Stephen Stapleton
FOUNDER
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. The friendships I made with the artists of that village and the excitement, honesty, and kindhearted spirit of that first encounter are the foundation of this project.
In bringing together a new generation of Saudi contemporary artists for the first time, ‘Edge of Arabia’ witnesses the culmination of a personal artistic journey that started in Southern Saudi Arabia seven 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.
Ahmed Mater
FOUNDER
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.
Abdulnasser Gharem
CO-FOUNDER
Have a bit of commitment. Amen.
