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Bienalsur Opens at Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art at Jax

The Saudi Ministry of Culture inaugurated the third edition of the International Biennial of Contemporary Art of the South – Bienalsur – at Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art at Jax (SAMoCA). (SPA)
The Saudi Ministry of Culture inaugurated the third edition of the International Biennial of Contemporary Art of the South – Bienalsur – at Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art at Jax (SAMoCA). (SPA)
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Bienalsur Opens at Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art at Jax

The Saudi Ministry of Culture inaugurated the third edition of the International Biennial of Contemporary Art of the South – Bienalsur – at Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art at Jax (SAMoCA). (SPA)
The Saudi Ministry of Culture inaugurated the third edition of the International Biennial of Contemporary Art of the South – Bienalsur – at Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art at Jax (SAMoCA). (SPA)

The Saudi Ministry of Culture inaugurated the third edition of the International Biennial of Contemporary Art of the South – Bienalsur – at Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art at Jax (SAMoCA), said a statement from the ministry on Wednesday.

The exhibition, titled “Imagine: Fantasies, Dreams, Utopias”, presents the artworks of 26 renowned artists from Saudi Arabia and the world. Displayed in SAMoCA’s interior as well as external spaces, the exhibition extends its reach to the JAX District with a presence that modifies the perception of space to reveal new and unexpected aspects that shed light on fantasy and creativity.

Part of the exhibition is showcased at Fenaa Alawwal’s cultural center in the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh. Titled “Blur the borders”, it displays artworks that are the product of the cross-residencies of six photographers from Saudi Arabia, France and Argentina who engaged in an inspiring cross-cultural dialogue and encounter.

In 2019 Saudi Arabia made history as the first Middle Eastern country to host the exhibition at the National Museum in Riyadh. In 2021, Bienalsur returned to Saudi Arabia with installations at Jax District in Riyadh and Khuzam Palace in Jeddah, welcoming over 20 artists from five continents, including five artists from Saudi Arabia.

SAMoCA’s hosting of the third edition of Bienalsur reflects its commitment to promote cultural exchange and elevate the local cultural and artistic scene in line with the Ministry of Culture’s mission to promote culture as a way of life.

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Culture

Wooden Doors: Testament to Aseer's Artistic Heritage

Wooden doors are testament to Aseer's artistic heritage. (SPA)
Wooden doors are testament to Aseer's artistic heritage. (SPA)
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Wooden Doors: Testament to Aseer's Artistic Heritage

Wooden doors are testament to Aseer's artistic heritage. (SPA)
Wooden doors are testament to Aseer's artistic heritage. (SPA)

Researchers in architecture consider intricately decorated wooden doors, which have endured for centuries, as prime examples of the exceptional craftsmanship and artistic depth that have characterized the Arabian Peninsula, particularly the Aseer region.
Traditional decorations on wooden doors and windows have been a hallmark of architecture in the Arabian Peninsula since ancient times. These decorative elements have not only served as a reflection of a carpenter's skill, they have also played a significant role in marketing their work.
In an interview with the Saudi Press Agency, Dr. Ali Marzouq, professor of archaeology and Islamic arts at King Khalid University, emphasized the social significance of this art form. He noted that people derive psychological comfort from beautifying their belongings, and the decorative motifs associated with Islamic architecture, such as engravings and writings on doors and windows, became an integral part of building design, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Researcher Dr. Saleh Abu Arad concurred and highlighted the importance of the "door and window industry" as a skilled craft that relies on the use of local wood and the application of various techniques to create doors and windows of different sizes. These structures are often adorned with beautiful engravings and may include metal accents such as handles or rings.
The type of wood used in door and window construction significantly impacts the final product. The talh tree (red acacia), known for its cohesive fibers, is a preferred material for high-quality doors and intricate decorations. Carpenters have excelled in engraving decorations on both external and internal doors, taking advantage of the talh tree's properties.
Internal wooden doors and windows are often decorated by the housewife or with the help of female relatives and neighbors. These decorations incorporate a variety of geometric, botanical, and symbolic motifs, creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests and visitors.
Aseer region has a rich tradition of skilled carpenters who have mastered the art of creating traditional architecture doors and windows. These craftsmen have demonstrated their expertise in incorporating various geometric and botanical motifs into their designs, drawing inspiration from the surrounding natural world. While they avoid using human or animal figures, they skillfully employ plant, geometric, and symbolic elements to create unique decorative compositions.
Researcher Maryam Al-Omari said that popular artists frequently used geometric shapes, such as triangles and diamond shape, in their door designs. These were often combined in various ways, creating intricate patterns.
Due to the creativity and skill involved in carving and engraving wooden doors, they have become symbols of social status.
Marzouq said that the main door holds significant social importance, reflecting the owner's wealth and status. Elaborately decorated doors made from expensive wood are often found in the houses of wealthy villagers, while simpler doors are more common in the houses of ordinary people.
The tradition of decorating doors continues today, with people often renewing the decorations on their doors to celebrate holidays or special occasions.
In coastal Tihama, some people even plant aromatic plants around their main doors, creating a fragrant entrance.
In 2021, the Ministry of Culture recognized the importance of preserving this heritage and republished the works of the late French professor Thierry Mouget whose extensive photographic documentation of southern Saudi Arabia in the 1980s captured the region's architectural style, historical legacy, social life, and customs. His work sheds light on the rich cultural heritage of the Aseer region.