Sculptural textiles shape arts biennale

Throughout the gallery, textiles take centre stage, transforming each room into a carefully composed world of atmosphere, depth, and wonder.

In Galleries 1 and 2, an awe-inspiring installation of Filled Cloth wraps the space in a monumental gesture: 165 metres of seamless white fabric rising 11.5 metres high. Its dense opacity and excellent light-absorbing qualities create a flawless visual canvas that silences distractions and focuses all attention on the art.

Layered with white GobelinTulle, the installation gains softness and movement. This fine mesh veil overlays the backdrop with a gentle texture, shaping a dreamlike landscape that reinvents classical forms through abstraction and light.

The structure, installed on a curved custom frame, draws a flowing path through the galleries. It subtly leads visitors toward key artefacts. Most notable is the Kiswah, the sacred cloth of the Holy Kaaba, presented here for the first time alongside contemporary works.

Lightweight fabric columns in galleries 3 and 4

In the neighbouring rooms, 37 sculptural fabric columns rise gracefully above the displays like glowing lanterns suspended mid-air. Their elegant presence becomes the visual anchor of the galleries.

The lightweight and translucent Voile CS sheers filter the illumination into a warm, atmospheric glow. Layered in four concentric box-like figures, the columns vary in width, creating rhythm and visual depth. Those concentric Voile CS boxes are made using customised frames.

Each column rests on a base of FP Blackout, a dark textile that absorbs the light from below. This sharp contrast crafts a stunning gradient that rises upward, dissolving into the darkened ceiling and heightening the illusion of infinite space.

An hourglass of pleated fabric panels

Gallery 5 unfolds as a dynamic installation of 152 pleated fabric panels. Shaped like an hourglass, two mirrored triangles create distinct focal points, each spotlighting a different collection.

The pleats rise fluidly from eye level to the ceiling, guiding the gaze and defining the spatial rhythm. Each panel is installed on Cube Frame systems and wrapped in matte white Filled Cloth. This flame-retardant fabric reflects the light beautifully.

A textile sanctuary inside the Makkah pavilion

Within the Makkah pavilion, a peaceful retreat emerges. A freestanding room is enclosed by tall white BannerDrape walls, rising 5.6 metres high and stretching an impressive 61 metres across. The fabric’s subtly brushed finish and excellent light-diffusing qualities soften the atmosphere, creating a calm and contemplative space.

Above, a ceiling of RP Off-White completes the setting. The smooth surface and subtle translucency of the textile scatter light evenly, creating a gentle, ambient glow.

Together, these elements form a serene sanctuary.

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Credits:
Project: Diriyah Biennale Foundation
Scenography: OMA
Client & Production: Black Engineering
Photography: Marco Cappelletti