Exhibition showing art by Graffiti artist Banksy to open in Riyadh

A recent artwork believed to be attributed to British activist-artist Banksy is pictured in Paris, France, June 25, 2018. (Reuters)
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Updated 19 February 2020
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Exhibition showing art by Graffiti artist Banksy to open in Riyadh

  • The show, “The Art of Banksy ‘Without Limits,’” will open at the King Abdullah Financial Center
  • The exhibition has already stopped in Amsterdam, Melbourne, Berlin and Paris

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is to host an exhibition showcasing work from the British graffiti artist Banksy.

The show, “The Art of Banksy ‘Without Limits,’” will open at the King Abdullah Financial Center in Riyadh on Feb. 20.

It will be the first time the works have been shown in the Middle East.

Around 70 artworks from Banksy will be shown at the exhibition using photographs and various printed materials, the Saudi Press Agency said.

The artist, whose true identity remains a mystery, became a global phenomenon through using his distinctive style and often humorous to portray social issues.

The exhibition will also include visuals, theatrical effects and a documentary on the artist and his work. 

“The Art of Banksy is meant to celebrate Banksy’s art and drive his message of hope and humanity to the world,” according to the organizers. 

The exhibition has already stopped in Amsterdam, Melbourne, Berlin and Paris.

Banksy is known for using his graffiti to make political statements and has produced a number of pieces in the occupied Palestinian territories, including a satirical drawing on the Israeli barrier wall built through the West Bank.

In 2017, the artist opened “The Walled Off Hotel” in Bethlehem, which overlooks the barrier and is filled with his work.


India Mahdavi named jury head for Design Doha Prize 2026

Updated 08 December 2025
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India Mahdavi named jury head for Design Doha Prize 2026

DUBAI: Renowned French architect and designer India Mahdavi has been appointed as the head of the jury for the Design Doha Prize 2026.

Born in Iran, the designer’s work includes projects at Hotel du Cloitre in Arles, the Coburg Bar at London’s Connaught Hotel, Monte Carlo Beach in Monaco, the Rivington Hotel in Manhattan, and the Townhouse Hotel in Miami.

As the head of the jury, Mahdavi will convene and lead a panel of regional and international experts to identify achievements in contemporary design at the biennial showcase for design that covers Qatar, as well as the broader Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. Mahdavi also previously released a collection with Swedish retailer H&M, in addition to her own furniture objects.

“Her work transcends geography, transforming emotion, color, and form into a universal language of beauty and belonging. India’s vision — rooted in diversity, joy, and purpose — will guide us in recognizing designers who redefine what it means to create from this region, for the world,” Fahad Al Obaidly, acting director of Design Doha, said in a released statement.

“This region, one of my cultural homes, resonates deeply with me. I am awed to witness its design landscape grow and evolve,” Mahdavi added.

The Design Doha Prize will be awarded on April 14, 2026. It will honor innovation and craftsmanship in four categories: Craft, Product Design, Furniture Design, and Emerging Talent, with each winner taking home just under $55,000.