Maryam Tariq at World Expo, 2025

At World Expo 2025, the Saudi Pavilion became a vibrant platform for creative exchange, brought to life through a programme of artist residencies and cultural experiences. Produced by D+DX in collaboration with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, the programme evolved throughout Expo’s six-month run, introducing visitors to a changing lineup of Saudi artists, exhibitions, musicians and live performances. 

Within this framework, Maryam Tariq stood out for her immersive use of light, projection and storytelling. Memories in Frames drew on Maryam’s personal experiences to create light compositions that transported viewers into imaginative worlds. Her distinctive 3D projection work illuminated the Cultural Music Studio, depicting scenes from the ancient beauty of AlUla to the vibrant Red Sea coast, the historic character of Al Balad, the dramatic landscapes of Al Soudah and the expressive elegance of Arabic calligraphy.

During live performances, she collaborated with Saudi musician Faisal Alqarni to develop soundscapes that enriched the studio’s atmosphere while projecting live compositions onto the walls. The evolving display, featuring colours, motifs and patterns inspired by Saudi Arabia’s diverse villages including Al Soudah, transformed the space into a living canvas that shifted with each session. Visitors witnessed both her artwork and creative process as she reshaped the environment in real time, blending cultural memory, modern technology and artistic interpretation.

Reflecting on the experience, Maryam described presenting her work at the Osaka Expo as “truly transformative both artistically and personally” and expressed gratitude for the support and collaboration that shaped her residency.