Conceptual dimensions of contemporary artworks in open museums in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: “Al-Ula” Desert as a model

متاحف

Abstract

The study aims to identify the concept of the conceptual dimensions of contemporary artworks, what is meant by open museums, and to reveal the conceptual dimensions of contemporary artworks in open museums in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, using the “Al-Ula” desert a model. To achieve this, the descriptive analytical method is used, which aids in in-depth analysis and reaching conclusions ot understand the phenomena. This is done by addressing the conceptual dimensions of contemporary artworks and open museums, as well as analyzing selected contemporary artworks located in open museums in “Al-Ula” desert as a model, to arrive at their conceptual dimensions as features that focus on the essence of the idea within the artwork.

The importance of the current research also lies in gaining and enhancing knowledge about the concept of the conceptual dimensions of contemporary artworks and open museums. It also enriches Arabic literature, promotes solving research problems through thinking, analysis, and innovation, and attempts to reveal the conceptual dimensions of contemporary artworks in open museums in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The research comes in line with the developments and novelties of the current era by analyzing some contemporary artworks and aims to elevate the viewer's thinking with concepts that have visual and verbal forms. It is worth noting that there should be increased attention to the historical areas of Saudi Arabia by students and researchers interested in this field. These artworks were selected based on specific criteria, such as their compatibility with the current field of research, characterized by a diversity of artistic styles used, their relevance and connection to the research topic, and their inclusion of a message with intellectual and creative content from the artist, which stimulates and attracts the viewer's attention to its artistic quality, including the aesthetic sense.

The study shows many results, such as identifying the concept of the conceptual dimensions of contemporary works of art. Also, contemporary visual artist used unconventional artistic materials to produce plastic works with multiple conceptual dimensions. It also identified the concept of the open museum, which is a rich source for displaying the artistic creativity of visual artists. The nature of the open museum in the “Al-Ula” region helps to display contemporary artworks in a distinctive aesthetic style through which its conceptual dimensions can be determined.

The study reached several recommendations, the most prominent of which is to conduct more studies on the conceptual dimensions of contemporary art by addressing intellectual and technical aspects. It also recommends paying attention to the study of open museums to extend the link between the past and the present to raise awareness of their importance and their impact on the viewer. Additionally, it recommends researching the reciprocal relationship between open museums and contemporary art, in addition to paying attention to studying many regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with their natural artistic beauty.