The capital is shining brightly with thigns to see at Noor Riyadh 2022. The new edition of the festival has more than 190 artworks illuminating the skies under the theme of “We Dream of New Horizons” across five main outdoor art hubs: Al-Kindi Plaza, Salam Park, King Abdullah Financial District, Diplomatic Quarter and JAX Diriyah.
We encourage you to see as many as possible, but with so many things going on at the incredible festival of light, we know you might not be able to all 190 as much as you might want to. So, we’re shining a light on some of the most dazzling works to see across the city. These are the top things to see at Noor Riyadh 2022.
Amplex by Grimanesa Amoros
Looking for a place to start for things to see at Noor Riyadh 2022? This piece at one of the five main hubs, which is the Diplomatic Quarter is one of the top ones to see. It’s a beautiful tangle that will have you following every squiggly line with your eyes. The story dates back to an Islamic Golden Age experiment, where Grimanesa Amoros explores how interactions between one’s self and the city create communal engagement and inspiration.
Al Safarat, riyadhart.sa.
Axion by Christopher Bauder
With the popular Noor Riyadh programme installation, artist Christopher Bauder is exploring the ultimate horizon (tying back to the original theme), which for him is outer space. If you’re after things to see at Noor Riyadh 2022, the special piece made with mirrors and spherical objects on the outside, and once you’re inside it is a reflection of the idea of the unknown. The artwork can be found in the stunning desert dunes in Horimlaa.
Al Malham, riyadhart.sa.
Carving The Future by Obaid Alsafi
The stunning artwork is located in An Nada and aims to present questions about the relationship between the desert dunes and the civilisation of Saudi Arabia. Take time to visit An Nada as part of your must-see things to see at Noor Riyadh 2022 and see how you view the desert afterwards.
An Nada, riyadhart.sa.
Colour Theory by Jesse Woolston
It’s time to see things in colour. Jesse Woolston’s Colour Theory is made with three stunning LED sculptures, each of which is a multi-sensory experience that tells a story of how our understanding of colour developed through history.
Al Malaz, riyadhart.sa.
Dreams in Color by Mohammed Alsanie
How do you dream? It is a question that could be asked at Dreams in Color by Mohammed Alsanie. Head over to the Al Mohammaiyyah district. to see the outdoor work. It is actually meant to show Riyadh in an alternate dimension. The name comes from the transition from black-and-white to colour TV between the 1960s and the 1980s.
Al Mohammadiyyah, riyadhart.sa.
Impulse by Roman Hill and Jonathan Fitas
Do you have the impulse to see Impulse? You should. It is a captivating piece by Roman Hill and Jonathan Fitas. On display in Al Malaz, the artwork looks to be artificially generated but was actually made with real elements that were filmed at an ultra-small scale at resolutions of about 8K to 12K. Get in on the things to see at Noor Riyadh 2022. Can you spot it?
Al Malaz, riyadhart.sa.
I see you brightest in the dark by Muhannad Shono
If you want drama and one of the biggest artworks, this is the Noor Riyadh 2022 art piece to make a beeline for. Muhannad Shono’s I see you brightest in the dark is a large-scale immersive multi-room showcase. It has to be one of the most unique things to see at Noor Riyadh given the display is found in 1980’s building in the heart of Riyadh’s Al Malaz district. The piece starts off in the basement where the delicate strings of light spill into the dark rook through the window, floor then becomes a stage.
Al Saadiah, Al Malaz, riyadhart.sa.
Keep it Alive by eL Seed
This might be one you want on your list, if you’re after some of the most colourful things to see at Noor Riyadh 2022. Located in Namar, Keep It Alive by eL Seed is an immersive installation that takes the form of a series of corridors and rooms. The installation specifically uses sheets of fabric printed with poems in the artist’s calligraphic style.
Namar, riyadhart.sa.
Masmak Garden by Yann Nguema
If you want to get back to nature, Masmak Garden by Yann Nguema is one of the things to see at Noor Riyadh 2022. The colourful piece brings together the old the location) and the new (digital tech) at the Masmak Fortress. The mudbrick fort was completed in 1895, and comes together for the more modern concept of the Noor Riyadh programme this year.
Masmak Fortress, riyadhart.sa.
Numinous Najd by Huda Al-Aithan
Numinous Najd by Huda Al-Aithan is a living sculpture that you can find in Diriyah. and is high on the list of things to see at Noor Riyadh 2022. The structure draws inspiration from the Najdi architecture and highlights stories from the geographic centre of Saudi Arabia, Najd. Wondering what exactly a “living sculpture” is? Go and find out.
Diriyah, riyadhart.sa.
Oasis by Arne Quinze
Another must-see piece from the things to see at Noor Riyadh 2022 would have to be Oasis by Arne Quinze. The public installation embodies the artist’s idea of an oasis in the desert to a very dramatic, colourful effect. The structure is a 16-meter-high installation that spans 40 meters wide and can be found in Horimlaa. Stop and take a moment to disect all of the different parts.
Horimlaa, riyadhart.sa.
Temporary Isolation, 2019-2022 by Raghad Al Ahmad
Temporary Isolation 2019-2022 by Raghad Al Ahmad is an interactive large-scale installation that depicts isolation during the pandemic. When comes to things to see at Noor Riyadh 2022, this piece is likely a relatable one presented in a visually striking manner. The artwork showcases a long staircase that goes up to an illuminated minaret leading up to the mihrab. Make it one of the things to see at Noor Riyadh 2022 with friends and family.
Diriyah, riyadhart.sa.
The Garden of Light by Charles Sandison
Located in the Diplomatic Quarter, The Garden of Light by Charles Sandison is one of the most striking things to see at Noor Riyadh 2022. The piece uses multiple languages and writing forms, to give a new meaning to the “We Dream of New Horizons” theme. Get inspired to brush up on your languages.
Al Safarat, riyadhart.sa.
(you promise me) Poems by MammaSonica
Wadi Namar Waterfall is already a top sightseeing spot in Riyadh, and that just increased further thanks to (you promise me) Poems. The striking digital light canvas transforms a mountain into a luminous sculpture reflecting on the lake. Take a seat by the water and enjoy the views.
Namar, riyadhart.sa.
Until Sat Nov 19. Various locations, riyadhart.sa.
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