As an established centre of artistic journey located on the ancient incense route, the Safar Art Collection is a microcosm of the cultural and physical legacy of the region. Safar - a term which refers to a process of discovery and exploration by which things are revealed to the traveller - will introduce the visitors to the cultural and physical landscape AlUla. The collection presents 64 contemporary artworks in dialogue with AlUla’s cultural legacy, natural wonders and community. Working with 10 Saudi Arabian and 14 international artists the collection celebrates AlUla’s cultural legacy presenting artists who have a long standing connection with the location, including artists who have previously shown work at Desert x AlUla amongst other key projects.
Some highlights include:
- Shaikha Al Mazrou’s sculptures “When mountains are domesticated”. The artist first large scale works in resin which draw on the rock formations and colourings of the AlUla landscape;
- Farah Behbehani’s embroidered textiles “Let the waters settle and you will see the moon and the stars mirrored in your own being” that serve as an ode to the community of AlUla through a local craft;
- Ranim Halaky’s sculpture “Conversations through time”: a work she interviewed the local community about and presents their voice in sculptural form;
- Ayah Al Bitar’s specially commissioned Royal Portraits made of wood and mother of pearl. This is one of the few (if only) examples of non photographic Royal Portraits in a public building.
Alongside this, the collection also includes a series of works developed by students from Madrasat Addeera, a school to develop artisan and craft programmes for local students, and the local community. Thanks to its dynamic and vital home - AlUla’s airport -, the collection aims at engaging both the national and international community. As first and last touchpoint for AlUla, the airport is reshaped as a social and cultural hub full of identity, history, and relationships. Not functional, but a lived-in forum dedicated to public use.