AlUla: A Tapestry of Creativity

Arts AlUla, under the patronage of the Direction of Cultural Affairs of the Principality of Monaco, announces an exhibition of contemporary photography entitled “AlUla: A Tapestry of Creativity”. The exhibition will take place from 3 August to 3 September 2024, with free access, along the Promenade du Larvotto, Principality of Monaco.

AlUla: A Tapestry of Creativity is a contemporary photography exhibition highlighting the geological, archaeological and artistic treasures of AlUla. The exhibition celebrates the vibrant culture, rich history and fascinating landscapes of AlUla, a desert region in north-western Saudi Arabia.

Located on the Promenade du Larvotto in the Principality of Monaco, the exhibition brings together Saudi and international artists who have captured the fascinating landscapes and heritage of AlUla. Through their immersive experiences in residency programmes, independent visits and commissioned projects, these artists offer unique perspectives on the geological wonders, archaeological significance and cultural richness of AlUla. The artists aim to evoke the layered beauty of a region where cultural heritage, tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously. The exhibition highlights different artistic expressions and technical approaches, reflecting AlUla’s past, present and future.

The artists selected for this exhibition are Moath Alofi, Huda Beydoun, Lance Gerber, Catherine Gfeller, M’hammed Kilito, Prince Michel de Yougoslavie, Matthieu Paley, and Robert Polidori.

The exhibition, curated by Arts AlUla, consists of twenty-four photographs taken in AlUla by eight Saudi and international artists, displayed on 3×2 metre panels. Tripods placed at the access points to the exhibition will give visitors an introduction to the exhibition and allow them to access the digital catalogue and videos about AlUla via QR codes.

“AlUla is an infinite source of inspiration for artists from different eras and cultures that today once again establishes itself as an international benchmark in the world of art and culture,” commented Nora Aldabal, Executive Director of Arts and Creative Industries, Royal Commission for AlUla. “AlUla: A Tapestry of Creativity is a perfect testament to AlUla’s ability to inspire new generations of local and international artists, as well as being a vehicle to bring Saudi art and artists to the international stage. The Principality of Monaco has always been a place where artistry thrives and supports new talent, making it the ideal starting point for Arts AlUla’s first public photographic exhibition outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

Arts AlUla is committed to supporting local artists and fostering creative communities in order to bring Saudi art to the international stage, while at the same time contributing to making AlUla known to the world and developing new long-term work opportunities for the next generation of artists, where women will play a major role.