In recent years, we’ve witnessed the emergence of regional creatives and cultural practitioners delving more and more into speculations and interpretations of the future through their work. One such voice is Sara AlMutlaq, a Saudi curator with a background in architecture and critical theory who has recently been making waves with her innovative and interdisciplinary approach. Her recent exhibition, “Unfolding the Embassy,” at the Fenaa Alawwal in Riyadh seamlessly blends art, culture, and futurism, challenging traditional notions of diplomacy and national identity.
We had an interesting afternoon touring the exhibition with AlMutlaq, gaining some insight into her practice and learned what’s next for the curator who has her mind set on the future:
The exhibition transports visitors into a fictional future, propelling them into the year 2040. The exhibition space, designed to resemble a waiting room on a satellite orbiting Earth, not only immerses visitors but provides a sense of introspection and reflection. “The jump into the future became an act in order to distance the audience from the present in order to view it even better,” AlMutlaq explained. Partly inspired by its location within the Diplomatic Quarter, a key provocation of the exhibit is inviting audiences to reflect on the current state of international relations and the role of embassies in shaping cultural diplomacy.
“Unfolding the Embassy” features a diverse range of artists from around the world, many of whom have backgrounds outside of traditional art practice. This multidisciplinary approach is a hallmark of AlMutlaq’s work. “Artists with a background that is not art have the potential of producing provocative works” she believes. By bringing together artists from different fields, AlMutlaq creates a dynamic and thought-provoking dialogue that challenges viewers to think critically about the world around them. AlMutlaq’s work is deeply rooted in research and critical theory. She strives to make this research accessible to the public, believing that “exhibitions have a lot of research that go behind it.” Hence, she included a display of the books and materials that informed the exhibition, encouraging viewers to engage with the ideas and concepts behind the artworks.
A significant element of AlMutlaq’s curatorial practice is the use of fiction as a gateway to understanding complex issues. In “Unfolding the Embassy,” she creates a fictional narrative that allows viewers to immerse themselves in a future scenario and reflect on the present. This approach, she believes, makes exhibitions more accessible and engaging for the audience. “Exhibitions can sometimes be hard to understand, and the use of fiction allows to deconstruct the exhibition for the audience, making it more accessible and enjoyable,” she said.
AlMutlaq’s vision for the future is rooted in optimism and the belief in the transformative power of technology and creative practice. “I think technology has the power to create a positive future if we enable that as humans,” she said. Her work reflects this belief, offering a hopeful outlook on the potential of technology and creativity to shape a better tomorrow. In a rapidly progressing world, where “tomorrow” feels like today rather than later, AlMutlaq’s approach to curatorial practice offers a fresh perspective on the role of art and culture in shaping our understanding of the future. Her work is a testament to the power of creativity and critical thinking to challenge our assumptions and inspire us to imagine new possibilities.
About the Curator
Born and raised in Riyadh, Sara AlMutlaq pursued her Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Northeastern University and later earned her Master’s in Architecture from Columbia University. Her time at Columbia not only honed her architectural skills but also deepened her understanding of curatorial practices and contemporary art. During her tenure at the Ministry of Culture, AlMutlaq developed exhibitions, commissioned artworks, and devised long-term cultural asset strategies. Her projects, such as “Unfolding the Embassy” and her recent residency showcases at Masaha and Intermix, highlight her ability to blend research, storytelling, and design to create immersive experiences.
AlMutlaq’s work is not only about challenging traditional notions of art and culture but also about contributing to the development of the local cultural sector. As a partner and creative director of Bureau Bayn, she aims to promote regional expertise and create exhibitions that “really relate to the context that we are in”. “The goal is to support artists and creatives to really galvanize their intention and engage with the cultural market,” she explained. Her commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural ecosystem in Saudi Arabia underscores her belief in the power of creative practice to drive societal change.
