The Camel Through the Ages Exhibition

Throughout history, the intimate relationship between humans and camels, from North Africa to China, has played a significant part in shaping societies. The exhibition, "The Camel through the Ages," celebrates this cultural heritage and its representation in visual arts. It deconstructs the traditional view of camels and showcases their significance to the people of Saudi Arabia.

Through a range of mediums including paintings, sculptures, and photographs, visitors can explore a total of 51 artworks from 37 international and local artists. The exhibition highlights the cultural value of camels, recognizes them as an iconic symbol of Saudi identity and acknowledges their valuable role in both societal progress and sustainable economics.

This year has been designated "The Year of the Camel" by the Saudi Ministry of Culture to honor the unique cultural value that these animals hold in Saudi Arabian society. As part of this celebration, Ithra is exploring the artistic representation of camels through art. Visitors are encouraged to contemplate the role of camels in society from both a local and international perspective. This is an opportunity to learn more about camels and reflect deeper on the nature of Bedouin and nomadic traditions.

For those interested in delving deeper, there is a research-based publication titled "The Camel through the Ages." This two-volume book, published by Layan Cultural Foundation and the King Abdulaziz Public Library, contains academic articles written by experts from the Kingdom and beyond. It also features images of archaeological artifacts and finds from various international museums. Historical camel-related artefacts excavated in Saudi Arabia serve as evidence of their significant role in daily life.

This exhibition marks the second collaboration with Layan Cultural Foundation, following their previous exhibition at Ithra in August 2023 entitled "The Ultimate Journey."

The Camel Through the Ages Exhibition

In collaboration with Layan Culture