Want to learn more about the art of sculpture? Don’t miss these 8 workshops and talks you can attend at Tuwaiq Sculpture 2023

Tuwaiq Sculpture 2023 is underway, with 30 artists from 20 countries carving, cutting, and shaping their creations as part of a live-sculpting event on a dedicated site at Durrat Al Riyadh. Visitors can see art in action and witness the creative process for themselves, and the completed works will be presented in an exhibition from February 5 to 10, 2023.

Launched in 2019, the annual sculpture symposium is part of Riyadh Art, one of the largest public art initiatives in the world today. Riyadh Art seeks to turn the city into a “gallery without walls”, with more than 1,000 artworks to be displayed across the capital. Sculptures created during Tuwaiq Sculpture will become an integral part of Riyadh, enriching the historical heart of the city and bolstering the Saudi capital’s cultural scene. So far, the symposium has engaged over 90 world-renowned sculptors, including those in the current edition, and thousands of visitors.

For the current edition of Tuwaiq Sculpture, a robust public program of educational visits, workshops, and talks have been taking place at Durrat Al Riyadh and JAX District, all aiming to enhance knowledge of sculpture and three-dimensional art. Here, we have selected 8 workshops and talks that will take place in the final few weeks of Tuwaiq Sculpture 2023. There are opportunities to learn more traditional art forms such as wood carving and more modern approaches to sculpting using clay. In addition, Arabic and English-language panel discussions, featuring artists and experts in the realms of art, urban design, and heritage, will take on pertinent topics related to the sculpture, from its history to its role in contemporary art.

Foundations of Sculpting

In a series of workshops taking place over two days, artist Thamer Aljohani and the creative team from Catalyst V will teach participants the basics of rendering human anatomy in sculpture. Specifically, each workshop will focus on a specific feature of the human face, breaking it down into the elements of eyes, nose, lips, and ears. Aljohani will use Michelangelo’s David as a starting point, and participants will observe the forms of the sculpture and apply these into their own creations.

Dates and time: January 27 and 28, 2023, various timings
Location: Durrat Al Riyadh

More information on riyadhart.sa
https://riyadhart.sa/en/events/foundation-of-sculpting-facial-parts-eyes/

https://riyadhart.sa/en/events/foundation-of-sculpting-facial-parts-nose/

https://riyadhart.sa/en/events/foundation-of-sculpting-facial-parts-lips/

https://riyadhart.sa/en/events/foundation-of-sculpting-facial-parts-ears/

The Art of Experiencing Art

Art surrounds us daily in various mediums and forms. But how should we see it, study it, and connect to it? This discussion gives an insight into how to connect with art and interpret it using all our senses as well as processing the feelings that come along with experiencing different art pieces. Moderated by curator Gaida AlMogren, the Arabic panel discussion includes artists Effat Fadag, Moath Alofi, and Thamer Al Johani.

Language: Arabic
Date and time: February 2, 2023, 8pm-9pm
Location: JAX District
More information on riyadhart.sa
https://riyadhart.sa/en/events/the-art-of-experiencing-art/

From Ancient Sculpture to Conceptual Art

The art of sculpture has been evident throughout history, and this discussion explores the various artistic methods and processes within the medium, as well as the developments and transformations within it. Moderator Kholoud Attar will speak to Saudi artists Rajaa AlShafae and Muhannad Shono with Head of Henry Moore Collections & Programs at the Henry Moore Foundation in Hertfordshire, Sebastiano Barassi, to discuss the journey of sculpting throughout history, from its origins in ancient societies to its contemporary forms. 

Language: English
Date and time: February 5, 2023, 2pm-3pm
Location: Durrat Al Riyadh
More information on riyadhart.sa
https://riyadhart.sa/en/events/from-ancient-sculpture-to-conceptual-art/  

Three-Dimensionality in Art

Three-dimensional artworks constitute a big part of Riyadh Art’s programs. In this talk, panelists Johannes von Stum, Thomas Rieger, Hamza Serafi, and Lulwah AlHmoud, joined by curator Marek Wolynski, will discuss different aspects of three-dimensional artworks, from conceptual development to execution and presentation. The panelists will also discuss a range of different forms that 3D artworks take, from traditional stone to cutting-edge technologies, and how artworks are placed in the public realm.

Language: English
Date and time: February 5, 2023, 2:55pm-3:45pm
Location: Durrat Al Riyadh
More information on riyadhart.sa
https://riyadhart.sa/en/events/three-dimensionality-in-art/

Art Business

How do artists navigate the business of art? While the art industry grows in Saudi Arabia, there is no specific way to join the movement. This discussion gathers some of the most influential names in the international art world to give insight on how to become an art professional, from building a sustainable portfolio to working behind-the-scenes. The panel discussion features Sebastien Montabonel, Chair of the Board of Trustees for Art Institutions of the 21st Century; art historian and curator Ilaria Bonacossa, architect and artist Alaa Trabzouni, and Aebhric Coleman from Marian Goodman Gallery, London, moderated by Maha AlGhamdi.

Language: English
Date and time: February 5, 2023, 4pm-4:50pm
Location: Durrat Al Riyadh
More information on riyadhart.sa
https://riyadhart.sa/en/events/art-business/

Stone Treasures of Saudi Arabia

The 2023 edition of Tuwaiq Sculpture marks the first time that the stones used for material are sourced from Saudi Arabia. Learn more about the history of Saudi stones, tracing their origins and their presence in the global market through this discussion. Renowed sculptor Ali Al Tokhais will be joined by educator Dr Islam Obada and artist Mohamed Elsayyad for this Arabic-language talk.

Language: Arabic
Date and time: February 6, 2023, 9pm-10pm
Location: Durrat Al Riyadh
More information on riyadhart.sa
https://riyadhart.sa/en/events/stone-treasures-in-saudi-arabia/

Blending Architecture and Urban Ecology

What is urban ecology? How does its presence in the city form a better environment for inhabitants? This talk with artists Fahad Bin Naif, Tamara Calo, and Mohammad Al-Faris will explore the integration of ecology and design in architectural projects, combining ecological sustainability and sociocultural sustainability as an integrated approach of environmental health in the city.

Language: Arabic
Date and time: February 7, 2023, 7:30pm-8:30pm
Location: Durrat Al Riyadh
More information on riyadhart.sa
https://riyadhart.sa/en/events/blending-architecture-and-urban-ecology/

Sculpture in Contemporary Art

In this discussion, the panelists delve into modern and contemporary techniques in sculpture, as well as a range of methods and materials used. This panel talk with Saddik Wasel, Elham Al Dosari, Khalid Al Anqari, Holwa Al Atwi, moderated by Reem Al Mutlaq, explores how modern art has expanded sculpture, making it more attainable for practitioners and widening its appeal to audiences.

Language: Arabic
Date and time: February 8, 2023, 9pm-10pm
Location: Durrat Al Riyadh
More information on riyadhart.sa
https://riyadhart.sa/en/events/sculpture-in-contemporary-art/