US and Costa Rica officials meet with Al-Jubeir in Riyadh

The Fenaa Alawwal exhibition, “Unfolding the Embassy,” has taken Riyadh by storm, offering visitors a glimpse into a speculative future through the eyes of global artists. Curated by Sara Al-Mutlaq and featuring scenography by Studio GGSV, the exhibition challenges viewers to ponder the fate of embassies in the year 2040.

As visitors step into the space, they are transported to a world where a SpaceX satellite orbits the Earth, serving as the backdrop for a reception area filled with books and brochures. The artworks themselves serve as decorative pieces, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. The question on everyone’s mind: What has happened to Earth?

The diverse group of artists participating in the exhibition hail from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, Palestine, Bosnia, Zambia, and Belgium, each offering their unique perspective on the future. From climate change to artificial intelligence, migration, and identity, the artworks address pressing contemporary issues with depth and creativity.

Saudi artist Ahaad Al-Amoudi’s video installation, “Frying Pan,” delves into the role of memory in shaping the future, while Egyptian artist Ahmad Hammoud’s works, “Flag of the Stateless” and “Passport of the Stateless,” symbolize strength and resistance against Western colonial views.

Photography plays a significant role in the exhibition, with Dia Murad, Naif Al-Quba, Federico Acciardi, and Peter Bogaczewicz showcasing their works. Bogaczewicz’s series, “Surface Tensions,” captures the intersection of natural and built environments in Saudi Arabia, reflecting the impact of human intervention on the planet.

The exhibition also prompts visitors to contemplate the future of humanity in the face of climate change, political upheaval, economic challenges, and AI advancements. By adopting a forward-looking approach, the artists challenge viewers to consider whether a distant perspective is needed to truly understand the present.

Running until Sept. 1, “Unfolding the Embassy” invites audiences to explore a fictional time-space that blurs the lines between reality and fiction. Through the lens of art, the exhibition raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of truth and the arbitrary constructs that shape our world.