Historically, sculpture served as a medium for expressing religious beliefs, commemorating heroic deeds, or asserting political dominance. However, in contemporary contexts, it has evolved into a vital tool for critical commentary and urban mediation. Many modern sculptural works delve into current societal issues, experiment with scale, incorporate motion and circulation, and redefine public spaces. Sculpture is no longer viewed as an isolated artifact but as an integral element within broader urban developmental processes.
Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is a prime example of a metropolis undergoing rapid growth and transformation. Driven by its ambitious Vision 2030, the city has strategically invested in enhancing its public areas, diversifying its cultural landscape, and forging an urban identity that harmonizes tradition, modern infrastructure, and global aspirations. Within this framework, cultural initiatives play a pivotal role, contributing to the reimagining of daily urban experiences and expanding the city's symbolic resonance.
The Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026 symposium, presented by Riyadh Art, epitomizes this vision. Running from February 9 to 22 along Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Street, also known as Tahlia Street, this seventh edition features 25 monumental sculptures created live. It underscores a dedication to embedding artistic expression within the urban fabric, functioning as an open-air studio where, from January 12 to March 8, the public observed artists molding local stone and recycled metals into striking artworks.
The theme of the 2026 exhibition, “Traces of What Will Be,” curated by Sarah Staton, Rut Blees Luxemburg, and Lulwah Alhomoud, draws inspiration from Tahlia Street's rich history, particularly its role as the site of Riyadh's inaugural desalination plant. This technological marvel transformed scarcity into abundance, significantly fueling the city's urban expansion. The theme thus explores transformation both as a tangible process and as a metaphor for urban renewal. Just as desalination reshaped the environment and spurred new growth, the art of sculpting visibly demonstrates material metamorphosis. Raw stone is meticulously carved, industrial relics are reimagined, and fresh forms emerge from existing resources. The deliberate choice of local and reclaimed materials reinforces this narrative, anchoring the artworks in enduring quality while acknowledging cycles of resource extraction, utilization, and adaptation. Strategically placed along one of Riyadh's major thoroughfares, these sculptures invigorate the street, transforming it into a vibrant arena for contemplation and interaction. Rather than confining art to traditional gallery settings, Tuwaiq Sculpture seamlessly integrates contemporary artistic practices into everyday life, enabling residents and visitors to engage with these works amidst the city's dynamic rhythm.
The Tuwaiq Sculpture symposium has evolved into a globally recognized event since its inception in 2019, showcasing international artistic talent. From 2019 to 2026, the program featured 178 artists from 57 nations, fostering a vibrant global exchange through sculpture. Over 60 sculptures from previous editions are now permanently displayed across Riyadh, forming an expanding public art collection. The 2026 event brought together artists from 18 countries, celebrating diverse geographic and cultural backgrounds. These participants include renowned sculptors and multidisciplinary artists working with stone, metal, land art, conceptual installations, and community-engaged public practices. Their interpretations of the symposium's theme explore memory, environmental innovation, identity, and the influence of human activity on natural and urban landscapes. The artworks span a broad spectrum, from inquiries into geological time and ecological cycles to reflections on migration, traditional crafts, and urban heritage. By uniting diverse perspectives within a shared creative environment, the symposium fosters an exchange that transcends individual pieces, embodying a collective artistic endeavor. As part of the wider Riyadh Art initiative, launched in 2019 by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, Tuwaiq Sculpture aims to embed art within the capital's transformation. Positioned as a key megaproject under Vision 2030, Riyadh Art seeks to enhance daily life, bolster the creative economy, and strengthen civic identity through accessible cultural platforms. The symposium's open format encourages dialogue among artists, urban planners, and the public, reinforcing the vital role of cultural production in urban development. Following the exhibition, all sculptures created for Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026 will join the Riyadh Art Permanent Collection and be installed in prominent locations throughout the city, ensuring their long-term impact.
In a rapidly evolving urban landscape, Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026 highlights the transformative power of public art as a catalyst for environmental awareness, material exploration, and civic imagination. These sculptures leave an indelible mark on the urban fabric, symbolizing the enduring promise of what is yet to unfold.