The third iteration of the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale, running until May 2, 2026, successfully unites the diverse creations of over 65 artists from 37 countries into a harmonious and interconnected viewing experience. The exhibition's design, rather than merely serving as a backdrop, actively contributes to the thematic exploration of migration, transformation, and alternative trajectories, ensuring that the collective body of work feels cohesive and thoughtfully integrated.
Situated in Jax, Riyadh's dynamic cultural center, the biennale, dubbed 'In Interludes and Transitions,' is under the joint artistic direction of Nora Razian and Sabih Ahmed. The renowned Milan-based design studio Formafantasma, celebrated for its numerous awards, crafted the exhibition's scenography. Their innovative approach has transformed the industrial setting of Jax into an ethereal composition of hues and structures, reimagining the space as a weightless and fluid environment.
Formafantasma's Vision: Redefining Exhibition Spaces
In alignment with the biennale's central theme of fluidity and transition, Formafantasma's founders, Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin, conceived a dynamic arrangement of shifting surfaces and curved pathways. This intricate design spans the extensive 12,900 square meters of the exhibition, encompassing various halls, courtyards, and terraces. The intention was to move beyond conventional exhibition layouts, fostering a permeable spatial condition that guides visitors through the art without imposing a rigid sequence or hierarchy. Instead of solid plasterboard walls, the design employs floating textile partitions stretched over simple wooden frames, creating a sense of openness and continuous flow. This approach allows for visual and spatial continuity, encouraging an exploratory journey through the diverse artworks.
Formafantasma's innovative exhibition design for the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale challenges traditional presentation methods by emphasizing porosity and interaction. The use of soft, textile partitions not only serves to delineate spaces but also acoustically tempers the environment, preventing sound clashes between the many artworks that incorporate sonic elements. This careful consideration ensures each piece maintains its individual integrity while contributing to the overall immersive experience. Furthermore, the design rejects the commonplace use of stark white walls, opting instead for a meticulously chosen palette of subtle, calibrated tones. These colors are selected to enhance the artworks rather than neutralize them, thereby shaping the exhibition's atmosphere and fostering a deeper engagement between the viewer and the art. The modular structures, reminiscent of painting canvases, include integrated benches, inviting visitors to pause, contemplate, and even activate certain pieces, thus transforming the act of viewing into a more reflective and participatory experience.
The Scenography as a Meditative Medium
The scenography itself functions as an interstitial space, a mediating layer that frames the interaction between the viewer and the artistic creations without overpowering them. This design philosophy underscores the idea that a truly effective exhibition design is never neutral; rather, it actively articulates concepts and provides a rich context within which meaning can emerge and develop. Formafantasma's approach highlights a deliberate attempt to move beyond mere aesthetics, aiming to create an intellectual, spatial, and emotional encounter that profoundly influences how each artwork is perceived and understood by the audience, thereby rooting art firmly in reality.
Simone Farresin of Formafantasma eloquently articulates that exceptional exhibition design extends beyond mere neutrality, actively shaping ideas and establishing a context where deeper meanings can unfurl. The studio's interest lies in the transformative power of spatial gestures, viewing them as integral to the thought process itself. By carefully selecting materials, defining thresholds, creating platforms, and ensuring architectural presence, the design aims to provoke reflection and engagement. This holistic approach ensures that every element, from the soft textile partitions to the nuanced color scheme, contributes to an environment that fosters a profound connection between the viewer and the artwork, enabling a more meaningful and immersive experience that transcends simple observation and grounds art within a tangible, relatable reality.