Noor Riyadh 2024: Illuminating the Capital with the World’s Largest Light Art Festival
Riyadh, December 1, 2024 – Noor Riyadh, the world’s largest light art festival, has returned under the Riyadh Art Project, transforming the Saudi capital into a "gallery without walls" from November 28 to December 14. This year’s festival, themed Light Years Apart, features over 60 mesmerizing light-based artworks by 61 artists from 18 countries, spanning three iconic hubs: the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, Wadi Hanifah, and JAX District.
The festival’s fourth edition includes contributions from 18 Saudi artists alongside 43 international creators, such as Architect Saad Al-Howede, Artist Asmaa Aljohani, Artist Anna Ridler, and Artist Ryoji Ikeda. Renowned installations include Chris Levine’s Higher Power (2024), a city-wide light projection from Al Faisaliah Tower conveying a Morse code message of hope and unity visible across Riyadh, and Daan Roosegaarde’s SPARK, an ethereal display of biodegradable floating sparks at Wadi Hanifah.
Vision and Artistic Exploration
Director of Riyadh Art Project, Architect Khalid Al-Hazani, emphasized the festival’s mission to transform Riyadh into an accessible and inspiring artistic space, fostering creativity in public areas. Festival Director Nouf Almoneef highlighted Noor Riyadh as a beacon of connection, inviting visitors to explore the theme of Light Years Apart through vibrant installations.
Curators Dr. Effat Abdullah Fadag and Dr. Alfredo Cramerotti explained that the theme reflects humanity’s journey between the earth (Althara) and the stars (Althuraya), encouraging reflection on our aspirations and realities.
Notable Locations and Installations
The installations are strategically placed to showcase Riyadh’s cultural and historical depth:
King Abdulaziz Historical Center: Features Studio United Visual Artists’ Aether, a synchronized light show with 1,500 drones, and Rashed AlShashai’s The Fifth Pyramid, symbolizing Riyadh’s rise as a global art capital.
Wadi Hanifah: Hosts SPARK by Roosegaarde and immersive natural backdrops for creative exploration.
JAX District: Combines digital creativity, art, and technology with interactive installations like Maryam Tariq’s Shifting Perspectives.
Community Engagement
Noor Riyadh offers free workshops, guided tours, family activities, and interactive events. Adults can participate in photography and mixed media sessions, while children enjoy crafting kaleidoscopes and puppetry.
Global Impact and Legacy
Since 2019, Riyadh Art has showcased over 500 artworks by more than 500 artists, attracting six million visitors. Noor Riyadh’s achievements, including 14 Guinness World Records, reinforce its global standing as a premier light art festival.
With its 2024 edition, Noor Riyadh solidifies the Saudi capital’s position as a cultural, innovative, and artistic hub, celebrating the transformative power of light and creativity.
📷SPA