‘Cities Under Quarantine’ Show Brings Pandemic Reflections to Diriyah

The Museum of Contemporary Art in Diriyah has opened an exhibition titled ‘Cities Under Quarantine: The Mailbox Project,’ featuring a collection of artist books created by Arab artists during the COVID-19 pandemic. Running until September 28th, the showcase captures themes of isolation, altered connections, and personal reflection during the spring of 2020.

The initiative was launched by Abed Al-Kadiri, who distributed 57 handmade books to artists across the Arab world, inviting them to respond creatively to lockdown. The resulting works combine art, writing, and intimate storytelling, transforming solitude into an opportunity for introspection.

As part of the programme, the museum will host a live performance on September 6th, where visitors will be invited to contribute to a collective artist book.

This marks the project’s third international stop, following previous showings at Villa Romana in Florence and Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art in Doha.