Awartani, known for drawing inspiration from Islamic art, particularly its intricate language of geometric abstraction, is set to unveil a new work during the opening week of the 60th Venice Biennale Arte. The production of this artwork has been fully funded by Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Biennale Foundation (DBF) as part of its commitment to providing a global platform for local artists.
The DBF actively commissions artworks and facilitates connections between Saudi Arabia’s art scene and international institutions and audiences. Awartani expressed gratitude for the support, stating, “I am extremely honored to be invited to participate in the Venice Biennale, and I have been working on my newly commissioned artwork for the biennale over the past nine months.”
Having exhibited in the inaugural edition of the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale in 2021 and subsequently participating in other prominent art events, Awartani's work explores intricate geometric patterns, rich textile works, and multimedia installations, all reflecting on Arab culture, craftsmanship, and history.
The upcoming Venice Biennale's central exhibition, titled “Stranieri Ovunque - Foreigners Everywhere,” is curated by Adriano Pedrosa. While the DBF commission is separate from Saudi Arabia’s national pavilion, which will feature a solo exhibition by artist Manal Al-Dowayan. Aya Al Bakree, CEO of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, emphasized the foundation's commitment to supporting artists and contributing to global artistic practices.
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