Diriyah Art Futures has inaugurated its much-anticipated exhibition, Art Must Be Artificial: Perspectives of AI in the Visual Arts. Running until February 15, 2025, this event marks a bold step into the intersection of art and technology, solidifying Saudi Arabia’s position as a hub for innovative cultural dialogue.
The exhibition, curated by renowned French curator Jerome Neutres, explores the evolution of computer art from the 1960s to the present. Featuring over 30 international and Saudi artists, it highlights diverse perspectives on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the creative landscape.
Among the contributors are celebrated Saudi artists Lulwah Al-Homoud, Muhannad Shono, and Nasser Al-Shemimry, alongside global pioneers like Germany’s Frieder Nake, Hungary-born Vera Molnar, Turkish innovator Refik Anadol, and Japan’s Ryoji Ikeda. Their works reflect the blending of historical influences with cutting-edge digital artistry.
Haytham Nawar, the director of Diriyah Art Futures, commented:
“By placing works from different geographic regions, eras and mediums alongside one another, we aim to introduce the region to the immense power of new media art, while shining a light on its remarkable depth and potential.”
Nawar also noted the cultural resonance of the exhibit, referencing the term “algorithm,” which originates from the Islamic world. He remarked that this theme is particularly relevant to Saudi Arabia, where a youthful and tech-savvy population is driving significant societal change.
Alongside the exhibition, Diriyah Art Futures has introduced the Emerging New Media Artists Programme in collaboration with France’s Le Fresnoy – Studio National des Arts Contemporains. This year-long initiative provides mentorship, funding, and advanced tools to cultivate groundbreaking works by promising artists.
Complementing this, the Mazra’ah Media Art Residency will launch in February, inviting seasoned artists and scholars to create projects that explore the dynamic interplay between technology, nature, and society.
Mona Khazindar, adviser to the Ministry of Culture, underscored the hub’s role in fostering inclusivity and dialogue. She stated:
“DAF embodies Saudi Arabia’s commitment to facilitating cultural exchange and international collaboration, while creating opportunities for shared learning, innovation and mutual understanding.”
The launch aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s objectives to elevate cultural innovation and global partnerships, placing Saudi Arabia at the forefront of the creative economy.