Monumental Art Displayed in Shade of Egypt's Pyramids

An art installation, "The Shen" by Mert Ege Kose, is displayed near the Giza pyramid complex, in Giza, Egypt, 11 November 2025. (EPA)
An art installation, "The Shen" by Mert Ege Kose, is displayed near the Giza pyramid complex, in Giza, Egypt, 11 November 2025. (EPA)
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Monumental Art Displayed in Shade of Egypt's Pyramids

An art installation, "The Shen" by Mert Ege Kose, is displayed near the Giza pyramid complex, in Giza, Egypt, 11 November 2025. (EPA)
An art installation, "The Shen" by Mert Ege Kose, is displayed near the Giza pyramid complex, in Giza, Egypt, 11 November 2025. (EPA)

Installations by renowned international artists including Italy's Michelangelo Pistoletto and Portugal's Alexandre Farto have been erected in the sand under the great pyramids of Giza outside Cairo.

The fifth edition of the contemporary art exhibition "Forever is Now" is due to run to December 6.

The 92-year-old Pistoletto's most famous work, Il Terzo Paradiso, comprises a three-meter-tall mirrored obelisk and a series of blocks tracing out the mathematical symbol for infinity in the sand.

"We have done more than 2,000 events all around the world, on five continents, in 60 nations," said Francesco Saverio Teruzzi, construction coordinator in Pistoletto's team.

"There is an estimate that it's more or less five million people reached by the message of the Third Paradise."

The Franco-Beninese artist King Houndekpinkou presented "White Totem of Light", a column composed of ceramic fragments recovered from a factory in Cairo.

"It's an incredible opportunity to converse with 4,500 years -- or even more -- of history," he told AFP.

South Korean artist Jongkyu Park used the measurements of the Great Pyramid of Giza to create the geometric structures of his installation "Code of the Eternal".

A thousand small cylindrical acrylic mirrors planted in the sand compose a Morse code poem imagining a dialogue between Tangun, the legendary founder of the first Korean kingdom, and an Egyptian pharaoh.

Farto, better known as Vhils, collected doors in Cairo and elsewhere in the world for a bricolage intended to evoke the archaeological process.

Six other artists, including Turkey's Mert Ege Kose, Lebanon's Nadim Karam, Brazil's Ana Ferrari, Egypt's Salha Al-Masry and the Russian collective "Recycle Group", are also taking part.



20-Year-Olds Gathering in Kimonos for Coming of Age Day Ceremony in Japan

Kimono-clad Japanese young women take pictures after attending a Coming-of-Age Day ceremony in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Japan, 12 January 2026. EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON
Kimono-clad Japanese young women take pictures after attending a Coming-of-Age Day ceremony in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Japan, 12 January 2026. EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON
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20-Year-Olds Gathering in Kimonos for Coming of Age Day Ceremony in Japan

Kimono-clad Japanese young women take pictures after attending a Coming-of-Age Day ceremony in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Japan, 12 January 2026. EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON
Kimono-clad Japanese young women take pictures after attending a Coming-of-Age Day ceremony in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Japan, 12 January 2026. EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON

Young women in brightly colored long-sleeved kimonos and young men in formal suits or traditional hakama and haori gathered Monday at Yokohama Arena to mark Coming-of-Age Day, an annual celebration for those who have turned 20.

The ceremonies, which are a widely observed public rite of passage in Japan, lasted less than an hour. Before and after the events, young adults gathered near the arena entrance, sidewalks and nearby train stations, greeting friends they had not seen for a long time. Smartphones were raised repeatedly as participants took pictures of each other and themselves.

Among the many participants wearing black and navy suits, a large number of young men chose traditional hakama trousers and haori jackets.

Legally, adulthood in Japan now begins at 18, following a revision of the Civil Code in April 2022. Even so, most local governments continue to hold Coming-of-Age ceremonies for 20-year-olds.

Inside Yokohama Arena, participants stood for the national anthem, then sang Yokohama’s city song together. Many then switched on the lights of their mobile phones, illuminating the hall.


Saudi Pavilion at Makkah's Global Village Showcases the Kingdom’s Culture

Saudi Pavilion at Makkah's Global Village Showcases the Kingdom’s Culture
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Saudi Pavilion at Makkah's Global Village Showcases the Kingdom’s Culture

Saudi Pavilion at Makkah's Global Village Showcases the Kingdom’s Culture

The Saudi pavilion at Global Village in Makkah, part of the Makkah winter season, reflects the richness and uniqueness of the Kingdom's culture and heritage.

It features interactive and engaging sections that introduce visitors to the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, including live demonstrations of traditional handicrafts and artwork inspired by the local environment, SPA reported.

The pavilion’s presence at Global Village reflects ongoing efforts to highlight the nation’s cultural heritage, promote its civilizational legacy, and strengthen its cultural presence at major events.


Culinary Arts Commission Joins 17th Klija Festival in Buraidah as Strategic Partner

Culinary Arts Commission Joins 17th Klija Festival in Buraidah as Strategic Partner
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Culinary Arts Commission Joins 17th Klija Festival in Buraidah as Strategic Partner

Culinary Arts Commission Joins 17th Klija Festival in Buraidah as Strategic Partner

The Culinary Arts Commission is participating as a strategic partner in the 17th Klija Festival, held in the city of Buraidah and running until January 17, under the patronage of Qassim Region Governor Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal.

The commission’s involvement comes as part of its strategy to support events and festivals specializing in Saudi culinary arts by highlighting national and regional dishes and showcasing the Kingdom’s culinary and cultural diversity, SPA reported.

The festival features several zones and interactive activities aimed at supporting families working in the cottage industry and local artisans who produce Klija, while introducing visitors to its history and authenticity as a regional dish of Qassim, in addition to offering live demonstrations and unique interactive experiences.

During the festival, the commission is also presenting a selection of books available for viewing and purchase.