On November 24, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) inaugurated an exhibition program dedicated to Islamic craftsmanship, coinciding with the second edition of its Islamic Art Conference (November 24–30). This multi-exhibition initiative fills all of Ithra’s galleries, offering visitors an exploration of Islamic art’s historical and contemporary dimensions.
The centrepiece, In Praise of the Artisan (running until 2026), curated by Idries Trevathan, showcases over 130 works from renowned collections such as the al-Sabah Collection and the Tareq Rajab Museum, alongside Ithra’s pieces. Highlights include never-before-seen artefacts like an 18th-century wooden interior from Damascus and a sacred 20th-century Kiswa cloth from the Ka’ba. Contemporary commissions include a monumental hand-carved stone screen inspired by the Taj Mahal. Trevathan emphasises the exhibition’s role in celebrating Islamic craftsmanship as a living tradition, bridging past and present.
Crafts in Conversation: A Convergence Between Contemporary and Traditional Art (October 24–November 30, 2024), curated by Kumail Muhammed Almusaly, featured 10 contemporary artists reimagining traditional crafts like mashrabiya, calligraphy, and ceramics. The exhibition highlights the technical mastery underlying modern interpretations of heritage art.
The Continuation of a Craft: Saudi Traditional Costumes (November 25, 2024–August 23, 2025), curated by Konstantinos Chatziantoniou, delves into the craftsmanship of Saudi attire. The exhibition features historical garments, jewellery, and contemporary designs, enriched by research from heritage expert Dr Laila Al Bassam.
Complementing the exhibitions, Ithra’s Plaza hosted supporting shows and student projects during the Islamic Art Conference, which concluded on November 30. The conference explored Islamic arts’ evolving landscape, uniting over 50 global experts to celebrate the resilience and innovation of Islamic artistic traditions.
Location: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra)