The National Pavilion of Saudi Arabia at the Venice Biennale, commissioned by the Misk Art Institute, signals our long-term commitment to bringing the most exciting Saudi voices in art and architecture to this world-leading creative exchange. Our Pavilion at the 58th International Art Exhibition, follows last year’s success at the Biennale of Architecture.
This year we are proud to present After Illusion by celebrated land artist Zahrah Al-Ghamdi. After Illusion is a site-specific installation which aims to recognise, reconnect, and revisit a feeling of exploring something new but familiar; a step into an imaginary world created by the artist to seek comfort in her journey to self-realisation.
Our presence is not only about what we bring to the Biennale – it’s equally about what we take back for the long-term. Our country has a rich history of art, music and poetry. Our Pavilion builds on this, inspiring a new generation of Saudi creatives at home to continue to create diverse, exciting and challenging work. Stimulating debate and striving for recognition both in the Kingdom, and on the international stage.
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Exhibitions:
After Illusion exhibit at 2019 Biennale of Art
Exhibitions:
Spaces in Between exhibit at 2018 Biennale of Architecture
Publications:
Education:
About La Biennale di Venezia
La Biennale di Venezia is the most significant cultural gathering of nation states in the world. It is globally renowned for staging the greatest presentations of arts, architecture, film, dance, music and theatre.
The first art biennale was held in 1895, and the first architecture exhibition in 1980 with Art and Architecture exhibitions alternating years. This year, more than 85 nations are expected to take part for the 58th International Art Exhibition.
Visiting the Pavilion
After Illusion runs from 11th May – 24th November.
The Saudi Pavilion is located in the Arsenale, and visitors need a ticket to enter the Venice Biennale and Saudi Pavilion.
The exhibit is open 10am-6pm, Tuesdays – Sundays and closed on Mondays (except 13 May, 2 September, 18 November).