P21 Gallery presents Desert Culture, an exhibition with public program of activities. The featured works When Deserts Talk comprise video works, and sound.

“Deserts Talk” is a project by artist Ziyad Alroqi with a dual nature that is situated between deserts in Saudi Arabia (Dhanna) and the closest edge to the peninsula from the UK (Dungeness). It is an extension between cultures, a continuation of the Arabian legacy, a lens focusing on the contemporary nature of the Saudi Kingdom, a transcript of the recorded elements of that journey, and a way to redefine the desert. In other words, this project is a dialogue between 2 sites, situations, and languages of these un-empty landscapes that a nomad only knows.

Drawing inspiration from the enchanting vastness of the desert, Ziyad embarked on a creative journey guided by its shifting sands and timeless stories. The desert whispers its tales of endurance, transformation, and cultural evolution, and him, as an artist, seek to amplify these narratives in every frame and note.

Motivated by the cultural revolution unfolding in Saudi Arabia, he is captivated by the winds of change that are reshaping the very essence of Saudi’s traditions and heritage. It is within this dynamic cultural milieu that Ziyad’s art finds its purpose—to redefine the desert and, in turn, reshape the broader culture.

Ziyad’s background in architecture has left an indelible imprint on his creative soul, infusing his work with precision, structure, and a deep appreciation for spatial dynamics. Yet, he is most at home when I traverse the boundaries of artistic disciplines. Multi-media and multi-disciplinary arts offer the endless playground where Ziyad find himself most inspired and alive.

Ziyad Alroqi, born in Afif in 1998 and raised in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is an emerging artist on a mission to redefine the essence of deserts. His journey began with a profound passion for artistic expression, which led him to the world of architecture. Ziyad pursued a bachelor’s degree in architecture at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, graduating in 2021.

The exhibition is supported by LOS ART COMPANY, a leading Saudi company that provides logistical services specialized in heritage, antiquities, museums, and art services. Its headquarters is in Riyadh. It is interested in allocating its services in the fields of transportation, restoration, storage, packaging, and preparation for art exhibitions and museums.

Desert Culture at the P21 Galley from 20 October to 22 October 2023