Riyadh’s Annual ‘RHS Street Art Festival’ Gathers 30 Artists To Turn Building Abandoned for 15 Years Into Big Artwork

(Photo: Sebastian Graser / Unsplash)
The annual 'RSH Street Art Festival' revitalized an old abandoned building in Riyadh.

After being abandoned for 15 years, a building in Riyadh was transformed into a big artwork with the efforts of 30 artists gathered for the annual 'RHS Street Art Festival.'

Revitalized After Being Abandoned for 15 Years

A building in the Al-Mughrizat District in Riyadh witnessed a revival after a 15-year abandonment with the inauguration of the RSH Street Art Festival on November 15. Organized by the Saudi Ministry of Culture's Visual Arts Commission, the festival, running until December 6, showcases over 30 artists worldwide. Its mission is to foster community through art, contributing to Riyadh's aesthetic appeal.

Curated by Basmah Felemban, the festival celebrates diverse artistic styles from Saudi Arabia and beyond. It provides a platform for discussions, workshops, and lectures, catering to artists at all levels and encouraging deeper exploration into street art as a practice.

ST4 Collective's and San Shyn's artworks will find permanent homes at Municipal Square and Sunset Park, respectively. Shyn's piece, inspired by the park's family-friendly ambiance, features vibrant flowers and a central character amidst greenery.

The festival also includes a striking black-and-white collection of community members' headshots by the Inside Out Project, aiming to amplify voices through public art, complemented by testimonies providing a deeper understanding of these experiences for visitors.

Overall, the festival's transformational impact breathes life into abandoned spaces, promoting cultural exchange and community engagement through diverse artistic expressions, inviting contemplation and interaction.

30 Artists Came Together in Riyadh

The RSH Street Art Festival in Riyadh showcases a diverse range of artists and their thought-provoking creations. Zainab Al-Mahoozi's mural, portraying an ice cream truck with deeper connotations, draws attention to societal issues affecting vulnerable individuals, particularly children, emphasizing that appearances can be deceiving. This message transcends age, impacting everyone.

Saudi artists like Bolotron and Fouad Alghareeb depict a futuristic Saudi Arabia through cyber-themed murals, showcasing the nation's potential. Iraqi artist Wijdan Al-Majed pays tribute to Iraqi heritage in her mural, celebrating prominent figures and the nation's rich history.

Photojournalist Martha Cooper's digital display features her influential documentation of New York City's graffiti culture, notably in her book "Subway Art." Meanwhile, SHN Collectivo's vibrant mural blends Saudi cultural elements with tropical motifs, adding a colorful backdrop to the festival's skate park.

Ahmad Bawazeer's self-portrait exudes positivity and symbolism, depicting himself carrying flowers and a vibrant heart, aiming to spread joy through his art. Bawazeer emphasizes the interconnectedness of skateboarding, street art, and music within youth culture, advocating for mutual support and cultural advancement.

Bawazeer's artistic journey, inspired by his mother's sketches of Street Fighter characters, continues to center around characters in his artwork, symbolizing his artistic roots and evolution. Overall, the festival is a testament to diverse artistic expressions, social commentary, and the unifying power of art in Riyadh's cultural landscape.

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RHS Street Art Festival

The RHS Street Art Festival, initiated by the Saudi Visual Arts Commission, unites global artists for street art exploration. Beyond showcasing contemporary art, it aims to empower artists and educate the public through workshops, lectures, and performances, engaging all ages. The inaugural session featured Futura 2000 discussing street art's evolution, followed by diverse talks and workshops throughout the month.

Emphasizing collaboration, the abandoned building hosts discussions, music, and art creation. The "Art of the People Area" invites visitors daily to contribute to a collective artwork, symbolizing the evolving acceptance of street art from its previous prohibition. Zainab Al-Mahoozi reflects on this transformative journey, highlighting how artists now play a recognized role in community engagement through the Visual Arts Commission.

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