Bedayat: Beginnings of Saudi Art Movement exhibition will be on view from 27 January to 11 April 2026 at the National Museum of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh, offering a comprehensive journey through the emergence and development of the art scene in the Kingdom. The exhibition features a diverse range of artworks and rare pieces on public display for the first time, alongside recently uncovered archival materials. It is informed by an in-depth research project conducted by the Visual Arts Commission, including site visits, interviews with artists, and extensive documentation, highlighting how the pioneering generation developed distinctive visual languages and built an integrated artistic ecosystem through emerging networks and initiatives supported by both public and private sectors.
Curated by Qaswra Hafez, the exhibition explores how artists combined Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage with social and economic transformations while engaging with international art currents to shape the Kingdom’s art scene during this period. The exhibition is complemented by a supporting public program of lectures, workshops, and specialized masterclasses, featuring experts who will discuss the foundations of art education in the Kingdom, the influence of early teachers and institutions, and practices for preserving artistic archives.