Light Upon Light includes 30 masterworks of light art divided into four sectional “rays” that survey light as an artistic medium: “Perceiving Light,” “Experiencing Light,” “Projecting Light,” and “Environmental Light.” Each ray blends time and unites established artists of diverse geographic origin.

From immersive installation to video and sculpture, visitors to Light Upon Light will experience a richly illuminated exhibition in all its spatial and sensory phenomena. This historical presentation of light art is a groundbreaking event for culture in Saudi Arabia.

The exhibition is curated by Susan Davidson, former Senior Curator of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, and Raneem Zaki Farsi, Curator, Art Advisor and an expert in Saudi Arabia’s contemporary art scene.

Please Note:
1) Access to the light upon light exhibition is strictly by a pre-purchased ticket only
2) Access is limited to the times stated on the ticket. In the interest of health and safety, the Exhibition has the right to refuse entry for any visitors who arrive outside of their respective time slots
3) Parking for the exhibition is provided in the KAFD Conference Centre Car Park on Level B2

Noor Riyadh's 2021 theme, Under One Sky, alludes to the universal human impulse to gather around light, to look into the flames of a campfire and to gaze at the stars. While the theme in its English translation is instantly relatable to an international audience, the words in Arabic literally mean 'we gather under one sky.' This idea of togetherness becomes particularly resonant in light of the global pandemic.

Many light artists are essentially sculptors, creating three-dimensional public artworks that pulse with light and color. These singular objects can immerse the viewer in light, activate outdoor locations and gallery spaces, and transform architecture by bathing it in light.

For Noor Riyadh all works use light as way of offering viewers a meaningful experience, whether deep and contemplative or joyful and surprising. For artists, the theme Under One Sky was a source of inspiration and the result of many incredibly distinct original works of art that for three weeks can be seen proudly illuminating Riyadh much like the deep and multifaceted night sky.

The citywide installations are curated by Dr. Eiman Elgibreen, curator of the Saudi National Pavilion at the 58th Venice Biennale, Pam Toonen, curator at Light Art Collection, and with Vincenzo de Bellis as an international artist curatorial consultant.