This series of talks and workshops will shine a light on Islamic arts and crafts.
Saudi Arabia is making big moves in the art world, and Jeddah is at the forefront of this cultural wave. As part of its growing reputation as an artistic hub, the coastal city will play host to The World of Islamic Art as part of the Islamic Arts Biennale.
On display from 6 April to 15 May, The World of Islamic Art will take place at the Western Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. This location will serve as a stage for discussions and workshops designed to celebrate and preserve Islamic artistic traditions.
This event will offer a series of educational talks and workshops led by Sotheby’s. The program is structured around five sessions, each offering an introduction to different aspects of Islamic art. Held by experts, these talks will explore a range of topics, such as the heritage of Islamic textiles and crafts and the global influence of Islamic art. You will also have the chance to join guided tours of the exhibition.
For those looking to do more than just listen, The World of Islamic Art is teaming up with Turquoise Mountain — a non-profit organisation that restores and maintains art — to offer workshops. These will allow you to learn from artisans dedicated to preserving Islamic art. You’ll learn about time-honoured techniques and also gain a deeper appreciation of the art forms’ historical and cultural significance.
The lecture series opens on Sunday, 6 April at 7pm with Cultural Encounters: The Influence of Islamic Art in the World, where Benedict Carter (Sotheby’s) and Mariam Rosser Owen (V&A) explore how Islamic art has shaped global aesthetics. The evening includes a guided Biennale tour.
On Sunday, 4 May at 7pm, Threads of Tradition delves into the heritage of Islamic textiles. Alexandra Roy (Sotheby’s), Dr Thalia Kennedy (Turquoise Mountain), and Abeer Seikaly discuss traditional craftsmanship and its role in contemporary design.
Gardens of Eden follows on Tuesday, 6 May at 7pm, with Dr. Mariët Westermann (Guggenheim) and Edward Gibbs (Sotheby’s) examining the garden as a symbol of paradise and cultural identity in art.
Two Turquoise Mountain workshops invite hands-on learning. On Monday, 14 May, master artisan Moataz Hammoush leads a session on Mother of Pearl Inlay, joined by Sotheby’s expert Frankie Keyworth. On Tuesday, 15 May, Abu Abdo guides participants through the art of Wood Mosaic, sharing his Damascus-rooted expertise alongside Keyworth.
The Islamic Arts Biennale, organised by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, is currently in its second edition. The exhibition blends historical Islamic artefacts with contemporary artworks, exploring how faith is experienced and expressed through creativity.
GO: Visit https://biennale.org.sa for more information.