Jordan’s Queen Rania Al Abdullah celebrates contemporary art and cultural creativity as the ‘Layered Becoming’ exhibition brings together more than 140 artworks by international artists.
Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah inaugurated the ‘Layered Becoming’ art exhibition on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Ayla Oasis in Aqaba, Jordan, highlighting the role of contemporary art in connecting cultures, preserving memories, and exploring creative expression.
© Royal Hashemite CourtOrganized by the WUJUD Culture and Art Foundation and held under Her Majesty’s patronage, the exhibition features more than 140 artworks by 10 artists from Jordan, the Arab region, and across the world.
Bringing together different artistic disciplines, cultural perspectives, and creative techniques, ‘Layered Becoming’ invites visitors to explore how art reflects personal experiences, evolving identities, and the relationship between people and their surroundings.
Queen Rania Tours ‘Layered Becoming’ Exhibition at Ayla Oasis
Upon her arrival, Queen Rania was welcomed by ASTRA Group Chairman Sabih Masri, WUJUD Founder and Chairwoman Sirin Masri, and the foundation’s Artistic and Executive Director Iman Hindawi.
© Royal Hashemite CourtDuring her visit, Her Majesty toured the exhibition’s installations, viewing the diverse artworks on display and meeting with participating artists.
The exhibition presents an extensive selection of contemporary artistic practices, including ceramics, textiles, traditional and experimental weaving, paintings, sculptures, and spatial installations.
Other works incorporate different materials and techniques, demonstrating how artists can transform everyday objects and familiar artistic mediums into expressions of memory, identity, and change. Queen Rania’s visit placed attention on the artists behind the exhibition and the creative processes that shape their work.
© Royal Hashemite CourtThe event also highlighted Aqaba’s growing role as a destination for cultural experiences beyond its established appeal as a coastal tourism destination.
What Is the ‘Layered Becoming’ Art Exhibition About?
At the heart of ‘Layered Becoming’ is an exploration of transformation and the many experiences that shape individual and collective identities.
The exhibition examines the concept of becoming, suggesting that identity, memory, and artistic expression are continually influenced by time, surroundings, and lived experiences.
© Getty ImagesRather than focusing on one artistic medium or creative tradition, the exhibition brings together artists working across different disciplines and cultural backgrounds.
Their artworks explore the connections between materials, memory, and place, encouraging visitors to consider how physical objects can carry emotional, historical, and cultural significance.
A ceramic piece, for example, can reflect the relationship between craftsmanship and tradition, while textiles and woven works can evoke ideas of heritage, continuity, and personal storytelling. Sculptures and spatial installations offer different ways to engage with artistic expression, allowing visitors to experience the relationship between an artwork and the space it occupies.
More Than 140 Artworks Bring International Creativity to Aqaba
One of the exhibition’s defining features is its international scope. With more than 140 artworks created by 10 participating artists, ‘Layered Becoming’ brings together creative voices from Jordan, the wider Arab region, and other parts of the world.
The diversity of artistic backgrounds adds another dimension to the exhibition’s central themes, presenting different interpretations of memory, identity, and transformation.
© Getty ImagesVisitors can discover how artists approach similar ideas through different materials, techniques, and visual languages.
From intricate textile creations to contemporary sculptures and immersive spatial works, the exhibition offers a varied artistic experience within one cultural setting.
Its multidisciplinary format also reflects the expanding possibilities of contemporary art, where traditional craftsmanship and experimental practices can exist alongside one another.
For visitors interested in Jordanian art, Arab contemporary art, and international exhibitions, ‘Layered Becoming’ provides an opportunity to experience these creative perspectives together in Aqaba.
When and Where to Visit ‘Layered Becoming’ in Aqaba
The exhibition will remain open to the public until December 10, 2026, giving residents and international visitors an opportunity to explore its collection.
- Location: Moroccan Space, Ayla’s Marina Village, Ayla Oasis, Aqaba, Jordan
- Exhibition dates: Open through December 10, 2026
- What to expect: More than 140 artworks by 10 artists, featuring ceramics, textiles, paintings, sculptures, weaving, and contemporary installations
Visitors should confirm opening hours and admission arrangements with the exhibition organizers before planning their trip.
