In Riyadh, Sweeping Survey Traces the Origins of the Saudi Art Movement
Artnet News
by Artnet Gallery NetworkFebruary 25, 2026
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In Riyadh, the National Museum of Saudi Arabia is hosting "Bedayat: Beginnings of Saudi Art Movement," a groundbreaking exhibition tracing the development of Saudi art from the mid-20th century. Featuring over 250 works by 73 artists, the show highlights the transformative period between the 1960s and 1980s, showcasing paintings, sculptures, and rarely seen archival materials. Curated by Qaswra Hafez and supported by extensive research led by the Visual Arts Commission, the exhibition draws on interviews with over 50 artists and experts, offering a comprehensive exploration of Saudi Modern art's origins.
The exhibition is divided into three sections: "The Foundation of the Modern Art Movement," which examines the cultural context of its emergence; "Currents of Modernity," which explores the influences shaping the era; and "Modernist Pioneers," spotlighting key figures like Mohammed Al-Saleem, Safeya Binzagr, Mounirah Mosly, and Abdulhalim Radwi. These sections collectively reveal how Saudi artists blended their cultural heritage with innovative techniques, creating a unique contribution to global Modernism.
"Bedayat" challenges traditional narratives that often center Western art movements, presenting an alternative perspective on the evolution of Modernism. By highlighting the experimental and groundbreaking work of early Saudi artists, the exhibition not only preserves this history but also inspires future generations. As Dina Amin, CEO of the Visual Arts Commission, noted, the show
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Originally published on Artnet News on 2/25/2026