Sotheby’s Launches Islamic Art Talks & Workshops at Diriyah Biennale

Sotheby’s is collaborating with the Islamic Arts Biennale to host ‘The World of Islamic Art’, an educational programme of talks and workshops unfolding at the Diriyah Biennale in Saudi Arabia. The series, running from April 6th to May 15th, features five in-depth sessions that invite the public to engage with the historical, cultural, and material legacy of Islamic art through dialogue and hands-on experience.

Each session is led by Sotheby’s specialists and features internationally renowned figures in art history and cultural production. Among the speakers are Dr. Mariët Westermann, Director and CEO of the Guggenheim Museum; Dr. Mariam Rosser-Owen, Curator of the Middle Eastern section at the Victoria and Albert Museum; Dr. Thalia Kennedy, Global Creative Director of Turquoise Mountain; and Jordanian-Palestinian architect and artist Abeer Seikaly. Together, they will trace themes from Islamic textile design and architecture to the continued global influence of Islamic artistic heritage.

Talks are followed by intimate, guided tours of the Diriyah Biennale itself, offering attendees a unique opportunity to explore the exhibition alongside curators and scholars. The programme also includes a series of traditional craft workshops presented in collaboration with Turquoise Mountain. Master artisans Moataz Hammoush, a specialist in mother-of-pearl inlay, and Abdelrahman Shaaban Tabannaj, an expert in wood mosaic, will lead participants in interactive sessions that illuminate centuries-old techniques still practised today.

These offerings are presented as part of the second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennable, ‘And All That Is In Between’. The exhibition is currently housed at the Western Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport. All sessions are free of charge, with advance registration required via the Diriyah Biennale website.

Cultural Encounters: The Influence of Islamic Art in the World
Sunday, April 6th | 7 PM

With Benedict Carter, Head of Department, Islamic & Indian Art at Sotheby’s, and Mariam Rosser Owen, Curator in the Victoria & Albert Museum’s Middle Eastern Section In this lecture, participants will discover how Islamic art transcends borders, shaping artistic movements worldwide since the religion’s conception.

In this lecture, participants will discover how Islamic art transcends borders, shaping artistic movements worldwide since the religion’s conception.

Threads of Tradition: Islamic Textiles and the Art of Craftsmanship
Sunday, May 4th | 7 PM

With Alexandra Roy, Director, Head of Modern & Contemporary Middle Eastern Art at Sotheby’s; Dr. Thalia Kennedy, Global Creative Director, Turquoise Mountain; and Abeer Seikaly, architect, artist and cultural producer

This world-class trio of experts will discuss the stories and techniques woven into Islamic artistic traditions, exploring how the creation of Islamic textiles and artisanal craft reflects the complex and vibrant stories they portray. Abeer Seikaly will provide key insight on how these practices resonate in contemporary design, bridging heritage and the present.

Gardens of Eden
Tuesday, May 6th | 7 PM

With Dr. Mariët Westermann, Director and CEO of the Guggenheim, and Edward Gibbs, Chairman of Sotheby’s Middle East & India

This compelling discussion will explore the Garden of Eden in all its iterations and interpretations, highlighting the historic and enduring significance of gardens as symbols of beauty, sanctuary, and cultural identity across art and eras.

The Turquoise Mountain Workshops, Mother of Pearl
Monday, May 14th | 7 PM

With Master Artisan Moataz Hammoush and Frankie Keyworth, Sotheby’s Islamic Specialist

Moataz Hammoush, a master artisan in mother-of-pearl inlay, tells a story of resilience and love through the pieces he crafts. Learning the craft from his father in Syria, he and his partner Ossama established a workshop in Amman, Jordan, which now employs over 50 artisans. Their exquisite work has gained international recognition, including a collaboration with Jo Malone. Join Moataz for an immersive workshop, supported by Sotheby’s Islamic Art Specialist Frankie Keyworth, who will provide historical insights into the significance of mother-of-pearl inlay throughout the Islamic world.

Wood Mosaic
Tuesday, May 15th | 7 PM

With Master Artisan Abdelrahman Shaaban Tabannaj (Abu Abdo) and Frankie Keyworth, Sotheby’s Islamic Specialist

Learning the wood mosaic craft as a child in Damascus under the guidance of a local master, Abu Abdo is an expert in the truest sense of the word. After years of refining his skills, he moved to Amman, where he built an impressive reputation throughout the industry. His designs are intricate, and his dedication to improvement is unrelenting.Join Abu Abdo for a hands-on workshop, alongside Sotheby’s Islamic Art Specialist Frankie Keyworth, who will accompany the crafting with key historical insights.