This summer, the Promenade du Larvotto in Monaco has been transformed into an open-air art gallery, offering residents and visitors alike a unique opportunity to explore the cultural richness of AlUla, Saudi Arabia's "cultural oasis." Running until September 3, the exhibition, titled "AlUla: un tissage de créativité" (AlUla, a Weave of Creativity), is an artistic journey through one of the most historically and geologically significant regions in the world.
AlUla is home to Hegra, the first Saudi site to be inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Hegra, a historical landmark once traversed by Lawrence of Arabia, stands as a testament to the region's deep historical roots. The area also includes Dadan, a highly developed city dating back to the 1st millennium BC, showcasing the architectural and cultural advancements of the time.
The exhibition, organized by Arts AlUla and under the patronage of Monaco's Cultural Affairs Department, features works from eight international artists who participated in a residency program in AlUla. Among these artists is Prince Michel of Yugoslavia, who brings his unique perspective to this captivating display. Prince Michel, a member of European royalty and a talented photographer, has long been known for his ability to capture the essence of diverse landscapes and cultures. His contributions to the exhibition offer a rare glimpse into the enchanting desert landscapes and the ancient history that defines AlUla.
The artworks on display, created by artists such as Moath Alofi, Huda Beydoun, Lance Gerber, Catherine Gfeller, M’hammed Kilito, Matthieu Paley, Robert Polidori, and Prince Michel of Yugoslavia, highlight the geological wonders, archaeological significance, and cultural richness of AlUla. Each artist brings their own innovative techniques and distinct artistic voice, weaving together the past, present, and future of this extraordinary region.
Nora Aldabal, Executive Director of Arts and Creative Industries for the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), emphasizes the global significance of AlUla as a source of inspiration. "AlUla is an infinite source of inspiration for artists from different eras and cultures, and today it is reasserting itself as an international reference in the world of art and culture. The exhibition is a perfect illustration of AlUla’s ability to inspire new generations of local and international artists, while serving as a vehicle for bringing Saudi art and artists to the international stage," she remarked.
Monaco, a principality renowned for its support of the arts and its nurturing of new talent, provides an ideal backdrop for this inaugural public exhibition of AlUla Arts outside of Saudi Arabia. As the works of Prince Michel and his fellow artists grace the Larvotto promenade, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the beauty and history of a region where the ancient and the modern coexist in a seamless tapestry of creativity.
This free exhibition is an essential cultural experience for anyone in Monaco this summer, offering a rare chance to connect with the spirit of AlUla through the eyes of artists who have fallen under its spell.