RIYADH — The Museums Commission announced that the traveling exhibition "Art of the Kingdom: Poetic Visions" will open at the National Museum of China in Beijing on July 30, marking a cultural milestone in celebration of Saudi Arabia and China's diplomatic ties under the "Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year 2025" initiative. This exhibition is the first of its scale to showcase contemporary Saudi artists abroad and features more than 30 artists of diverse backgrounds and styles. It offers a platform to explore bold themes such as identity, memory, tradition, and transformation — through painting, installation, video art, and multimedia works — presenting a powerful portrait of Saudi Arabia's evolving creative landscape. The show follows previous stops in Rio de Janeiro (November 2024) at the historic Imperial Palace and Riyadh (early 2025) at the Saudi Museum of Contemporary Art in JAX. Its arrival in Beijing marks the third leg of its international tour. Among the featured artists are renowned names such as Manal AlDowayan, Muhannad Shono, Lina Qazzaz, Ahmed Mater, Ayman Yossri Daydban, Dana Awartani, and Shadia Alem, offering visitors an in-depth journey through Saudi Arabia's visual culture and artistic narratives. The Beijing edition also includes a new section honoring Saudi modern art pioneers from the 1960s to 1980s, alongside curated selections from the Saudi Ministry of Culture's collection. Focusing on the desert and cultural heritage as its twin themes, the exhibition invites audiences to engage with the region's evolving visual identity while sparking dialogue on contemporary Saudi life. The exhibition exemplifies how cultural diplomacy can strengthen mutual understanding between nations. It also reflects Saudi Arabia's ongoing cultural transformation and international outreach as Saudi artists increasingly gain visibility on the global stage.
