Welsh artist William Brooks has been selected as one of the 12 emerging talents for the inaugural Emerging New Media Artists Program launched by Diriyah Art Futures. The year-long initiative aims to support innovation in new media art by providing participants with access to advanced equipment, production funding, global mentorship, and educational opportunities.
The program’s location in Diriyah—a historic and cultural hub in Saudi Arabia—offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity that artists like Brooks find inspiring. Speaking to Arab News, Brooks expressed enthusiasm about immersing himself in a culturally distinct environment far from his homeland. “The prospect of working in a place that is culturally and geographically far removed from my homeland offers a unique experience,” he said. He believes this setting will spark new directions in his art while deepening his exploration of the intersection between technology and culture.
Blending History and Technology
Brooks is a multidisciplinary artist whose work bridges traditional techniques and modern technology. His recent installations have sought to make the invisible aspects of digital communication more tangible. “By making these digital elements visible, I aim to spark reflection on the implications of living in a world increasingly mediated by technology,” he shared. His 2022 piece, Radio Tapestry, exemplifies this approach. The installation used etched zinc plates, copper threads, and a Raspberry Pi computer to translate wireless network data into visual and sonic art, revealing the electromagnetic signals that surround us daily.
Despite the forward-looking themes of his work, Brooks often delves into historical archives for inspiration. He incorporates older media forms and artifacts to critique present-day technological advances, merging historical and futuristic elements in his art. His latest works continue to explore the often-overlooked impact of digital signals on human interactions and identity.
A Platform for Global Collaboration
For Brooks, the opportunity to work alongside a diverse cohort of artists, mentors, and researchers is invaluable. “I believe a crucial aspect of being an artist is being inquisitive. This opportunity affords me the means to draw from a diverse and far-reaching wealth of knowledge,” he explained. The program’s emphasis on collaboration aligns with Brooks’ philosophy of broadening artistic horizons through dialogue and shared expertise.
The Diriyah Art Futures program represents Saudi Arabia’s broader push to position itself as a global leader in fostering artistic innovation, particularly in the rapidly evolving field of new media art. By combining historical richness with cutting-edge technology, the initiative is set to redefine the creative possibilities for emerging artists worldwide.