Diriyah Biennial 2026: “On Solution and Travel” Explores Movement and Transformation in Contemporary Art
Table of Contents
The Diriyah Biennial for Contemporary Art will return from January 30 to May 2, 2026, with its third session, titled “On Solution and Travel.” This iteration promises a compelling exploration of movement, migration, and the transformative power of cultural exchange, showcasing the work of 68 artists from over 37 countries.
A UNESCO-Framed Artistic Landscape
The biennial will unfold within the Jax Creative District in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, a location deliberately chosen for its proximity to the historic Al-Turaif neighborhood – a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. This setting underscores the event’s thematic focus on the historical connections between the Arabian Peninsula and the wider world.
Artistic Vision and Curatorial Leadership
Noura Razian and Sabih Ahmed will serve as artistic directors for the 2026 session. Their vision centers on the ways in which movements and migrations have shaped collective memory, history, and cultural expression – encompassing everything from vocabulary and songs to stories and rhythms. “The biennial invites the public to engage in an artistic experience, and to interact with the works and ideas presented that deal with a world characterized by movement and constant change,” explained the artistic directors.
A Diverse Roster of International Artists
The 2026 Diriyah Biennial will feature over 25 newly commissioned artworks, alongside pieces from a diverse group of artists including Basita Abad, Etel Adnan, Muhammad Al-Hamdan (Hamdan), and Guadalupe Maravilla. The full list of participating artists demonstrates a commitment to global representation and artistic innovation.
Experiential Design and Scenography
Visitors can anticipate a unique and immersive experience, thanks to the scenography created by the Italian design studio Forma Fantasma. The studio will reimagine the industrial architecture of the Jax neighborhood, utilizing color and form to create curved paths and overlapping levels across the approximately 12,900 square meter exhibition space – encompassing both indoor galleries and outdoor areas.
Sound, Performance, and Oral Heritage
The biennial will also highlight the crucial role of oral and audio heritage in transmitting social history. This is exemplified by “Folding Tents” (2026), a performance piece by Saudi artist Muhammad Al-Hamdan, featuring a convoy of cars and a musical performance by the Abdullah Minyawi Trio.
A Foundation for Growth and Exchange
Aya Al-Bakri, CEO of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming event, stating that the 2026 session “represents the fifth biennial organized by the Foundation since its founding five years ago, and documents a remarkable diversity in artistic giving.” Al-Bakri emphasized the Foundation’s dedication to fostering cultural exchange, investing in society, and providing international platforms for artists. The choice of the Jax neighborhood as the venue further reinforces the Foundation’s role in nurturing creativity within the Kingdom and beyond.
The Diriyah Biennial of Contemporary Art 2026 aims to be more than just an exhibition; it is positioned as a dynamic platform for artistic dialogue and a celebration of the interconnectedness of cultures in a rapidly changing world.
