RIYADH: The Saudi Museums Commission inaugurated the fourth Saudi edition of the International Biennial of Contemporary Art of South America (BIENALSUR) in October at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art, bringing a refreshing new perspective on what art can inspire: fun.  

Held under the theme “Let’s Play: A Labyrinth of Options,” the colorful and immersive show, which runs until Dec. 31, brings 26 local and international artists together under the curatorial direction of BIENALSUR’s artistic director Diana Wechsler.  

BIENALSUR’s general director Aníbal Jozami told Arab News: “For us it's very important to be in Saudi Arabia because it’s a very important country and related to our country because we have an important percentage of our population with Arab origins — I’m an example myself. The goal of BIENALSUR is to bring culture to where the people are. It’s not an exhibition or a project for the upper classes; it’s a project for all. We’re in different museums in different countries around the world. 

“This is an exhibition with many different artists from different countries, where each artist had the freedom to say or do what they think,” he added.  

The museum has been transformed by light, sound and movement, with many works inviting direct participation. Audience-activated pieces, interactive sculptures and walkable installations set the tone for a dynamic experience, inspiring families, students and art enthusiasts alike.  

From Mexican artist Carlos Amorales’ “We’ll See How Everything Reverberates” — an interactive sound piece that invites guests to strike cymbals — to Saudi artist Arwa Alneami’s “Art Not a Race,” which is both a workout and reminder that art is a natural progression, there’s something for everyone to contemplate.  

CEO of the Museums Commission, Ibrahim Al-Sanousi, told Arab News: “It's a unique theme, but it's a part of our lives. It's a part of our Saudi culture, where people enjoy playing in all forms. And this unites us as human beings all around the world as well. Playing may be one of the few traits that you see across all civilizations and across centuries among all human beings.  

“The theme of play is also a very important part of any creative industry,” he continued. “So through this theme, we, of course, invite all visitors to come and to enjoy. We are showing that artworks are meant to be open, are meant to be engaging, are meant to be interactive, and not just static things that you look at.” 

The three-month exhibition is enhanced by two additional programs: SAFAR and MUNTADA SAMoCA, both presented by the museum.  

SAFAR is an outdoor concert series that bridges diverse disciplines and nurtures a growing community around the museum. It began on Oct. 28 with the first Riyadh performance by the French electro-chill collective Bon Entedeur, who blend disco, funk, and hip-hop.  

On Nov. 12, Nigerian “Blufunk” pioneer Keziah Jones took the stage to showcase his percussive guitar style in a blend of blues, funk, soul, and Yoruba heritage. The legendary Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum will also be revived by the duo Love and Revenge, who reimagine her legacy through electronic music and cinematic visuals. They’ll be playing Agmal Layali on Dec. 8, while artist Wael Kodeih will be giving a masterclass on Dec. 7.  

MUNTADA SAMoCA, ran from Nov. 2-8, offering masterclasses, workshops, panel discussions, and film screenings that explore how images are made, read, and shared in the modern day, held under the theme “Focus on Image: Tools, Language and its Power.” 

“Let’s Play” is an edition curated in part to celebrate BIENALSUR’s 10th anniversary. Originating at the Universidad Nacional de Tres de Febrero (UNTREF) in Buenos Aires and supported by UNESCO, the biennial now spans more than 70 cities and 140 institutions worldwide.  

The idea is to create spaces that are accessible for all, in both notable museums around the world and smaller neighborhood galleries, showcasing all types of art without any commercial compromises.  

“Saudi Arabia has been our partner since 2019, and to be here is very important for us, and we have different projects that we think we could improve with Saudi Arabia,” Jozami said.