Wadi Hanifah serves as a key hub for Noor Riyadh 2024, transforming this historic natural landmark into a vibrant canvas for artistic exploration and cultural dialogue. The artworks displayed in this breathtaking valley reflect profound themes of humanity’s connection to nature, sustainability, and the interplay of history and progress.
A Historical and Natural Gem
Wadi Hanifah has long stood as a testament to the coexistence of urban development and environmental preservation. By featuring this iconic site as a festival hub, Noor Riyadh 2024 underscores the importance of protecting our natural heritage while fostering cultural innovation. Installations at Wadi Hanifah evoke sustainability and environmental issues, often highlighting our connection with the Earth.
The valley’s rich history and natural beauty provide a stunning backdrop for a diverse collection of light installations and sculptures by local and international artists, creating a shared space where visitors can reflect on environmental values and the evolving relationship between humans and the Earth.
Featured Artworks and Artists
Saudi Artists:
* Fahad AlNaymah presents Mangiah, a luminous sculptural caravan of camels evoking the spirit of the desert and Saudi heritage.
* Saeed Gamhawi’s Ala Wath Al Nega features 21 illuminated pillars celebrating the unification of Saudi Arabia, symbolizing intergenerational connections.
* Hmoud Alattawi offers Energy of Vision, an interactive installation reflecting human effort in building civilizations, inspired by Riyadh’s future landmarks.
* Nasser Al Turki’s Journey to the Light takes viewers on a contemplative passage through a lit astrolabe-like structure, exploring spiritual enlightenment.
* Saad Al Howede reimagines the historic Trans-Arabian Pipeline with The Tapline, a conceptual light installation reflecting on our dependency on fossil fuels.
International Artists:
* Chris Levine (United Kingdom) presents Light is Love, an immersive light sculpture that uses optical illusions to deliver messages of love and unity.
* Daan Roosegaarde (The Netherlands) brings SPARK, a biodegradable light installation inspired by stars and fireflies, offering an eco-friendly reimagining of fireworks. SPARK runs until December 14, from 8pm to 12am.
* Quiet Ensemble (Italy) dazzles with Solar Dust, an audiovisual work transforming the valley into a celestial realm through light and holographic effects.
A Celebration of Culture and Sustainability
The Wadi Hanifah hub at Noor Riyadh 2024 invites visitors to immerse themselves in a transformative experience that combines artistic brilliance with ecological awareness. By bridging tradition and modernity, these installations serve as a call to action to safeguard our environment while celebrating the beauty and resilience of nature and humanity.
Noor Riyadh launched on November 28 and runs until December 14, with Wadi Hanifah, King Abdulaziz Historical Center, and JAX District (the festival’s main hub) hosting exceptional artworks and events. The festival culminates in a reflection on light’s symbolic power to unite, inspire, and illuminate.
Join us at Wadi Hanifah to experience an extraordinary journey through light, art, and culture at Noor Riyadh festival, open daily from 6 pm to 1 am.
Artist
Country
Artwork title, year
Hub
05.10 Studio
Saudi Arabia
Illuminated Souls
Wadi Hanifah
Anna Ridler
United Kingdom
Circadian Nocturne
Wadi Hanifah
Atelier Sisu
Australia (the studio)
Peru (Renzo B. Larriviere)
Australia (Zara Pasfield)
Evanescent
Wadi Hanifah
Chris Levine
United Kingdom
Light is Love
Wadi Hanifah
Daan Roosegaarde
Netherlands
SPARK
Wadi Hanifah
Ebtesam Saleh
Saudi Arabia
Shabbah
Wadi Hanifah
Fahad Al Naymah
Saudi Arabia
Mangiah
Wadi Hanifah
Hashel Al Lamki
United Arab Emirates
Bronze
Wadi Hanifah
Hmoud Alattawi
Saudi Arabia
Energy of Vision
Wadi Hanifah
Kimchi and Chips
South Korea and United Kingdom
Another Moon
Wadi Hanifah
Ksawery Komputery
Poland
FLUX
Wadi Hanifah
Lachlan Turczan
United States
Aldwa Alsael
Wadi Hanifah
Nasser Al Turki
Saudi Arabia
Journey to the Light
Wadi Hanifah
Quiet Ensemble
Italy
Solar Dust
Wadi Hanifah
Romain Tardy
France
The Great Indecision Council
Wadi Hanifah
Saad Al Howede
Saudi Arabia
The Tapline
Wadi Hanifah
Saeed Gamhawi
Saudi Arabia
Ala Wath Al Nega
Wadi Hanifah
Stanza
United Kingdom
Out of Breath: A-Life Support Machine
Wadi Hanifah
Stefano Cagol
Italy
Najm
Wadi Hanifah
THIRD SPACE* Studio
United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia
From East to West and North to South
Wadi Hanifah
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