At the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale in Riyadh, visitors can explore "Saudi Futurism" through an innovative, semi-interactive, labyrinthine installation by artist Ahmed Mater in collaboration with photographer Armin Linke. Documenting Saudi Arabia's diverse sites, they offer photographic insights into themes like infrastructure, urban planning, agriculture, landscape management, and local resources, prompting reflection on the nation's development.
Linke reflected on how their partnership began, saying he was first fascinated by the changes that were happening in Jeddah and the surrounding areas more than ten years ago. Recognizing the intricacies involved, he saw the benefit of working together to blend their viewpoints in their art. Mater, renowned for his profound exploration of Saudi Arabia's dynamic milieu, seized this opportunity to document the nation's metamorphosing landscapes alongside a kindred spirit equally devoted to the craft. Their collaborative project, infused with an optimistic spirit, resonates with the historical significance of Diriyah, anchoring their artistic experimentation within the context of Saudi Arabia's founding story.
Armin Linke is a Berlin-based photographer (left) and Ahmed Mater is a physician-turned-artist (right)
Mater and Linke worked collaboratively in a fluid and improvisational manner. The duo embarked on a creative process that saw them travel to various locations and seamlessly blend their respective views. Working together allowed them to share ideas naturally, resulting in a smooth mix of their artistic styles and a blending of their individual inputs. Embracing the audience as active participants, they incorporated playful elements such as partial screen-printing on reflective surfaces, inviting viewers to interact with the artwork and contemplate their role in shaping the future depicted therein.
Their visual journey encompasses a wide range of locations including Riyadh, NEOM, Dhahran, and Thuwal, each offering unique insights into the multifaceted tapestry of Saudi Arabia's evolving landscape. Situated within Riyadh's JAX district, the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale serves as a temporal sanctuary for contemplation, inviting patrons to immerse themselves in the intersection of art, culture, and innovation until May 24th.
