Visitors to Al-Nafal Park in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter will now encounter a unique blend of art and nature, thanks to a new series of animal sculptures created by Italian artist Davide Rivalta. The installation, developed in partnership between Riyadh Art and the Italian Embassy, brings artistic representations of wildlife into the heart of the city, blending cultural expression with a message of environmental awareness.
Under the theme “Echoes of Land,” the installation features life-sized sculptures of a cheetah, lion, lioness, and buffalo – animals that once roamed the Arabian Peninsula. Placed thoughtfully within the natural contours and greenery of the park, the artworks establish a visual dialogue between wildlife, urban space, and visitors, encouraging passersby to pause and reflect on the historical connection between these creatures and the landscapes they once called home.
Rivalta’s artistic style, known for its rough textures and raw forms, enhances the sense that these animals have been plucked from nature and reimagined in an urban oasis, where Saudi heritage and modern Riyadh intersect.
Inviting Reflection and Conversation
The sculptures do more than adorn public space – they offer a creative lens through which visitors can reflect on the delicate balance between urban expansion and the natural world. The cheetah, in particular, acts as a symbol of species that once thrived in the Arabian Peninsula but are now rare or extinct in the region, serving as a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts.
Omar AlBraik, Senior Director of Public Art at the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, highlighted the deeper intention behind the project, explaining:
“Art is not merely an aesthetic element; it is a powerful force capable of reshaping public spaces, sparking conversations, and strengthening the profound connection between individuals and their surroundings in unexpected ways.”
AlBraik further emphasized that hosting Rivalta’s work in Riyadh broadens the city’s cultural offerings, giving the public new opportunities to engage with diverse artistic styles and perspectives.
The installation at Al-Nafal Park represents far more than a standalone art project – it embodies an ongoing cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and Italy, fostering dialogue between different artistic traditions while highlighting the universal relationship between humanity and nature.
By integrating wildlife imagery into an urban setting, the project blurs the lines between natural heritage and contemporary life, inviting visitors to experience the artwork as both a visual treat and a cultural reflection.
Riyadh Art’s Expanding Vision
Since its inception in 2019, Riyadh Art has rapidly transformed the city’s public spaces, adding more than 550 works of art created by over 500 local and international artists. Through public events, installations, and cultural programming, the initiative aims to turn Riyadh into a living gallery, accessible to all and woven into the daily life of residents and visitors.
The Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium – one of Riyadh Art’s flagship programs – has also contributed significantly to this vision, with dozens of sculptures created live by artists from around the world, now placed across the capital’s parks, streets, and plazas.
With plans to eventually expand its public art collection to over 1,000 works, Riyadh Art plays a key role in supporting Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of fostering cultural enrichment and creativity, ensuring that Riyadh’s artistic identity evolves alongside its urban development.
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