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Edge of Arabia was delighted to have a strong presence at this year’s Art Dubai with a showcase of contemporary Saudi art as well as a panel discussion and seminars by selected artists.

Director Stephen Stapleton said “our approach to Art Dubai is one of conversation; sharing ideas and engaging with the international art world as well as the local arts community.”

Internationally renowned artists Faisal Samra and Abdulnasser Gharem discussed their creative practice and screen some of their video art, while leading Saudi female artist Manal Al-Dowayan spoke on art as a vocation in the Gulf.

Panel discussion Saudi Art Now explored investigate the regions emerging contemporary art scene, opportunities available to arts communities and the challenges for artists based out of the Kingdom. Panellists include Sarah Al-Faour (Chief of Arts and Culture, Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority), Abdullah Al-Turki (Creative Director, Edge of Arabia), Bashar Al-Shroogi (Founder, Cuadro Fine Art Gallery) and Hamza Serafi (Founder, Athr Gallery).

Abdullah Al-Turki, Creative Director, said Edge of Arabia’s presence at Art Dubai will “cultivate a deeper understanding of Saudi Arabia, so often misrepresented, by showcasing its rich culture and unique talents.”

The Makkah Room has been a dream of mine for many years and was a chance to present in a very beautiful way, the history of the spiritual cities of Makkah and Madinah plus the journey of a lifetime, the Hajj.

We created three short presentations that are being shown on a continuous loop, throughout the day. We were also able to collate very old prints and photographs including the previously unseen work of Safouh Naamani, one of the early pioneers of colour photography in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I was also very excited about showing Safouh’s beautiful documentary, ‘the Pilgrimage to Makkah’ which is being shown at 12:15 daily in the Makkah Room. This documentary which began in the 1950’s was completed in the early 1960’s and shows a time when the hajj pilgrims still traveled by foot, camels and boat.

I have visited the Makkah room and it has been really great to find young people sitting there quietly watching the films. It was also great to work alongside Chris, Lulwah and the design team, they are a great inspiration!

thank you,

Peter Sanders
www.petersanders.com