Imagine stepping into a space where ancient artistry meets cutting-edge creativity. That’s the magic of the second Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah! Under the magnificent SOM Hajj Terminal canopy, a breathtaking journey through faith and art awaits. Running until May 25, 2025, this expanded exhibition features over 500 historical artifacts and 29 new commissions—double the content of its first showing. The theme, “And All That Is In Between,” explores faith’s influence on art across centuries, sparking a dialogue between tradition and innovation. Ready to explore?
The Biennale is not merely a static collection of artifacts; it’s an immersive and transformative experience masterfully woven together by OMA’s innovative and site-specific scenography. Led by Partner Iyad Alsaka and Associate Kaveh Dabiri, OMA’s design ingeniously transforms the vast, utilitarian space of the Hajj Terminal into a unified and evocative environment, a sanctuary for art and contemplation. Their abstract forms, reinterpreting archetypal architectural elements found in Islamic art and architecture, create a sense of both grandeur and intimacy, inviting visitors to explore the intricate connections between faith, art, and the built environment. The restrained material palette of white fabric, subtly illuminated with varying colored light, creates a sense of lightness, ephemerality, and translucence, moving gracefully away from conventional, often static museum displays and fostering a contemplative and almost spiritual atmosphere.
Related: Saudi Arabia’s Islamic Arts Biennale Announces 2025 Opening Date
Exploring the Interconnectedness of Faith and Art
The Islamic Arts Biennale is thoughtfully and meticulously organized into seven distinct yet interconnected components, each offering a unique and nuanced perspective on the overarching theme of “And All That Is In Between.” These components, with their evocative and poetic names, guide visitors on a carefully curated journey of discovery, inviting them to explore the rich tapestry of Islamic art and its deep connections to faith, history, and culture:
-
AlBidayah (“The Beginning”): This foundational section is dedicated to exploring the sacred origins of Islamic art and features curved, translucent walls that create an ethereal and almost otherworldly atmosphere. A particularly poignant highlight is the display of the Kiswah—the intricately embroidered and richly symbolic cloth covering the Kaaba—shown in its entirety outside of Makkah for the very first time. This exceptionally rare glimpse into a deeply revered and culturally significant object is juxtaposed with other invaluable artifacts from Makkah and Madinah, as well as contemporary artworks that explore universal themes of creation, divine inspiration, and the search for meaning.
-
AlMadar (“The Orbit”): This section creates a dynamic sense of movement, interconnectedness, and global reach, symbolized by a “forest” of 37 abstract rectangular columns made of translucent textiles, illuminated from within. These glowing, almost luminous structures represent the diverse and far-reaching contributions of over 30 esteemed institutions across more than 20 countries, showcasing the truly global reach and enduring influence of Islamic art, culture, and ideas.
-
AlMuqtani (“Homage”): A cleverly designed bowtie-shaped layout divides this gallery into two symmetrical triangles, each showcasing a distinct and carefully curated collection within elegantly pleated walls and meticulously crafted vitrines. This design creates a sense of balance, harmony, and visual interest, emphasizing the importance of preservation, respect for artistic heritage, and the careful stewardship of cultural treasures.
-
AlMidhallah (“The Canopy”): This section seamlessly and beautifully integrates site-specific artworks on the theme of gardens in Islamic cultures with the existing plantings in the outdoor space, blurring the traditional lines between art and nature and creating a harmonious dialogue between the built and natural environments. This section offers a tranquil and contemplative environment, reflecting the profound importance of gardens as spaces of peace, reflection, and spiritual renewal in Islamic tradition.
-
AlMukarramah & AlMunawwarah (“The Honored” & “The Illuminated”): These two pavilions, imbued with deep spiritual significance, are dedicated to Makkah and Madinah, the two holiest cities in Islam. They showcase a rich and diverse collection of historical items, rare photographs and films, contemporary art installations, and exquisite gold-embroidered textiles, offering visitors a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the profound spiritual significance of these sacred cities and their central role in the Islamic faith and practice.
-
AlMusalla: This dedicated space for prayer and gathering serves as the very heart of the Biennale, emphasizing the central and indispensable role of faith in Islamic art and culture. It’s a place for quiet reflection, personal contemplation, and communal connection, powerfully reinforcing the Biennale’s overarching theme of “And All That Is In Between” and highlighting the intersection of art, spirituality, and human experience.
Contemporary Art Commissions and Historical Masterpieces
The Islamic Arts Biennale is not simply a historical exhibition showcasing artifacts of the past; it’s a vibrant and dynamic platform for contemporary artists to engage with Islamic traditions, explore new forms of artistic expression, and push the boundaries of creativity. The 29 newly commissioned contemporary artworks, more than double the number featured in the first edition, eloquently demonstrate the dynamism, evolution, and enduring relevance of Islamic art in the 21st century. These works, created by talented artists from around the world, respond to the Biennale’s thought-provoking theme in diverse and often unexpected ways, creating a fascinating and engaging dialogue between the past and the present, tradition and innovation. They challenge conventional notions of what constitutes Islamic art, pushing creative boundaries, exploring new mediums and techniques, and offering fresh perspectives on timeless themes.
This strong focus on contemporary art ensures that the Biennale remains relevant, accessible, and engaging for a modern and diverse audience, fostering a deeper appreciation for the rich diversity, creativity, and artistic expression within the Islamic world. The historical objects on display, ranging from ancient and illuminated manuscripts and intricately designed ceramics to exquisitely woven textiles and beautifully preserved architectural fragments, offer a captivating glimpse into the rich, complex, and multifaceted artistic heritage of the Islamic world across continents and centuries.
These masterpieces, created by skilled and often anonymous Muslim craftsmen and artists over generations, showcase the exceptional skill, artistry, and ingenuity of those who came before, highlighting the enduring and often underappreciated influence of Islamic art on global culture, aesthetics, and design. The careful and thoughtful juxtaposition of these historical treasures with the newly commissioned contemporary artworks creates a compelling and often moving dialogue across time, demonstrating the continuity, evolution, and adaptation of artistic traditions within the Islamic world and highlighting the ongoing conversation between the past and the present.
Shaping a Global Platform for Islamic Art and Cultural Exchange
The esteemed curatorial team, led by Artistic Directors Julian Raby, Amin Jaffer, and Abdul Rahman Azzam, with Muhannad Shono serving as the Curator of Contemporary Art, has assembled a truly remarkable and diverse collection of artworks that reflects the impressive breadth, depth, and complexity of Islamic artistic expression across various mediums, periods, and geographic regions. Their shared vision for the Biennale is to create a dynamic and globally recognized platform for dialogue, exchange, and cross-cultural understanding, fostering a deeper appreciation of Islamic art, culture, and civilization among diverse audiences.
By showcasing both historical masterpieces and cutting-edge contemporary works, they aim to bridge cultures, connect people through the universal language of art, and promote a more nuanced and informed understanding of the Islamic world. The Biennale’s strategic location in Jeddah, a historic gateway to the Hajj pilgrimage, a bustling hub for trade and commerce, and a vibrant center for culture and innovation, further enhances its international significance and accessibility.
The city’s cosmopolitan character, its rich Islamic heritage, and its growing importance as a cultural destination make it an ideal setting for this prestigious international event. The inspired use of the SOM’s Hajj Terminal canopy, a striking and architecturally significant landmark, adds another layer of meaning and symbolism to the Biennale, connecting it to powerful themes of pilgrimage, global gathering, human interconnectedness, and the universal search for meaning.
OMA’s Architectural Vision – Creating a Space for Contemplation and Cultural Dialogue
OMA’s scenography is not simply a neutral backdrop or a container for the artworks; it’s an integral and essential part of the overall Biennale experience, shaping the visitor’s journey and enhancing their engagement with the art on display. Their thoughtful and innovative design creates a seamless sense of flow and movement, subtly guiding visitors through the exhibition in a way that encourages contemplation, reflection, and a deeper connection with the art, the architecture, and the surrounding environment. The strategic use of light, shadow, and translucent materials creates a dynamic, ever-changing, and often breathtaking environment, enhancing the beauty, impact, and emotional resonance of the artworks and creating a truly memorable experience.
The abstract architectural forms, while contemporary and forward-looking, are subtly inspired by traditional Islamic architecture, creating a sense of both familiarity and discovery, connection and innovation. This interplay between the traditional and the contemporary reinforces the Biennale’s core themes and creates a powerful sense of place. OMA’s previous work on the first edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale in 2023 laid the groundwork for this year’s even more ambitious and impressive exhibition, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to supporting and showcasing Islamic art and culture.
Their extensive and internationally recognized portfolio in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, including prominent projects like the Qatar National Library and Concrete at Alserkal Avenue in Dubai, showcases their deep understanding of the region’s unique cultural context, architectural traditions, and artistic sensibilities. Their proven expertise in creating innovative, engaging, and transformative spaces has been instrumental in making the Islamic Arts Biennale a truly world-class event, attracting visitors from across the globe and solidifying its position as a leading platform for contemporary and historical Islamic art.
Bridging Cultures and Fostering Understanding
The Islamic Arts Biennale is far more than just a traditional art exhibition; it’s a vibrant and multifaceted celebration of Islamic art and culture in all its remarkable diversity, richness, and complexity. It serves as a vital platform for artists, scholars, curators, and visitors from around the world to come together, engage in meaningful dialogue, exchange ideas, and explore the evolving role of art in shaping our understanding of faith, history, identity, and the interconnectedness of human experience.
By showcasing both historically significant masterpieces and groundbreaking contemporary works, the Biennale effectively bridges culture connects people through the universal and often transcendent language of art, and fosters greater cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. It’s an open invitation to explore the intricate and often profound interconnectedness of faith and artistic expression, to discover the breathtaking beauty and intellectual complexity of Islamic art across centuries and continents, and to reflect on the enduring power of art to inspire, to challenge our assumptions, and to transform both individuals and societies.
The second Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah is a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of Islamic art, its continuing relevance in the 21st century, and its remarkable capacity to connect people across cultures and generations. It is an essential must-see event for anyone interested in art, architecture, culture, history, spirituality, and the dynamic intersection of faith and human creativity. It’s a place where tradition meets innovation, where the past informs the present, and where art serves as a bridge to a more understanding and interconnected future.
The Biennale’s Impact: Beyond the Exhibition Walls
The impact of the Islamic Arts Biennale extends far beyond the physical confines of the exhibition walls. It has the potential to stimulate cultural tourism, contribute to the development of the local art scene in Jeddah and Saudi Arabia, and foster a greater appreciation for Islamic art and culture both regionally and globally. The Biennale also provides a platform for emerging artists to showcase their work, connect with established artists and curators, and gain international recognition. This support for contemporary art is vital for the continued growth and evolution of the Islamic art scene.
Furthermore, the Biennale serves as an important educational resource, offering visitors the opportunity to learn about the rich history and diverse traditions of Islamic art. Through guided tours, educational programs, and interactive displays, the Biennale makes Islamic art accessible and engaging for people of all ages and backgrounds. This educational component is crucial for promoting cultural understanding and challenging stereotypes.
A Catalyst for Cultural Exchange and Dialogue
The Islamic Arts Biennale acts as a powerful catalyst for cultural exchange and dialogue, bringing together artists, scholars, curators, and visitors from around the world. It provides a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Islamic art and culture. By showcasing the work of both established and emerging artists, the Biennale promotes innovation and creativity, contributing to the ongoing evolution of Islamic artistic expression.
The Biennale also serves as a valuable resource for researchers and scholars, providing access to a wealth of historical artifacts and contemporary artworks. This research can contribute to a deeper understanding of Islamic art history, its cultural context, and its influence on global art and design.
The Islamic Arts Biennale is more than an exhibition; it’s an investment in the future of Islamic art. Showcasing 500+ historical masterpieces alongside 29 new contemporary commissions, it explores faith’s influence on artistic expression across centuries. By supporting artists and fostering dialogue, the Biennale ensures Islamic art’s evolution for generations. Its impact will continue beyond its May 25, 2025, close, inspiring artists, educating audiences, and building global understanding. Explore the Biennale online (link) and plan your visit (link) to join this important cultural conversation.
How Tech and Trade Are Transforming Uzbekistan-Malaysia Agricultural Ties
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.