The Islamic Arts Biennale is set to return to the cultural forefront in 2025, promising an even more profound exploration of faith, identity, and the human experience. Held at the historic Hajj Terminal in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, this biennale takes on the theme “And All That Is In Between,” a phrase that suggests the liminal spaces of existence, the interstitial moments between past and future, and the fluidity of human experience. Curated by a visionary team, the event is poised to be a groundbreaking convergence of contemporary and historical Islamic art, pushing the boundaries of how Islamic heritage is perceived and experienced in today’s world.
Choosing the Hajj Terminal as the venue is not only an inspired logistical decision but also a poetic one. This architectural marvel, originally designed to accommodate millions of pilgrims, stands as a gateway to the spiritual journey of the Hajj – the annual pilgrimage that embodies one of the Five Pillars of Islam. In this setting, art is more than just a static experience; it becomes a pilgrimage itself, inviting attendees to journey through the diverse expressions of Islamic culture and spirituality. This transformative space inherently connects to the idea of thresholds and transitions, reflecting the biennale’s thematic exploration of the ‘in-between.’
The curatorial team for the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 comprises a roster of distinguished names who bring their own unique perspectives to the event. The intersection of contemporary artists with traditional Islamic artworks will form a dynamic dialogue, challenging viewers to rethink the ways in which Islamic art has evolved and adapted across centuries. This confluence serves not merely as a historical archive but as a living, breathing testament to how art forms adapt, transform, and continue to tell the stories of faith and cultural identity.
Artists from diverse backgrounds are set to participate, infusing the biennale with a global sensibility that reflects the breadth of the Islamic world. By juxtaposing traditional Islamic calligraphy, textiles, and architecture with cutting-edge digital installations and performances, the curatorial vision underscores the notion that Islamic art is not a monolith but a multifaceted, ever-evolving form of expression.
The Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 promises to engage with themes that lie at the heart of the human experience: transition, faith, and identity. The concept of the ‘in-between’ is an invitation to explore the spaces that often go unnoticed – the gaps between different cultures, the intersection of the sacred and the secular, and the moments that define the ebb and flow of our lives. It’s an exploration of the idea that faith is not a fixed point but a journey, constantly shifting and transforming.
This biennale will also delve into how the Islamic world has influenced and been influenced by global cultures, bridging the historical with the contemporary. It serves as a reminder that Islamic art is not confined to a single narrative but rather exists within a rich tapestry of interactions, exchanges, and dialogues.
As with its 2023 predecessor, the 2025 biennale is committed to being an inclusive platform that amplifies voices from across the Islamic world and beyond. It offers a stage for artists, scholars, and cultural practitioners to share their interpretations of Islamic art and culture, breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of shared humanity. It challenges conventional definitions of Islamic art by encouraging artists to express their personal experiences, histories, and visions, thus expanding the narrative beyond geographical and historical boundaries.
The event is expected to host a variety of mediums – from immersive installations and performances to paintings, sculptures, and multimedia works – creating a sensory experience that invites reflection, introspection, and dialogue. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that visitors will experience Islamic art in all its forms, from the intricacies of geometric patterns to the complexities of contemporary artistic expression.
The Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 emerges at a time when the world is grappling with questions of identity, belonging, and the role of spirituality in an increasingly secular world. In exploring the ‘in-between,’ the event serves as a metaphor for the spaces we all navigate – between our past and present, between tradition and modernity, and between the individual and the collective. It reminds us that art has the power to transcend cultural and religious boundaries, acting as a bridge that connects us all in our shared quest for meaning.
In a global climate where the nuances of Islamic culture are often misunderstood or reduced to stereotypes, this biennale offers a counter-narrative, one that celebrates diversity, complexity, and the beauty of ‘in-betweenness.’ It is a bold statement that Islamic art is not static or bound by history but is instead a dynamic, evolving expression of the human spirit.
The Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 promises to be more than just an exhibition; it is a cultural movement, a celebration of the beauty found in the margins, and a reflection of the infinite possibilities that exist in the spaces between. As the biennale prepares to welcome visitors from all corners of the globe, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of art to unite, inspire, and transform.
In a world increasingly defined by division and polarization, the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 is a reminder that there is more that connects us than separates us – that within the ‘in-between,’ we find the essence of our shared humanity. As the gates of the Hajj Terminal open once again, not just to pilgrims but to artists, thinkers, and dreamers, we are invited to embark on a journey that transcends borders, one that takes us through the heart of Islamic art and into the vast, uncharted territories of the human soul.
Iam an artisan(master in painting on leather).
Iam also collector of Iranian traditional arts.
Elected Professor in the Development of Handicrafts in the Asia Pacific Region of the World Handicrafts Council.
Iam an artisan،master in painting on leather.
Iam also collector of Iranian traditional arts.
Elected Professor in the Development of Handicrafts in the Asia Pacific Region of the World Handicrafts Council.