The Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah hosts the AlMidhallah (the Canopy) section as part of the second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale.
According to SPA, this section features approximately 20 modern artworks commissioned by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation. The installations are located outdoors under shaded, pointed canopies designed to resemble Arab tents, blending contemporary art with Islamic architectural legacy.
The layout is inspired by the charbagh, a traditional Islamic garden style where water channels divide the space into four sections. These quadrants are organized to lead visitors from individual introspection to collective experiences, focusing on reflection, learning, contemplation, and social encounters.
The experience examines the overlap between art and nature to address contemporary social and environmental issues and the relationship between humans and their environment. The overall theme of the Biennale is And All that Is in Between.
Where is the AlMidhallah section of the Islamic Arts Biennale located? The AlMidhallah section is located at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. This specific area features outdoor installations situated under pointed canopies that take inspiration from the shape of Arab tents, allowing contemporary art to harmonize with the legacy of Islamic architecture.
What is the inspiration behind the layout of the AlMidhallah experience? The layout is inspired by the charbagh, which is a traditional Islamic garden design characterized by four sections divided by water channels. Within this structure, the artworks are organized into four thematic quadrants that guide visitors through a journey of reflection, learning, contemplation, and social encounters.
How many artworks are featured in the AlMidhallah section and who commissioned them? The AlMidhallah section includes about 20 modern works of art. These specific pieces were commissioned by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation for the second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale, which is held under the theme And All that Is in Between.