21,39: Reflecting More Than Jeddah’s Coordinates The annual program shines light on the underexposed Saudi art scene.
center stage in KAEC (King Abdullah Economic City). The novel exhibition titled The City, features a grand total of eight immersive multimedia/ film works courtesy of multiple international artists. This presents a compelling contrast to the more Arabcentric exhibitions that took place within The Mall and The Home, allowing for an even more multidimensional perspective on the concept of safar, in what allowed it to range from the personal to the literal.
safar as a Theme Beyond the artwork, the initiative successfully capitalized on the theme by appearing in galleries and spaces across Jeddah.
By Jana Bawazeer
The first of February saw the launch of the fourth edition of the annual 21,39 event, operating within the Saudi Art Council’s creative direction. Artwork carefully curated by Sam Bardaouil and Till Fellrath successfully meshed traditional and contemporary, in a move that mirrors Jeddah’s spirit and commits to the general theme: safar, which means travel in Arabic. The theme puts emphasis on the multilayered notion of travel and the process of discovery it entails.
COURTESY PHOTO
The Exhibitions Contemporary, simplistic takes on traditional art were highlighted across the board, with mixed media taking
Ahmed Angawi’s modern take on Islamic art.
The exhibitions took place in Gold Moor in Shate’ District, KAEC (King Abdullah Economic City), and Khunji House in Al Balad area, all of which were complemented with the contributions of Along Came Polyester, Tasami, and Tadafuq as well. The Saudi Art Council – SAC saudiartcouncil
DESTINATIONKSA.COM 31