Of the Earth Earthly Technologies to Computational Biologies

Of the Earth: Earthly Technologies to Computational Biologies is the fourth major exhibition hosted by Diriyah Art Futures. Running from 14 January to 16 May 2026, it brings together works by more than 30 artists, examining how technology reshapes our relationship with the natural world. The exhibition invites visitors to consider how, in a digital age, our relationship with nature is being transformed. It examines how technology is often positioned as a tool to control nature and the world around us, while addressing the environmental impact of digital technologies on a planet with finite resources.

As a result of wireless connections and "cloud" metaphors, we often think of digital technologies as immaterial and intangible. The artworks are a reminder that these technologies are made from the earth's own materials, relying on physical servers, undersea cables, rare minerals, and energy. Rather than being detached from the world, digital systems depend on human labour and planetary extraction, with their creation and use leading to material, social, and environmental consequences.

While revealing these often-disregarded connections and hidden infrastructures behind digital systems, the artists in the exhibition showcase how machines, humans, non-human creatures, and nature are part of the same interconnected systems. They demonstrate that technological innovation can be ecologically grounded and materially aware, revealing synergies between technology and ecology that offer alternative narratives for a shared planetary future.

Exhibition is free entry for children, students, and visitors with disabilities, including their companions, upon registration at the door.

Exhibition Public Programs

- Please note that tickets will be purchased at the door, you can check DAF MOC website for more details and ticket prices.

- Masterclasses and workshops tickets are included with exhibition entry.

- For all masterclasses and workshops, all materials will be provided and refreshments will be included.

Public Programs Agenda:

13/05/2026 — 7:00PM to 8:00PM

How are artists today responding to the growing entanglement between ecological systems, technological infrastructures, and planetary environments?

Join this closing panel with Ayman Zedani, Dr. Asmaa Aljohani, Dr.Abdulrahman AlHashimi and Irini Papadimitriou, as they explore how contemporary artistic practices engage with living systems, speculative futures, and the evolving relationship between nature and technology. Drawing from the themes of Of the Earth, the conversation reflects on how artistic experimentation can open new ways of understanding and relating to the Earth in an increasingly interconnected world.

Language: English, with live Arabic translation available.

Free, no booking required. Entry included with the exhibition ticket, on a first-come, first-served basis.

15/05/2026 — 5:00PM to 8:00PM

Workshop: Botanical Instruments

This hands-on workshop explores sound as a point of connection between living matter and technology . Led by multimedia designer Abdulrahman Jan, participants will use plants and fruits as interactive interfaces, transforming organic materials into simple musical instruments through electronic experimentation.

Language: English and Arabic.