The Noor Riyadh Light Festival has achieved two new Guinness World Records, marking the fourth consecutive year of record-breaking success. The total number of records now stands at 16, as the festival continues to shine as a global beacon of creativity and innovation. The latest records were announced by the Saudi Press Agency on Sunday, highlighting the festival’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of art, technology, and sustainability.
Record 1: Longest Distance Covered by a Laser Light in a Laser Show
The first of the two new records was achieved by UK artist Chris Levine for the Longest Distance Covered by a Laser Light in a Laser Show. His installation, Higher Power, utilized a powerful 1 kW laser, which was projected from the iconic 267-meter Al-Faisaliah Tower in Riyadh. The laser stretched across the city, with four beams visible even against the backdrop of Riyadh’s urban lights. The laser display was designed to encode the word Salaam (meaning “peace” in Arabic) in Morse code, reflecting Levine’s philosophy of light as a medium for spiritual connection, unity, and reflection.
Chris Levine, renowned for his work blending light and sound, has previously exhibited at prestigious institutions like MoMA in New York. His installation at Noor Riyadh, Light is Love, was one of many immersive pieces in this year’s festival, demonstrating how technology and sensory experiences can evoke deep emotional connections. Levine’s work continues to redefine light as a key element in contemporary art, merging spirituality with modern technology.
Record 2: Largest Illuminated Recyclable Material Sculpture of a Pyramid
The second record was set by Saudi artist Rashed Al-Shashai with the Largest Illuminated Recyclable Material Sculpture of a Pyramid. The sculpture, titled The Fifth Pyramid, stands at an impressive 28 meters tall and was constructed using sustainable materials, including scaffolding and green petrochemical shipping pallets. It is illuminated with striking fuchsia lights, creating a visually captivating effect that symbolizes Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a global hub for creativity and innovation.
Al-Shashai, known for his innovative use of everyday objects to explore cultural and societal themes, has been a prominent figure in the Saudi art scene for over two decades. His work has been showcased internationally, including at the Giza Pyramid Complex and Art Dubai. The Fifth Pyramid serves as a powerful symbol of the country’s growing commitment to sustainability and the arts.
The achievement of these two new Guinness World Records highlights the success of the Noor Riyadh Light Festival, which continues to grow as one of the most significant cultural events in the world of contemporary art. Khalid Al-Hazani, architect and director of the Riyadh Art Program, emphasized the importance of these records, saying, “Achieving two more Guinness World Records at Noor Riyadh is a testament to the transformative power of art and creativity. We are proud to see Noor Riyadh continuing to inspire and unite people through the universal language of light.”
Nouf Al-Moneef, the festival director, added, “The scale and creativity of this festival are unparalleled, and these records underscore its global significance as a landmark event in the world of contemporary art. This achievement highlights Riyadh’s position as a global cultural hub and reflects the incredible talent and dedication of the artists and curators who brought this vision to life.”
This year’s fourth edition of Noor Riyadh featured more than 60 artworks from over 60 artists from 18 different countries, transforming the city into a vibrant, open-air gallery. The festival was hosted across three main hubs: King Abdulaziz Historical Center, JAX District, and Wadi Hanifah, from November 28 to December 14. The stunning installations captivated millions of visitors, solidifying Riyadh’s status as a cultural landmark on the global stage.
The festival was curated by Effat Abdullah Fadag and Alfredo Cramerotti, and the extensive collection of artworks brought together a diverse array of light-based art forms, from immersive light installations to interactive displays that engaged visitors in new and unexpected ways.
As Noor Riyadh continues to break records and push the boundaries of contemporary art, the festival is set to grow even further in the coming years. With its commitment to sustainability, creativity, and global collaboration, the festival is helping to position Riyadh as a central hub for the intersection of art, technology, and culture. The 2023 edition’s remarkable achievements are just the beginning of what promises to be a long legacy of artistic innovation in the heart of Saudi Arabia.
As Noor Riyadh continues to shine brightly, it not only celebrates the power of light but also demonstrates the transformative potential of art to connect, inspire, and challenge our perceptions of the world around us.
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