#Saudi Arabia #Jeddah #Islamic Arts #Biennale 2025

Overview of the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025

The second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale, aptly titled "And All That Is In Between," has officially opened its doors to the public in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on January 27, 2025. In attendance at the opening ceremony was His Excellency Rakan Bin Ibrahim Al-Touq, Assistant Minister of Culture of Saudi Arabia. This biennale marks a significant milestone as it is the world’s pioneering exhibition solely dedicated to the arts of Islamic civilization, designed not only to reclaim tradition but to highlight its ongoing relevance in contemporary discourse.

Exhibition Highlights

The 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale welcomes contributions from over 30 prominent institutions around the globe. Esteemed participants include the Vatican Apostolic Library from Vatican City, the Louvre Museum in Paris, and London's Victoria and Albert Museum, to name a few. Additionally, collections curated specifically for Islamic arts and cultures will feature prominently. Notable contributors include the Ahmed Baba Institute of Higher Learning and Islamic Research located in Timbuktu, the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, and the Manuscript Institution of Türkiye in Istanbul.

The event cleverly integrates local Saudi institutions, allowing visitors to engage with art representing the holy sites of Makkah and Madinah. The exhibition sprawls across five display halls and outdoor spaces, encompassing an impressive 100,000 square meters and featuring an extensive array of over 500 objects, which are thoughtfully curated to interact with contemporary creations. Among the standout features is the first-ever public display of the Kiswah, the sacred cloth that adorns the Kaaba, outside Makkah.

Artistic Direction and Goals

Under the guidance of Artistic Directors Julian Raby, Amin Jaffer, and Abdul Rahman Azzam, alongside Muhannad Shono, a talented Saudi artist serving as the Curator of Contemporary Art, the biennale endeavors to meld traditional artifacts with modern artistic visions. This juxtaposition aims to delve into the complexities of faith as experienced, expressed, and commemorated through artistic and emotional lenses. It fosters a dialogue about how diverse cultures resonate through creativity and shared heritage, bridging gaps between ancient practices and contemporary life.

A Cultural Hub: Jeddah

The locale of the biennale, Jeddah, serves as an ideal backdrop for the event. Steeped in history, this city has long been a confluence of cultures, reflective of its role as a principal gateway for millions of pilgrims each year who embark on the sacred journeys of Hajj and Umrah from the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport. This exhibition not only showcases art but also encapsulates a sense of pilgrimage through its cultural narratives.

Visitors can explore this enriching exhibition, available to the public until May 25, 2025. It stands as an invaluable opportunity for dialogue, education, and appreciation of Islamic heritage and its contributions to global culture.

As an ongoing initiative that highlights artistic expression across historical and contemporary spectrums, the Islamic Arts Biennale continues to challenge perceptions and provoke thought, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts worldwide. Join this journey to explore the vibrant world of Islamic art, where the past meets the present, and tradition thrives alongside innovation.