‘Art Must Be Artificial’ Exhibit Explores AI at Diriyah Art Futures

Diriyah Art Futures (DAF), the first New Media Arts hub in the Middle East and North Africa, is holding its inaugural exhibition, ‘Art Must Be Artificial: Perspectives of AI in the Visual Arts’, until February 15th, 2025.

Curated by Jérôme Neutres, the exhibition traces the evolution of computer art from the 1960s to today, showcasing works by over 30 artists. Notable contributors include early pioneers such as Frieder Nake and Vera Molnar, as well as contemporary innovators like Refik Anadol and Ryoji Ikeda. Saudi artists Dania Alsaleh, Lulwah Alhomoud, Muhannad Shono, and Nasser Alshemimry (DesertFish) also feature prominently, reflecting the nation’s growing influence in New Media Art.

Developed by the Saudi Museums Commission in collaboration with Diriyah Company, the hub integrates regional voices with global perspectives in art, technology and innovation. Beyond its exhibitions, DAF offers dynamic programming to foster artistic growth and public engagement. The Emerging New Media Artists Programme, developed in collaboration with France’s Le Fresnoy - Studio National des Arts Contemporains, equips emerging artists with mentorship, funding, and cutting-edge equipment to advance their artistic practice.

Additionally, the three month Mazra’ah Media Arts Residency, running from February to April 2025, invites established artists and scholars to engage with themes of nature, technology, and society through creative exploration and intellectual exchange

Tickets for the ‘Art Must Be Artificial: Perspectives of AI in the Visual Arts’ exhibition are available through the WeBook platform.