An Art Exhibition titled “The Writings of Today Are a Promise for Tomorrow” has opened at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art, spotlighting the cultural similarities between Chinese and Arab traditions. Hosted by the Museums Commission of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, the exhibition showcases over 30 artists’ work, emphasizing shared elements such as calligraphy and the concept of the garden.
Curated by Martina Koppel Yang, the exhibition explores how both Arab and Chinese cultures elevate calligraphy beyond a mere means of communication, viewing it as a spiritual and cultural practice. Additionally, gardens in both cultures are seen as spaces of contemplation and beauty, deeply connected to the natural and spiritual world.
Ibrahim Al-Sanousi, acting CEO of the Museums Commission, explained the significance of the museum as a space for rotating exhibitions. “We aim to integrate contemporary art into everyday life,” he stated. He also highlighted that this exhibition marks the beginning of a series of collaborations with different countries, fostering international dialogue. “This exhibition, focused on Chinese artists, is the beginning of a series of collaborations with countries worldwide, aimed at fostering cross-cultural dialogue and international exchange,” Al-Sanousi added.
Several featured artists spoke about their work and its connection to both cultures. Dexi Tian discussed how he incorporates elements of Saudi culture into his creations by reusing discarded objects found during his explorations of the city and desert. “I reassemble these objects into new creations that reflect this culture,” Tian noted.
Wang Du, a Chinese artist residing in France, explained the concept behind his sculpture, which is made from crumpled newspapers.
“It symbolizes how we consume news and information in our modern world,” he said. Wang emphasized the fleeting nature of news consumption, reflecting on how quickly we discard information after consuming it. “This piece serves as a monument to that short-lived nature of news,” he explained.
The exhibition delves into the intersection between calligraphy and the natural world, with gardens symbolizing creation and community in both cultures. The event also offers a forward-looking perspective, highlighting the synergy between past traditions and future possibilities.
The scenography, designed by Studio GGSV, enhances the visitor experience by guiding them through stages that reflect various themes, such as presence and absence, memory and imagination. Alongside works from the Donnersberg Collection and the Dslcollection, the exhibition also features site-specific pieces created in Saudi Arabia.
Notable artists such as French-Algerian Adel Abdessemed and Taiwanese Michael Lin are exhibiting in Saudi Arabia for the first time, further enriching the cultural dialogue presented in the exhibition.
Running until January 18, 2025, the exhibition offers a glimpse into the ongoing evolution of contemporary art, bridging cultural gaps and laying the groundwork for future artistic exchanges.
