Arab Press

بالشعب و للشعب
Saturday, Feb 22, 2025

Vertical Horizon artwork of Noor Riyadh connects historical cities of Riyadh and Rome

Noor Riyadh, one of the most exciting and ambitious festivals of light and art in the world, is to feature a light installation that connects the two historical cities of Riyadh and Rome.

Vertical Horizon is an interactive piece by Quiet Ensemble — founded in 2009 by Fabio di Salvo and Bernardo Vercelli — that revolves around a system of cameras and microphones set up around two light and video installations.

One is set up in King Abdullah Park in Riyadh, the other in Rome.

Nouf AlMoneef, the Noor Riyadh program manager, said: “In this interactive and interconnective work, Vertical Horizon turns Riyadh into the epicenter of this new artistic installation, making Noor Riyadh both a global compass and a conductor of what happens in other parts of the world.

“The installations will broadcast an abstracted livestream of the area around the site, so that visitors in the Saudi capital can see those in the Italian capital, and vice versa.”

Broadcasts of this incredibly thoughtful piece of work will be shown every evening from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. until the close of the Noor Riyadh festival on Sunday, Nov. 19.

Vertical Horizon is one of over 190 incredible artworks — and more than 500 fascinating activities — taking place at the second edition of Noor Riyadh, held under the theme ‘We Dream of New Horizons’.

Among them are the incredible artworks situated in the beautiful desert dunes outside Riyadh entitled OASIS by Arne Quinze, and AXION by Christopher Bauder.

Belgian conceptual artist Quinze’s 16-meter-high installation, spanning 40 meters in width, places observers in an open-air museum where public art seems larger than life.

The power of colors is strongly reflected in this aluminum light installation, which makes a clear statement that the effervescence of all spectrums of light is needed in our society.

AXION by German artist Bauder, meanwhile, explores the ultimate horizon: outer space. Created specifically for deserts and other dusty environments, AXION’S sprawling array of mirrors and spherical objects makes it look like a giant scientific device for space exploration or particle detection.

But once inside, it is a reflection on the potential of axions — a hypothetical elementary particle — dark matter, and the idea of the unknown.

But what most certainly is known at Noor Riyadh is the abundance of artistic choices on offer.

The comprehensive public program includes 10 live music performances scheduled throughout the festival’s duration. The music series can be heard at King Abdullah Park, and tickets can be booked free of charge on NoorRiyadh.sa.

Engaging guided tours of the five hubs — King Abdullah Park, Salam Park, Diplomatic Quarter, JAX District, and KAFD — are another way to immerse oneselves in Noor Riyadh.

Each tour will delve into the stories behind impressive artworks, including Amplexus by Grimanesa Amoros and Flightgraf’s immersive An Imaginative World.

Workshops are key components as well, with architecture, illumination, and calligraphy opportunities all on offer. Participants can venture into performance art, experiment with photographic and video techniques, and learn how to make their own camera obscura.

Elsewhere, creative experiences such as artist-led tours, an artistic hunt, and even a four-day collaborative installation activity are also available.

Talks and panel discussions in both Arabic and English will take place throughout the festival, with topics ranging from technology in art, lucid dreaming, meditative practices, and Noor Riyadh’s curatorial themes.

Family activities — encouraging young ones to delve into the enriching world of art as much as possible — are a big part of Noor Riyadh. Specific activities for children to learn and develop include Rainbows, Magnetic Marvels and We Light Riyadh.

Most of the outdoor citywide artworks for Noor Riyadh, which takes place across five main city hubs and 40 locations in the Saudi capital, are non-ticketed and open to all.

However, some artworks require prior booking. Special activities such as workshops and talks may be ticketed with a nominal charge. Noor Riyadh aims to donate all the funds raised through ticket sales to charitable causes.

The full program and tickets are available soon on Noor Riyadh’s website and app.

Newsletter

Related Articles

Arab Press
0:00
0:00
Close
The negotiation teams of Trump and Putin meet directly, establishing the groundwork for a significant advance.
Israeli Minister Urges Hamas to Surrender and Depart from Gaza.
Iran Considers Moving Its Capital Due to Urban Difficulties
Israel and Hamas Finalize Sixth Exchange of Hostages and Prisoners During Continuing Gaza Ceasefire
Leaders of BRICS to Gather in Rio de Janeiro for July Summit
Muhsin Hendricks, a trailblazing openly gay imam, was killed in South Africa.
Trump's special envoy for hostage affairs cautions Hamas against challenging Trump before Saturday's deadline.
Two British citizens apprehended in Iran amid escalating tensions.
Israel Issues Threat of Military Action as Hostage Negotiations with Hamas Continue
Hamas Coordinates Worldwide Solidarity Marches in Reaction to U.S. and Israeli Initiative
Israel Warns of Ending Gaza Ceasefire Due to Hostage Situation
King Abdullah II Dismisses US Proposal to Relocate Palestinians, Commits to Welcoming Gaza Children.
Lebanon Installs New Government with Hezbollah's Impact on Key Ministries
Report: Iran Attempted to Assassinate Trump During Election Campaign
U.S. Authorizes $7.4 Billion Arms Sale to Israel
Iran's Supreme Leader Rejects Nuclear Negotiations with the U.S.
UN Chief Denounces Trump's Gaza Plan, Cautions Against Ethnic Cleansing
Pressure Intensifies for a Free Trade Agreement between the UK and GCC in Light of Economic Difficulties
Israel to Withdraw from UN Human Rights Council Due to Accusations of Anti-Semitism
EU Reaffirms Gaza's Essential Role in Future Palestinian State Following Trump's Proposal
Iranian Currency Reaches All-Time Low Amid US 'Maximum Pressure' Initiative.
UN Reaffirms Ban on Deportation from Occupied Territories Amid US Gaza Proposal
Palestinians Fear Repeat of 'Nakba' Amid Ongoing Crisis in Gaza
UAE Aids in the Exchange of 300 Prisoners Between Russia and Ukraine
Egypt Seeks Global Backing for Two-State Solution Following US Proposal for Gaza Plan
Trump's Suggestion to 'Seize Control' of Gaza Represents a Significant Shift in US Policy
French President is the first EU leader to extend congratulations to the new Syrian President.
Tunisian President Appoints New Finance Minister Amid Economic Crisis
Trump Suggests U.S. 'Takeover' of Gaza, Prompting Global Worries
Trump's Proposal for Gaza Provokes Global Debate
President Trump Suggests Moving Gaza's Palestinian Population
Aga Khan IV, Spiritual Leader and Philanthropist, Dies at 88
Erdogan and Syria's Sharaa Talk About Collaboration to Counter Kurdish Militants
Trump Suggests U.S. Control of Gaza Strip Amid Ongoing Conflict
Trump Resumes 'Maximum Pressure' Strategy to Limit Iran's Oil Exports.
Ex-British Soldier Sentenced for Espionage on Behalf of Iran and Fleeing from Prison
Gazans in Egypt Reject Displacement, Struggle with Return to War-Torn Home
Queen Rania Urges Protection of Children’s Rights at Vatican Summit
Hamas Officials Ready to Begin Negotiations for Phase Two of Gaza Truce
Trump Expresses Caution Over Gaza Ceasefire as Netanyahu Visits Washington
Oman to Host 18th Indian Ocean Conference on Maritime Security and Trade
Emir of Kuwait Meets BlackRock CEO for Talks on Investment Opportunities
Queen Rania of Jordan Calls for Global Action on Children’s Rights at Vatican Summit
Egyptian President El-Sisi Invited for White House Meeting Following Jordanian King’s Visit
Queen Rania Calls for Protection of Children’s Rights at Vatican Summit
Israeli Military Operations Continue on Lebanon Border Amid Ceasefire Tensions
Israeli Hostage's Release Highlights Uncertainty Over Family's Fate
Israeli Military Operations Escalate in Southern Lebanon Amid Hezbollah Tensions
Zayed Award for Human Fraternity Announces 2025 Honorees
Kuwait Anticipates a 12% Increase in Budget Deficit for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year
×