Tuwaiq Sculpture, the annual sculpture symposium of the Riyadh Art programme, has announced the artist list for its fifth edition, themed Dimensions of Movement.
Selected from more than 650 applicants from over 80 countries, the 30 chosen artists represent 20 nations across the world, with a third hailing from Saudi Arabia including Azhar Saeed, Essam Jameel, Helwa Al-Atwi, Lamia Moraished, Mahdih Al-Talib, Mohammad Al-Faris, Mohammed Al Thagafi, Rajaa Alshafee, Saeed Al-Zahrani and Talal Altukhaes. Other artists from the Middle East and Arab world include Ahmed Karally, Canan Zöngür, Fahad Alhajeri and Sahar Khalaji.
See the full list below:
Ahmed Karaly
Antonio Vigo
Arno Avilés
Azhar Saeed
Bhola Kumar
Butrint Morina
Canan Zöngür
Essam Jameel
Fahad Alhajeri
Filin Gheorghi
Galina Stetco
George Badawi
Helwa Al-Atwi
Jordi Raga
Klaus F. Hunsicker
Lamia Moraished
Lorena Olivares
Mahdih Al-Talib
Max Seibald
Milton Estrella
Mohammad Al-Faris
Mohammed Al Thagafi
Piotr Gargas
Rajaa Alshafee
Saeed Al-Zahrani
Sahar Khalaji
Talal Altukhaes
Vasilis Vasili
Zdravko Zdravkov
Zhao Li
The artists’ proposals respond to the theme Dimensions of Movement, which explores the continual advancement of progress and modernity. Once completed, the works will be permanently installed as an integral part of Riyadh’s urban fabric.
This year’s edition of Tuwaiq Sculpture is curated by Marek Wolynski, a specialist in large-scale projects and whose curatorial approach combines tradition and modernity and fosters interdisciplinary exchange.
Wolynski said: “The upcoming Tuwaiq Sculpture aspires to shape a narrative of innovation, ambition, and expansion, turning Riyadh into a vibrant canvas of art and urban dynamism. Dimensions of Movement is more than a theme – it is a glimpse into the very soul of the ongoing transformation.”
The artists were selected by a jury panel comprising Wolynski as chairman; Dr Fahad Aljebreen, sculptor and Assistant Professor at the College of Art Education in King Saud University, as associate curator; Dr Khulod Albugami, sculptor and assistant professor at the College of Art and Design at Princess Nourah University; Nojoud Alsudairi, co-founder of Syn Architects; and Sebastiano Barassi, renowned curator and art historian.
Launched in 2019, Tuwaiq Sculpture brings together local and international artists to develop public artworks in a live setting, culminating in an on-site exhibition. The symposium also features a public engagement programme including interactive workshops, school visits and panel discussions delving into elements of architecture, sculpture, art and design.