In his commentary on the 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah, Pablo Larios challenges Western critics of Saudi Arabia, acknowledging the kingdom's serious reform ambitions amid a backdrop of human rights abuses. Parallel insights from Jacob Dreyer highlight local perceptions of progress, especially compared to Western nations facing their own political issues. Larios reflects on an experience in Shanghai, questioning the erosion of civil rights in the US and suggesting that American perspectives may benefit from learning from nations like Saudi Arabia that navigate complex challenges.
WHO ARE WE TO SPEAK, REALLY?, asks Artforum international editor Pablo Larios in this issue's On Site report from the 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, reflecting on his position as a Westerner.
It is easy to criticize the kingdom's human rights abuses, crackdown on press, and heinous executions of dissidents. At the same time, there is a sense of palpable seriousness and substantiveness to the country's ambitions to reform.
Many Saudis I speak to, including women and minorities, refer to a palpable sense of progress that stands in contrast to the grim political outlooks of countries like Germany, the Netherlands, or the US.
Now is the time for us Americans to humbly listen to those who have much to teach us about operating under challenging conditions.
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