Tuwaiq Sculpture 2023


DESCRIPTION

The theme for the 4th edition of Tuwaiq Sculpture was ‘Energy of Harmony’.

Art reflects on the fundamental characteristic of human existence—the ongoing synthesis of the opposing forces. While omnipresent dualities are rooted in everyday life, they also exist in conversations about aesthetics. To attain harmony means to strike a balance between contrast and similarity, variation and repetition, sparsity and abundance, inactivity and vibrance.

‘Energy of Harmony’ encourages artists to reimagine sculptural possibilities and capture manifestations of ephemeral processes of introducing and witnessing change. Shape-shifting transformations draw parallels with the act of composing music: seamlessly weaving a choir of different voices and embracing diversity to reach rhythmic unity. Articulating the experience of interdependence, ‘Energy of Harmony’ also echoes principles of the art of calligraphy and urban design, whose sustained emphasis on integrity, balance, and cohesion leads to creating the whole that is larger than the sum of its parts.

‘Energy of Harmony’ establishes points of connection and focus within the urban environment of Riyadh, giving a heightened awareness of co-existing structures, voices, and patterns.

Open Call
From 21/08/2022 to 18/09/2022

Each year, Tuwaiq Sculpture announces an open call, inviting local and international sculptors to submit proposals for original, large-scale public artworks. The submissions are reviewed and evaluated by a jury panel of internationally renowned experts, who select artists that come to Riyadh to create the sculptures.

The 2023 jury panel consists of Dr Effat Fadag – an acclaimed academic whose work revolves around the arts, culture, and heritage of Saudi Arabia; Alaa Tarabzouni – co-founder of Very Public, and an architect, artist, and curator whose practice focuses on urbanism and the built environment; Ali Al-Tokhais – Sculptor with over 40 years of experience, Expert in stones originating from Saudi Arabia; Johannes von Stumm – President of Oxford Art Society, Past President of the Royal Society of Sculptors in the UK, Sculptor with over 40 years of experience. The jury panel is chaired by this edition’s curator Marek Wolynski.


Live sculpting
From 08/01/2023 to 02/02/2023

10am – 5.30pm Free and open to the public.

A unique and exciting opportunity to witness art in action. For 26 days from January 8 to February 2, 30 international and local artists will sculpt live, creating artwork from raw blocks of granite and Riyadh stone. Visit Durrat Al Riyadh from 10am – 5.30pm to watch their creations take shape. The process is open for all to witness, with tours based upon availability. Tickets and advance booking are not required to see the live sculpting.


Public Program
From 10/01/2023 to 08/02/2023

Booking required.

In parallel to the creative process, more than 65 community engagement events, including interactive workshops, school visits, and panel discussions, are available for everyone to enjoy. Taking place at Durrat Al Riyadh and the Riyadh Art space in JAX District, the activities for the public program explore ideas within architecture, sculpture, art and design. Check out the events page for more information and to book your ticket.


Exhibition
From 05/02/2023 to 10/02/2023

Free and open to the public.

See the 30 sculptures in a curated setting as the artists present their finished artwork under the theme Energy of Harmony. The granite and Riyadh stone sculptures will be exhibited together at Durrat Al Riyadh before being distributed across the city to become a permanent part of Riyadh’s urban fabric. The exhibition is open to all at Durrat Al Riyadh from 1.30pm – 10pm on Sunday Feb 5, and from 4pm – 10pm on Feb 6 – Feb 10, with on site tours available. Tickets and advance booking are not required to see the exhibition. 


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