Noor Riyadh

Last updated

Noor Riyadh ("Riyadh Light" in Arabic) is an annual light and art festival that illuminates Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital city. Considered the largest light art festival of its kind in the world, [1] it falls under the umbrella of Riyadh Art, a project launched by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud as an initiative of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz to transform the Saudi capital into an open art exhibition. [2]

Contents

Noor Riyadh launch

Noor Riyadh kicked off its inaugural edition in March 2021 [3] at the Saudi National Museum and King Abdullah Financial District under the theme "Under One Sky, [4] " examining the human tendency to view light from an artistic and creative point of view. The event saw an ensemble of pioneering artists hailing from 20 countries, 40% of them Saudi artists, present 60 historic, visual, and engineering artworks in the form of sculptures, light shows, immersive experiences, kinetic art, and outdoor installations. [5] The festival was curated by the Saudi curator, Dr Eiman Elgibreen, and Dutch curator, Pam Toonen. [6] The festival also included a retrospective art exhibition by 30 artists titled Light Upon Light, which tracked the progress of light art since the 1960s. [7]

Noor Riyadh second edition

Noor Riyadh's second edition was held in November 2022 under the theme "We Dream of New Horizons," symbolizing optimism and trust in the Saudi Arabia's path-breaking transformation and renewal journey. [8] Based in four key locations across Riyadh, the festival delved into how light has evolved to play a role in shaping our worldly relations. The Saudi capital was lit up across 40 different sites, thanks to 130 artists (34% of them local talent) who brought to life 190 light artworks, including 90 pieces that went on display for the first time. [9]

The event featured a charity auction where works by leading Saudi artists went under the hammer, with proceeds going to various art programs run by nonprofit foundations. [10]

Noor Riyadh third edition

In November 2023 Noor Riyadh held its third edition under the theme "The Bright Side of the Desert Moon." Over 100 artists from 35 different countries participated, including 35 Saudi artists. The event showcased 120 artworks in five main locations across Riyadh, namely King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), JAX District, Salam Park, Wadi Hanifa, and Wadi Namar. The artworks included large-scale installations, immersive projections, drone shows, light reflections on various buildings, and interactive artworks. [11]

The third edition featured an accompanying exhibition titled "Refracted Identities, Shared Futures," held at the JAX District in Diriyah from November 2023 to March 2024. The exhibition had the participation of 32 artists from all over the world and featured workshops, art seminars, panel discussions, and community programs to provide a creative artistic space for all those interested and creative from all segments of society. [12]

Major light shows

Star in motion

One of Noor Riyadh's standout installations, the Belgian artist Koert Vermeulen's creation featured a five-tonne star hanging from a height of 256 metres atop the Kingdom Tower, symbolizing stellar movement, with the light installation moving at the start of each hour for a minute to represent the lifecycle of a star from birth to extinction. [13]

The Order of Chaos: Chaos in Order

Another work that graced the festival was by American artist Marc Brickman. Inspired by tRiyadh, over 2000 drones were used in this work. It also claimed a Guinness World Record for the highest number of drones that took part in an art show. [14]

Pulse of Light

Conceptualized by French artist Yann Kersalé, Pulse of Light was a night-time laser show that started from three skyscrapers in Riyadh and intersected in the night sky to create a bridge of gleaming rays connecting the Kingdom Tower, Faisaliah Tower, and Majdoul Tower. [15] The show could be viewed from anywhere in the city and received four Guinness World Records for the longest distance covered for a light laser display, biggest light laser display, highest laser show, and largest display on a building interface. [16]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Riyadh</span> Capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia

Riyadh is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia. It is also the capital of the Riyadh Province and the centre of the Riyadh Governorate. The current form of the metropolis emerged as an offshoot of the eponymous walled town following the dismantling of its defensive fortifications in the 1950s, after which the city underwent several phases of expansion and urbanization.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">King Khalid International Airport</span> International airport serving Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

King Khalid International Airport is an international airport located about 35 kilometres (22 mi) north of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, designed by the architectural firm HOK, and Arabian Bechtel Company Limited served as the construction manager on behalf of the Saudi government.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Richard Lippold</span> American sculptor

Richard Lippold was an American sculptor, known for his geometric constructions using wire as a medium.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A Symphony of Lights</span> Permanent Hong Kong light and sound show

A Symphony of Lights is a daily light and sound show across the Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong. It is the world's largest permanent light and sound show, according to Guinness World Records. As of 2017, there were 42 participating buildings in the show.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Clock Towers</span> Building complex in Mecca, Saudi Arabia

The Clock Towers, is a government-owned complex of seven skyscraper hotels in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. These towers are a part of the King Abdulaziz Endowment Project that aims to modernize the city in catering to its pilgrims. The central hotel tower, which is the Makkah Clock Royal Tower, is the fourth-tallest building and sixth-tallest freestanding structure in the world. The clock tower contains the Clock Tower Museum that occupies the top four floors of the tower.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Teddy Lo</span> Hong Kong artist

Teddy Lo is a Hong Kong-based artist known for his work with the medium and technology of light, especially LED light. His work explores neo-transcendental ideas in the physical-scientific world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Index of Saudi Arabia–related articles</span>

Articles related to Saudi Arabia include:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tourism in Saudi Arabia</span>

Saudi Arabia is the second biggest tourist destination in the Middle East with over 16 million visiting in 2017. Although most tourism in Saudi Arabia still largely involves religious pilgrimages, there is growth in the leisure tourism sector. As the tourism sector has been largely boosted lately, the sector is expected to a significant industry for Saudi Arabia, reducing its dependence on oil revenues. This is proved as tourism sector is expected to generate $25 billion in 2019. Potential tourist areas include the Hijaz and Sarawat Mountains, Red Sea diving and a number of ancient ruins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wahbi al-Hariri</span> Syrian-American artist, architect, archaeologist, and author

Wahbi al-Hariri-Rifai was a Syrian American artist. He was also an accomplished architect, archaeologist, and author. His artwork has garnered international recognition and praise both in his lifetime and posthumously.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Koert Vermeulen</span> Belgian lighting designer (born 1967)

Koert Vermeulen Principal Designer, Founder and Managing Partner of ACTLD, is a Belgium-based lighting and visual designer who creates lighting, art, set, video and content designs for public events worldwide. Since 1995, his work has broadened from entertainment and architectural lighting design to large scale live events, ceremonies, international expos and cultural festivals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Datuna</span> American sculptor (1974–2022)

David Datuna was a Georgian-born American artist who lived in New York City. His Viewpoint of Millions series explores the sources and meaning of cultural identity from different points of view.

Abdulnasser Gharem is a Saudi Arabian artist and also a lieutenant colonel in the Saudi Arabian army. In April 2011, his installation Message/Messenger sold for a world record price at auction in Dubai.

There has been an increase in public galleries exhibiting modern art in Saudi Arabia. This is supported by the influx of commercial galleries in the country and a growing grass-roots movement of artists which have acquired international status. Saudi Arabia is making its mark on the contemporary art scene and at the centre of this are women. These artists are noted for pushing at existing boundaries in the socially conservative country. Their work is largely feminist in nature—posing questions on the current political climate and women's rights. They question existing parameters and challenge proposed gender roles and social norms and use art to express injustices in order to give voice to an otherwise marginalized group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Manal Al Dowayan</span> Saudi Arabian contemporary artist

Manal Al Dowayan is a Saudi Arabian contemporary artist, best known for her installation piece Suspended Together from the Home Ground Exhibition at the Barjeel Art Foundation in 2011. She has shown work in a number of shows including the 2012 Soft Power show at Alan Art Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the 2013 Journey of Belonging, a solo show at Athr Gallery in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the 2017 100 Masterpieces of Modern and Contemporary Arab Art in Paris, France, as well as having her work exhibited in the 2014 USA Biennial in Houston, the 2015 P.3: Prospect New Orleans USA Biennial Notes For Now, and the Venice Biennale in the Future of a Promise Exhibition. Her work spans many mediums from photography to installation and focuses on a progressive examination and critique women's roles in Saudi society.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drone art</span> Images drawn in the sky by drones carrying colored lights

Drone art is the use of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), often quadcopters which fly in a coordinated fashion with light fixtures attached. They are usually equipped with multiple LEDs and the display is held at night. The first drone display was presented in 2012 in Linz, Austria; the Ars Electronica Futurelab introduced SPAXELS for the first time. The displays are often for entertainment and the drones may use flocking or swarming behaviour. The drones have the capability to produce images. Using the emerging technology, displays have been employed for advertising purposes.

The 2020 Riyadh drone and missile attack was a cruise missile and drone attack carried out by the Yemeni Houthi rebels which occurred on 23 June 2020. The attack, according to the Houthis, targeted the King Khalid Airport and the Defense Ministry headquarters in Saudi Arabia's capital of Riyadh.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Riyadh Season</span> Entertainment festival held annually in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Riyadh Season is a series of entertainment, cultural, and sporting events held in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh. The event was introduced in 2019 by the General Entertainment Authority as part of the larger Saudi Seasons initiative in support of Saudi Vision 2030.

<i>Illuminated River</i> Public artwork on Londons bridges

Illuminated River is a large-scale public art commission which lights up nine bridges in central London across the River Thames. Designed by American artist Leo Villareal in collaboration with British architects Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands, it uses LED light fittings to produce sequenced patterns of moving light across the bridge structures.

Hmoud Al-Attawi is a Saudi multidisciplinary artist, with a focus on mediums such as sculpture, installation art, printmaking, and photography. Al-Attawi's body of work delves into the intricate intersections of Saudi history, modern reality, and human behavior. Through his endeavors, he has navigated the narrative translation between traditional and new media, adding depth and resonance to his artistic expression.

The International Opera Festival is an annual music festival held in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. Organized by the Music Commission under the Ministry of Culture, it provides a platform for diverse opera performances by global artists to celebrate the art of opera, attract opera lovers, and encourage cultural exchange with countries worldwide.

References

  1. ↑ "Guinness World Records – Massive light art festival in Saudi Arabia breaks six world records".
  2. ↑ "Saudi Press Agency – Under Slogan "We Dream of New Horizons", "Noor Riyadh 2022" Kicks off on November 3 for 17 days".
  3. ↑ https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/events/noor-riyadh
  4. ↑ "Saudi Press Agency – Riyadh Light Turned the Capital into Lights' Aura".
  5. ↑ "Saudi Gazette – 'Noor Riyadh' to illuminate capital city from March 18".
  6. ↑ "Riyadh's light festival starts this week". Arab News. Retrieved 14 September 2023.
  7. ↑ "Al Arabiya News – Noor Riyadh: Spectacular installations light up Saudi capital's night sky".
  8. ↑ "Saudi Press Agency – Under Slogan "We Dream of New Horizons", "Noor Riyadh 2022" Kicks off on November 3 for 17 days".
  9. ↑ "ARAB NEWS – Noor Riyadh festival to light up Kingdom's arts & culture scene".
  10. ↑ "RIYADH ART – CHARITY AUCTION AND EXHIBITION".
  11. ↑ "NOOR RIYADH 2023: THE WORLD'S LARGEST ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF LIGHT AND ART IN RIYADH".
  12. ↑ "Noor Riyadh light festival sets 6 world records in latest edition". Arab News. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
  13. ↑ "DESIGNBOOM – koert vermeulen illuminates the saudi skies with star in motion".
  14. ↑ "RIYADH ART – THE ORDER OF CHAOS: CHAOS IN ORDER, 2022".
  15. ↑ "RIYADH ART – PULSE OF LIGHT".
  16. ↑ "Guinness World Records – Massive light art festival in Saudi Arabia breaks six world records".
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.