The Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale has officially opened in Riyadh, featuring a vibrant desert procession through Wadi Hanifah valley. This year's event, which runs until May 2nd at JAX in proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage site At-Turaif, showcases the works of 68 artists from 37 different nations. A central theme of the biennale is migration, highlighting the interconnectedness of the Arab world with global art narratives.

Among the featured artists is Nigerian-British Yussef Agbo-Ola, who presents an intriguing piece titled 'AGBA: 8 Stone Cave.' This sacred sculpture serves to honor ancestral knowledge and uniquely melds Yoruba cultural elements with Saudi traditions. The installation artfully incorporates Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, a geometric wall art style contributed by women from the Aseer region, infusing the exhibition with rich local craftsmanship and heritage. Furthermore, Agbo-Ola discusses the deeper connections to ancestry and the environment, suggesting that natural elements like rivers or mountains can also represent ancestors, thereby broadening the understanding of heritage in contemporary settings.

The biennale also features works from other international artists, such as South Africa's Dineo Seshee Bopape, who offers an immersive installation that furthers the exploration of cultural identities and migration journeys. This year's event stands as a crucial artistic platform not only to celebrate contemporary art but also to foster cross-cultural dialogues about the shared experiences and histories that emerge through migration, ultimately aiming to connect diverse narratives in today’s globalized world.