Vincent Ruijters confronts identity at Noor Riyadh festival
- Vincent Ruijters is showcasing his art at Noor Riyadh, an annual festival of light and art in Saudi Arabia, ongoing until December 14, 2024.
- His artwork explores themes of identity and heritage, particularly focusing on his background as a Chinese Indonesian living in the Netherlands.
- Through the interplay of various cultural elements, Ruijters aims to educate younger generations about their heritage and create a dialogue surrounding hybrid cultures.
The Noor Riyadh festival is an annual celebration of light and art held in Saudi Arabia. This year, it runs until December 14, 2024, featuring various artists, including Dutch artist Vincent Ruijters. Ruijters presents his work that focuses on identity and self-exploration. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing and owning one’s cultural heritage, particularly for the Chinese Indonesian community residing in the Netherlands. The motifs in his artwork reflect a blend of cultural influences, showcasing sun-shaped lamps reminiscent of traditional kembang kelapa decorations and petal shapes based on Javanese batik techniques. His use of specially crafted red fabric speaks to the Peranakan culture, highlighting the collaboration between Chinese and Indonesian artisans in the creation process. Ruijters aims to connect with his ancestors while simultaneously educating younger generations about their heritage through this artistic expression. In addition to Ruijters' work, the festival features other artists, including Japanese visual artist Takayuki Mori, who pays tribute to Saudi culture in his creations. The festival serves as a platform for cross-cultural dialogue and artistic collaboration. The art presented at Noor Riyadh showcases a rich tapestry of influences, allowing artists to connect with one another and with the audiences in meaningful ways. Through light, shadow, and fabric, artists like RUijters and Mori create narratives that explore the intersections of identity and culture, contributing to a broader understanding of heritage in a global context. The ongoing arts festival coincides with multiple cultural events in the region, including the Billboard Arabia Music Awards, which are set to take place on December 11, celebrating the burgeoning music industry in the MENA region. This highlights the vitality of the cultural scene in Saudi Arabia as it embraces artistic innovation across various fields, not just visual arts. Art and music are equally pivotal in reflecting societal values and promoting heritage, making events like Noor Riyadh and the Billboard Arabia Music Awards significant milestones in Arab cultural expression.