MATTER and SHAPE

On the occasion of the third edition of MATTER and SHAPE, Villa Hegra presented a 50-square-metre bookshop and reading space, unveiling for the first time in France a furniture collection resulting from a collaboration between Saudi artist Badr Ali and Swiss design company USM, specially conceived to integrate into the Villa Hegra site in AlUla. The event welcomed more than 12,000 visitors over three days.

The space reflects the spirit of Villa Hegra as a place for research, dialogue and artistic creation, extending this dynamic of exchange into the heart of this major international design event. Visitors were also invited to discover a series of photographs showcasing pieces created by Paul-Émilieu Marchesseau, the first designer in residence at Villa Hegra, drawing on local Saudi craftsmanship.

In parallel, MATTER and SHAPE hosted a talk on the Saudi cultural scene on 7 March 2026, entitled “New Cultural Landscapes: Villa Hegra.” Featuring Fériel Fodil, Gaël Charbau, Basmah Felemban and Saudi artist Badr Ali, the conversation, moderated by Paolo Bresciani, explored the emergence of new cultural ecosystems in Saudi Arabia, as well as the role institutions such as Villa Hegra can play in supporting local and international creators.