The inaugural event of the first Biennale of Islamic Arts was hosted at the Pilgrims Lounge at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth, in attendance. She was joined by a number of Saudi and foreign intellectuals and artists, as well as H.R.H. Prince Turki Al-Faisal, H.H. Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, the Governor of Jeddah, and the Deputy Minister of Culture, Hamed bin Muhammad Fayez.
The “Awwal Bait” show, organized by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, will be on display from January 23 to April 23, 2023, and it will feature roughly 280 pieces by 40 different artists. It includes objects that have been lent by regional and worldwide organizations, offering exceptional opportunities for research, education, and contemplation on numerous artistic genres.
Al Kaabi said “The inaugural Biennale of Islamic Arts provides a window to celebrate Islamic civilisation and its manifestations represented in arts, architecture, music, and culture, as well as a cultural and creative dialogue that combines sacred sites and Islamic traditions. It provides artists with an opportunity to present their artistic and aesthetic reflection in their creations and communicate with the viewer uniquely.”
“This event embodies an ideal platform to introduce the beauty and uniqueness of Arab and Islamic arts, and a forum for dialogue and exchange of cultures. We are proud of this experience hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is in line with the vision of the UAE in establishing the values of tolerance, love and coexistence,” added Al Kaabi.
This year’s Biennial, “Awwal Bait,” which refers to the Ka’bah in Makkah al-Mukarramah, the holiest site in Islam, offers its visitors two linked sections, internal and external, embodying a state of harmony between the aesthetics of the holy places and the rituals of worship. The word “Awwal Bait ” is Arabic for “First House,” which refers to the Ka’bah in Makkah al-Mukarramah. While the outward installations are more artistic creations that highlight the beauties, uniqueness, and symbolism of the Holy Kaaba, the indoor art shows are centered around Makkah, the geographic centre of the Islamic world. The Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque’s two wings, which house the archaeological highlights from those buildings, are the most significant examples of the many contemporary pieces on show around the city and its ancient sites.
A global group of curators, including co-founder of Counterspace Sumayya Vally and researcher Dr. Omnia Abdulbar from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, are responsible for the biennial. Dr. Saad Al-Rashed, a Saudi archaeologist, also serves as honorary director of the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, D.C.