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Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning art scene takes centre stage in 2024 with the striking installation titled “Ovoid,” created by the celebrated artist SpY. Suspended under the Wadi Hanifah Bridge in Riyadh, this monumental 35-meter-high structure challenges the conventional boundaries between the viewer, the environment, and the artwork itself. Through its innovative design and sensory engagement, “Ovoid” redefines the landscape, creating a unique dialogue about perception, scale, and materiality.
Image copyright Ruben P Bescos / SpY
Engaging the Senses
At first sight, “Ovoid” captivates with its vibrant red hue, illuminated from within. This eye-catching presence not only enhances the visual atmosphere but also initiates a sensory interaction that is both physical and psychological. As viewers approach the installation, they are drawn in by an overwhelming corporeal experience, where the sheer scale of the ovoid compels them to reevaluate their relationship with the surrounding environment.
The installation encourages a dynamic exploration of proportions—encouraging visitors to move around and through the space, consequently reshaping their understanding of their own bodies in relation to the artwork. This constant interplay transforms the act of viewing from a passive experience into an active engagement, inviting spectators to participate in the work’s meaning.
Image copyright Ruben P Bescos / SpY
Transforming the Landscape
“Ovoid” doesn’t merely inhabit the landscape; it reinvents it. The installation’s luminous presence activates the neglected aspects of the Wadi Hanifah Bridge area, turning a transit space into a site of contemplation and connection. The surrounding environment is transformed, creating a new communal space that fosters interaction among visitors and encourages collective experiences.
The installation’s reflective quality further deepens this transformation. As the light from “Ovoid” dances on the waters below, it creates a duality between the physical object and its ephemeral reflection—a visual metaphor for the connection between reality and perception. Through this relationship, SpY invites viewers to consider the fluidity of their surroundings and the interplay between light, space, and human interaction.
Image copyright Ruben P Bescos / SpY
An Invitation to Reflection
Beyond its aesthetic impact, “Ovoid” serves as a space for reflection on broader themes of existence and identity. The intimate quality of the installation, combined with its grand scale, evokes an atmosphere of contemplation, urging individuals to ponder their place within the urban fabric of Riyadh and beyond.
In an increasingly fast-paced world, “Ovoid” stands as a reminder of the beauty that can emerge when art engages with everyday life, encouraging us to slow down, observe, and connect with both our environment and each other.
Image copyright Ruben P Bescos / SpY
SpY’s “Ovoid” is more than just an artistic installation; it’s a transformative experience that bridges the gap between art, environment, and community. As Riyadh continues to evolve as a hub for contemporary art, installations like “Ovoid” offer powerful reminders of how art can reshape our understanding of space while fostering deeper connections among its viewers.
Copyright SpY
Be sure to visit this spectacular installation and witness how it enchants and transforms the urban landscape of Riyadh, creating a vibrant space of interaction and reflection.
