The 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale, “And All That Is In Between” is currently being held in Saudi Arabia, exploring how faith is experienced, expressed, and celebrated through art.
Among its key participants is Idries Trevathan, the Curator of Islamic Art at Ithra (King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture). With years of expertise in Islamic art curation, Trevathan brings a thoughtful perspective to Ithra’s contribution to the Biennale. For this edition, Ithra presents six carefully selected pieces within the Al-Madar section, emphasising the concept of waqf – an essential Islamic tradition reflecting generosity and communal sharing. Trevathan’s curatorial approach highlights the intersection of faith, art, and heritage, aiming to evoke both intellectual curiosity and emotional connection in visitors. Through this exhibition, Trevathan invites audiences to reflect on how Islamic traditions remain living, evolving dialogues between the past and the future. We recently spoke to the Trevathan to learn more.
This year’s Islamic Arts Biennale is titled “And All That Is In Between.” How did this theme influence your curatorial decisions for Ithra’s exhibition?
For Ithra’s second participation in the Islamic Arts Biennale, we showcased a curated selection of six pieces in the Al-Madar section, a collective exhibition that celebrates the richness and diversity of Islamic culture through contributions from renowned local and international Islamic art institutions. The theme for this year, “And All That Is In Between,” inspired us to explore Ithra’s Islamic art collection and identify works that would connect meaningfully with this concept.
The theme resonated deeply, offering us the opportunity to interpret it from a unique perspective. It invites exploration into how faith is felt, expressed, and celebrated, prompting us to reflect on the intersection between creation and spirituality. This led us to seek out pieces that not only reflected these themes but also provided insight and offered both local and international visitors the opportunity to reflect on how faith and art are interwoven in Islamic traditions.
The Biennale explores how faith is experienced through feeling, thinking, and creation. How do the selected artefacts reflect these three elements?
Ithra’s collection of Islamic artefacts is diverse, so selecting just a few was a challenging task. However, in the six pieces we chose, we found a common thread as each piece is deeply rooted in a rich cultural and spiritual heritage. These works embody a strong connection between religion and artistic tradition.
Waqf is a foundational concept in Islamic culture. How does this theme translate into the selection of artefacts you are presenting?
Waqf is a foundational concept in Islamic culture, and it plays a significant role in the selection of the artefacts we are presenting. The six pieces we chose each highlight different aspects of waqf, emphasizing its cultural, spiritual, and social importance. These works not only tell the story of this Islamic tradition, but also demonstrate how faith is practised and expressed through acts of devotion, generosity, and communal sharing.
How important is the location of the Biennale – the Western Hajj Terminal in Jeddah – for the narrative of the exhibition?
The decision to hold the Biennale at the Western Hajj Terminal in Jeddah is fascinating, as it is a space that can take many forms and offers a unique curatorial opportunity. The versatility of the space enables it to fully express the Biennale’s creative ambition whilst its scale echoes its growing global recognition. Being in Jeddah is particularly meaningful, as the city is one of the most iconic in Saudi Arabia and has always been a crossroads for people from around the world. The Hajj Terminal itself symbolizes this convergence of cultures and traditions, and I hope that, through this collaboration, it will attract a wider, international audience.
Could you share the story behind one of the standout pieces?
One notable piece on display is a significant firman (royal decree) issued by Sultan Mustafa III concerning the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Madinah. This decree appoints a man named Bashir Agha as the overseer of the tomb’s endowments. Written in six lines of elegant Diwani script, the firman outlines Bashir Agha’s responsibilities and specifies the financial arrangements associated with his role.
What kind of emotional or intellectual response are you hoping to evoke in visitors to the Ithra exhibition?
Our goal for Ithra’s selection at this year’s event is to provide local audiences with a deeper appreciation of their cultural and spiritual heritage, while also sparking curiosity in international visitors about the rich traditions and remarkable artistry that define the Islamic world.
How do you see Ithra’s contributions shaping the global conversation on Islamic art and culture through this Biennale?
Ithra’s contributions to the Biennale play an essential role in shaping the global conversation on Islamic art and culture by providing a unique platform to celebrate the richness and diversity of Islamic traditions. We were honoured to participate in the Biennale, as it allows us to highlight the contemporary relevance of Islamic culture. It is a pleasure to see Ithra’s Islamic art collection showcased to a wider audience, allowing these exceptional artefacts to resonate with visitors from across the globe.
Ithra’s involvement in the Biennale reflects and underscores our continued commitment to enriching lives through cultural and creative experiences. Offering an exhibition focused on Islamic art is one of the many ways we contribute to the cultural scene in the Kingdom and beyond to engage diverse audiences, encourage meaningful cultural dialogue, and promote mutual appreciation across borders.
How do you see technology and modern mediums influencing the future of Islamic art curation?
Technology and modern mediums are playing an increasingly significant role in shaping the future of Islamic art. At Ithra, we believe that Islamic arts and culture are not static; they are living traditions that continue to evolve. With the integration of new technologies, curators and artists can create more interactive, immersive, and engaging experiences that bring Islamic art into the present while preserving its rich history.
What role do you believe contemporary Islamic art plays in global cultural dialogues today?
Contemporary Islamic artists specifically play a crucial role in bridging the gap between Islamic traditions and global audiences. It highlights the rich history and diverse influences of Islamic art while resonating with contemporary viewers who may not be familiar with Islamic culture. These artists serve as mediators, interpreting and reimagining cultural heritage in a way that expands its reach to an international audience, including younger generations. Through their work, contemporary Islamic artists contribute to ongoing cultural dialogues and foster greater understanding and appreciation of Islamic culture on the global stage.
How do you envision the role of art as a bridge between the past and the future, especially in the context of preserving Islamic heritage while inspiring contemporary creativity?
The main challenge in preserving Islamic art is making it relatable to younger generations while emphasizing its living tradition. Islamic art should be seen not just as historical artefacts but as a vibrant, evolving part of contemporary culture. By connecting traditional techniques to modern creativity and everyday life, we can ensure its relevance and vitality, making it resonate with younger audiences. By showcasing its beauty and craftsmanship, we honor its history and cultural significance, while fostering innovation that reflects the evolving needs of today’s world. This dynamic exchange between past and future helps preserve Islamic traditions and encourages new ideas, ensuring they continue to inspire and shape generations to come.
What new trends or artistic movements excite you in the world of Islamic art today?
One exciting trend in the world of Islamic art today is the blending of traditional techniques with digital technologies. This fusion allows for innovative expressions while maintaining the essence of Islamic art. Additionally, there is a growing focus on sustainability, with artisans increasingly adopting eco-friendly materials and traditional methods that minimize waste and use natural resources responsibly.
Looking beyond this Biennale, what exciting projects or themes is Ithra exploring in the realm of Islamic arts and culture?
At Ithra, we view Islamic arts and culture as living traditions that are ever-evolving, not just to be preserved but also to shape the future. The rich heritage of the past offers valuable lessons that can help address the challenges of today’s world.
Through initiatives like our recent Islamic Art Conference, which included workshops, panels, and related exhibitions, we highlighted how traditional Islamic art is deeply connected to everyday life. Our ongoing exhibitions, such as Crafts in Conversation: A Convergence Between Traditional and Contemporary Art, explore the blend of traditional and modern Islamic crafts, while the Crafts of the People installation, showcasing Saudi craftsmanship, complements the In Praise of the Artisan exhibit. This exhibition celebrates both past and present artisans, presenting commissioned works alongside historic pieces, emphasizing Islamic crafts as “living traditions” and offering insights into renowned craft centres and contemporary masters from cities like Makkah, Delhi, and Istanbul.
Looking ahead, Ithra’s offerings continue to evolve. In 2025, we will continue exploring the theme of Islamic craftsmanship, alongside our flagship programs like Tanween, iRead, the Saudi Film Festival, the Ithra Art Prize, and more. We host around five temporary exhibitions each year, alongside global and regional theatre performances and major cultural events. Our exhibition program will include educational and inspirational displays that immerse visitors in the beauty and complexity of the creative processes used by artisans, explore contemporary Saudi culture and foster partnerships with prominent institutions in the region. We are excited about the future and look forward to sharing more details as the year progresses.
