minimalism and data-driven art, Ikeda’s work transforms raw data into powerful visual and sound experiences that challenge our perception of reality.
VJ Um Amel: Laila Shereen Sakr (Egypt/US)
Sakr’s work merges media, culture, and technology, creating innovative audiovisual pieces that explore the intersections of digital media and society.
Miguel Chevalier (Mexico/France)
A pioneer in virtual and augmented reality art, Chevalier’s installations bring the digital world to life through immersive, interactive experiences.
Beyond the Exhibits
The exhibition offers an immersive experience with a dynamic program of panel discussions, masterclasses, workshops, and performances. You can engage directly with artists and scholars, exploring the cutting-edge technologies shaping today’s art.
A New Era of Art
The Art Must Be Artificial exhibition at Diriyah Art Futures is a bold statement on the future of creativity. By bringing together trailblazing artists from around the world, it positions Saudi Arabia as a global leader in the intersection of art and technology.
With its exceptional blend of innovation and tradition, this exhibition promises to leave a lasting impact on art lovers and tech enthusiasts alike. Don’t miss the chance to witness the future of art firsthand.
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