Stephen Stapleton
HEAD CURATOR
In March 2003, a group of young Saudi artists invited me into their lives at the Al-Miftaha Arts Village in Abha. It was in these artists’ studios that the ‘Edge of Arabia’ story began.
For the next five years, with the loyal support of my curatorial team and Saudi based friends, we travelled the length and breadth of the country, from the backstreets of Jeddah to the mountains of Aseer, in search of artistic voices and individual stories to showcase in London. Along the way we found a fractured but brave community of artists exploring a range of different themes. This exhibition is the result of these encounters.
In bringing together a new generation of Saudi artists for the first time, ‘Edge of Arabia’ witnesses the culmination of a personal artistic journey that started in Southern Saudi Arabia five years ago and announces the opening of a new chapter in the history of contemporary Saudi Arabian art. I am proud and humbled to be a part of it.
Lulwah Al-Homoud
CO-CURATOR
Now is a crucial time to shed light on the creative movement of Saudi Arabia. The power of visual language lies within the creative process that causes individuals to express their ideas. My enthusiasm for this project stems from my belief that art has no meaning without engaging the public; without exposure to the outside world, these ideas are neglected. In this sense, ‘Edge of Arabia’ is the realisation of a long-held personal dream.
As a co-curator of ‘Edge of Arabia’, I am honoured to introduce talented artists from different parts of Saudi Arabia. This project would not have come to light without the support of the sponsors and partners who share the curators’ vision and belief in the importance of artistic expression and its role in society. I hope that this exhibition becomes a milestone for a wider creative movement that connects more artists from Saudi Arabia with the rest of the world.
Ahmed Mater Al-Ziad Aseeri
CO-CURATOR
There is no doubt that ‘Edge of Arabia’ is a fantastic opportunity for myself and the other participating artists. I would like to thank all the other artists, curators and sponsors for supporting each other and through this project, learning to speak with the same voice.
‘Edge of Arabia’ is not just a one-off art exhibition but a landmark event in the history of Saudi art. As a young Saudi artist, I want to be part of a creative movement which will inspire a new generation and give them something to aspire to.
In particular, what I like about ‘Edge of Arabia’ is that it takes the challenge as opposed to just speaking about the necessity or urgency of doing so. Now it is ‘Edge of Arabia’s’ job to communicate with the world in a positive way, and above all to illuminate.
