RIYADH: The passing of Venezuelan artist Carlos Cruz-Diez was a sad moment for the global art world — and for the Saudi art scene in particular. As a pioneer in kinetic and optical art, his work has been displayed in some of the world’s most prestigious museums, such as the Tate Modern in London, the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Broad Museum in Los Angeles.  But his last artwork before his death was put on display in Jeddah.  Hosting Cruz-Diez’s last piece in the city’s Historical District, one of the Kingdom’s most treasured cultural sites, was an honor for the Kingdom and a testament to the flourishing of arts and culture in the country. It highlights the cultural significance of the area, putting it on par with major international art destinations that have hosted Cruz-Diez’s works. The artwork, titled “Crosswalks,” is a collaborative piece that allows visitors and residents to engage with the artist’s work and experience the city in a unique way. Cruz-Diez participated in several other art exhibitions and initiatives in the Kingdom, including Athr Gallery’s “Through the Spectrum” exhibition, leaving a special mark on the Kingdom’s nascent visual arts sector. Cruz-Diez’s legacy will live on, as that of a pioneer and an innovator in kinetic and optical art. The Saudi arts scene owes him a debt of gratitude for his contributions to promoting and elevating visual arts in the Kingdom.