A new annual festival - ‘Under One Sky’ - is taking place in the Saudi capital, Riyadh through 3rd April, showcasing 33 stunning large-scale light installations under the creative lead of award-winning Italian impresario Marco Balich and artistic director Lida Castelli.
Over 60 artists are taking part in the festival's launch edition from more than 20 countries and include top names. Daniel Buren, Robert Willson, Carsten Hoeller, Ilya and Emilia Kabakov are among the international artists, while Ahmed Mater, Lulwah Al-Homoud, Ayman Zedani, Saeed Gamhawi, Ali Alruzaiza are among an expanding roster of Saudi artists whose work is on show at the event.
Encompassing all forms of light art, among them sculptures, projections, interactive shows, kinetic and immersive pieces, 'Under One Sky' brings outdoor citywide installations to the residents of Riyadh.
The festival also boasts an innovative exhibition 'Light Upon Light: Light Art since the 1960s', and a diverse program of special activities including tours, talks, workshops, family activities, films and music, much of which is available online to a wider audience.
Eiman Elgibreen, curator of 'Under One Sky' together with Pam Toonen paid tribute to Balich and Castelli's creative and artistic role in the festival.
“Everyone's work is getting the attention of different groups of people. I want to thank them as they are among the protagonists of this project," Elgibreen said.
"If it wasn’t for them, we would never be able to do such a spectacular event,” Elgibreen added.
International curatorial consultant Vincenzo de Bellis collaborated with 'Under the Same Sky' which is the first in a programme of events within the wider Riyadh Art project.
