Saudi Arabia is set to make a resounding mark at the 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia as acclaimed contemporary artist Manal AlDowayan takes the reins, representing the Kingdom at the prestigious event scheduled from April 20 to November 24, 2024. Commissioned by the Ministry of Culture’s Visual Arts Commission, AlDowayan’s selection underscores her standing as one of Saudi Arabia’s most influential artists, renowned for her multi-dimensional explorations of traditions, collective memories, and the nuanced representation of women.
AlDowayan’s artistic journey has been a critical reflection of the evolving cultural and social landscapes in Saudi Arabia. As a witness to the transformative shifts within her homeland, her works seamlessly traverse the intersection of personal narratives and societal evolutions. Themes such as invisibility, active forgetting, and collective memory are woven into the fabric of her creations, resonating with audiences globally.
Known for her participatory installations, AlDowayan’s impactful projects, including ‘Suspended Together’ (2011) and ‘Esmi-My Name’ (2012), have offered platforms for thousands of Saudi women to engage in dialogues surrounding social norms and the position of women in the Kingdom and beyond.
In August 2023, AlDowayan captivated audiences at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York with her performance piece, ‘From Shattered Ruins, New Life Shall Bloom.’ The immersive experience invited participants to navigate a landscape of totems adorned with porcelain rolls, each filled with texts and images depicting narratives that have historically constrained women. In a collective act of protest against oppressive histories, participants dismantled the scrolls, symbolizing the empowerment of women through solidarity and the rejection of historical constraints.
Reflecting on her participation in the Biennale Arte 2024, AlDowayan expressed, “The Biennale Arte 2024 presents a rare opportunity to represent where I stand in my practice, positioned in the context of my community, my country, and the world as a whole.”
Dina Amin, CEO of the Visual Arts Commission, emphasized the commission’s commitment to showcasing Saudi talent on the global stage. “We are proud to be showcasing Manal AlDowayan’s work at the International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, an important international platform for exchange.”
This will mark Saudi Arabia’s fourth participation in the International Art Exhibitions of La Biennale di Venezia, with the Saudi Pavilion unveiling its third showcase of women artists. AlDowayan’s installation will align with the Biennale Arte’s overarching theme, “Stranieri Ovunque – Foreigners Everywhere,” curated by Adriano Pedrosa. The exhibition will be housed at the National Pavilion of Saudi Arabia’s permanent space at the Arsenale, Sale d’Armi, Venice, Italy, from April 20 to November 24, 2024.
As anticipation builds, further details surrounding AlDowayan’s installation are eagerly awaited, promising an immersive experience that will undoubtedly contribute to the rich tapestry of artistic expression at the Biennale Arte 2024. For updates and insights, visit saudipavilion.org.