From Then to Now – Finding Joy in the Struggle of Making
The 6th Edition of Tuwaiq Sculpture brings together an impressive collection of 30 monumental sculptures crafted from locally sourced granite by artists from 23 countries. Organised by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and Riyadh Art, this Edition is led by curator Sebastian Betancur-Montoya from Colombia, alongside associate curator Dr. Manal Al-Harbi from Saudi Arabia. Their combined expertise has guided the selected artists, the event’s thematic direction, and the overarching vision of fostering a meaningful artistic exchange that resonates with local and global audiences.
Ali AlHamoud (Saudi Arabia), Endless Arrival. Courtesy of Tuwaiq Sculpture.
At its core, Tuwaiq Sculpture is more than an exhibition; it is a dynamic platform for cultural dialogue and creative exploration. The event provides a space where local and international artists unite to push their craft’s boundaries. Working primarily with stone, they delve into diverse cultural narratives, reflecting on history, identity, and the evolving nature of artistic expression.
Anna Sosenskaia (Russia), The Birth of Beauty. Courtesy of Tuwaiq Sculpture.
A defining feature of Tuwaiq Sculpture is its month-long artistic residency preceding the main exhibition. During this period, the selected artists immerse themselves in a collaborative environment, exchanging techniques, ideas, and inspirations. This residency is not just about individual artistic pursuits—it is a space where mentorship flourishes, cross-cultural influences emerge, and creative synergy takes shape. Here, in the open-air setting, raw blocks of stone begin their transformation into monumental works of art. The residency also allows the public to witness this intricate process firsthand, observing the sculptors as they carve, refine, and ultimately bring their visions to life. Through this interaction, visitors gain a deeper appreciation of the technical skill, patience, and conceptual depth required to produce large-scale public artworks.
This year’s theme, From Then to Now: Joy in the Struggle of Making, speaks to an enduring truth in art: creation is a journey without a definitive endpoint.
Anna Teresa Rasinska (Poland), Periodicity. Courtesy of Tuwaiq Sculpture.
The curatorial vision embraces the poetics of struggle, celebrating the idea that a piece is never truly finished. Instead, choosing when to stop—when to abandon the pursuit of completion—becomes an artistic statement in itself. This perspective challenges traditional notions of finality and perfection, suggesting instead that art thrives in its evolving, unresolved nature. In this perpetual process of making, adjusting, and letting go, artists find true freedom and fulfilment.
Dangyong Liu (China), Happiness in the Palm. Courtesy of Tuwaiq Sculpture.
Sarah Alruwayti, Director of the Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium, underscores Riyadh Art’s commitment to selecting curators, artists, and themes that align with the city’s vision for cultural enrichment and environmental sustainability. Speaking to ART AFRICA, she elaborates on the broader impact of the initiative: “We’re very keen on fostering a community of intellectuals, cultural and artistic exchange. Tuwaiq is about more than creating sculptures—it is about bringing visions to life and cultivating a shared artistic experience.” She further reflects on the long-term significance of the project, emphasising how it extends beyond individual installations: “It’s not only about creating collections of sculptures but about shaping Riyadh’s landscape and leaving a lasting legacy. These artworks become part of the city’s visual identity, enhancing public spaces and inspiring future generations.”
Juan Pablo Marturano (Argentina), Mountains of the Mind. Courtesy of Tuwaiq Sculpture.
Since its inception in 2019, Tuwaiq Sculpture has engaged over 90 internationally acclaimed sculptors and welcomed thousands of visitors, establishing itself as a key event in the global art scene. The 2025 edition continues this tradition, bringing together emerging and established artists. It serves as a space for them to challenge themselves, push artistic boundaries, and contribute to the evolving urban identity of Riyadh.
Majid Haghighi (Iran), Forgotten Corners. Courtesy of Tuwaiq Sculpture.
Reflecting on the event’s significance, Lead Curator Sebastian Betancur-Montoya states: “The exhibition is the culmination of weeks of dedication, artistic exchange, and craftsmanship. These sculptures go beyond temporary installations; they are lasting contributions to a cultural dialogue that bridges history and modernity, shaping Riyadh’s public art landscape.” His words highlight the enduring impact of the sculptures, which will continue to engage viewers long after the event concludes.
Masa Paunovic (Serbia), Evolution. Courtesy of Tuwaiq Sculpture.
As part of Riyadh Art’s ongoing mission to integrate public art into the city’s daily life, all sculptures created during Tuwaiq Sculpture 2025 will become part of its permanent collection. They will be installed throughout Riyadh, joining 35 existing pieces from previous editions displayed at the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre. This initiative reinforces the importance of accessibility in art, ensuring that these masterpieces are not confined to galleries but become an immersive part of the urban environment. Residents and visitors will encounter these sculptures daily, fostering a connection to the city’s artistic and cultural narrative.
Rawan AlShehri (Saudi Arabia), Spontaneity. Courtesy of Tuwaiq Sculpture.
Tuwaiq Sculpture is a testament to the power of collaboration, artistic innovation, and the enduring relationship between art and public space. By bridging the past with the present, history with modernity, and local perspectives with global influences, it continues redefining sculpture’s role in shaping urban landscapes. As each Edition unfolds, it strengthens its legacy as a beacon of creativity, leaving an indelible mark on Riyadh’s cultural identity.
Susana Botana (Spain), Balance. Courtesy of Tuwaiq Sculpture.
Participating Artists are Bodour AlAqidi (Saudi Arabia); Ali AlHamoud (Saudi Arabia); Obai Allaa ElDin AlHattoom (Syria); Ali AlMalky (Saudi Arabia); Noha AlSharif (Saudi Arabia); Rawan AlShehri (Saudi Arabia); Ali AlTokhais (Saudi Arabia); Hiroyuki Asakawa (Japan); Susana Botana (Spain); Juan Caicedo (Colombia); Jacob Lucius Cartwright (Australia); Birgit Cauer (Germany); Furkan Depeli (Türkiye); Khalid Farhan (Bahrain); Majid Haghighi (Iran); Seungwoo Hwang South (Korea); Dangyong Liu (China); Juan Pablo Marturano (Argentina); Masa Paunovic (Serbia); Petre Borissov Petrov (Bulgaria); Anna Teresa Rasinska (Poland); Ebtesam Saleh (Saudi Arabia); Vankhade Sangam (India) Eternal; Mikhail Sobolev (Russia); Anna Sosenskaia (Russia); Reto Steiner (Switzerland); Genti Tavanxhiu (Albania); Chuan-Hsien Yeh (Taiwan); Arianna Palmieri (Italy) and Khaled Zaki (Egypt).
Arianna Palmieri (Italy), Motion of Revolution. Courtesy of Tuwaiq Sculpture.
Tuwaiq Sculpture rounded off its focus on engagement and encouragement of new artistic dialogue with diverse public programming that included panel discussions, workshops and tours.
The exhibition took place at ROSHN Front, Riyadh, from 15 January to 24 February 2025. For more information, please visit Riyadh Art.
Suzette Bell-Roberts is the Co-founder and Digital Editor of ART AFRICA magazine.
