The Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale's third iteration, dubbed 'In Interludes and Transitions,' launched in Riyadh's JAX District on January 30, 2026, and will continue until May 2 of the same year. This significant cultural event, orchestrated by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, showcases the works of over 65 artists hailing from more than 37 nations, with 25 pieces being specially commissioned for the occasion. The exhibition, guided by co-artistic directors Nora Razian and Sabih Ahmed, features architectural contributions from Sammy Zarka and a distinctive exhibition design by Formafantasma, transforming the former industrial area into a dynamic artistic landscape. This initiative is part of a larger strategy to integrate contemporary art into the region's historical and urban fabric.
Formafantasma's exhibition design masterfully interacts with the industrial environment of the JAX District. Their concept, described as a 'weightless arrangement of color and form,' seamlessly integrates with the existing warehouse structures, utilizing 'floating planes and textile elements' to guide visitors through the space. This approach eschews traditional rigid structures for a fluid, porous experience, highlighting the district's 'rawness and scale' while introducing elements that soften its orthogonal lines. This thoughtful design fosters a continuous flow across the 12,900-square-meter campus, adapting to both indoor and outdoor settings and ensuring that the architecture itself becomes an integral part of the exhibition's narrative, aligning spatial form with curatorial intent through acoustic permeability and varied rhythms.
The Biennale features several compelling installations that delve into the interplay of architecture, materials, and motion. Agustina Woodgate's 'The Source' explores water access and management in Saudi Arabia, drawing inspiration from the Al Ahsa oasis and ancient irrigation systems. The installation critiques contemporary water distribution through visible infrastructure, linking it to the historical and ecological dimensions of the region. Concurrently, Yussef Agbo-Ola's 'AGBA: 8 Stone Cave' presents a sacred architectural sculpture that honors ancestral knowledge and cultural heritage. This newly commissioned work, inspired by Yoruba concepts and Saudi traditions like Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, uses a hybrid design language to create a structure of 'skin' and 'bone' that evokes local landscapes and symbols of movement and transition. George Mahashe's 'Pavilion Prototype III: Camera Obscura #0 Mafadi' reimagines the museum experience by transforming a timber pavilion into an immersive optical chamber. This installation invites visitors to become active participants in a luminous choreography of projected images, reflecting on the cultural and material significance of salt in relation to water, desalination, and ancestral wisdom.
The Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale stands as a testament to the transformative power of art and architecture, weaving together diverse narratives and historical contexts into a cohesive, engaging experience. By repurposing industrial spaces and fostering dialogue between tradition and modernity, the Biennale not only showcases global artistic talent but also enriches Saudi Arabia's cultural landscape, promoting sustainable practices and celebrating the enduring human quest for connection and expression. Through its innovative use of space and thematic depth, the event invites contemplation on critical global issues, reinforcing the vital role of creativity in shaping our understanding of the world.