Edge of Arabia is pleased to announce Grey Borders / Grey Frontiers, the first ever show of contemporary Saudi art in Berlin.

At its core, the show explores the transgression of borders, inviting a league of artists from Saudi Arabia to one of Europe’s powerhouses for art. At once overtly positive and somewhat provocative, the title invites audiences to consider a space in which boundaries can be crossed, but not without a reminder of the risks involved.

The exhibited works explore both the cultural context in which each artist is working as well as the actual medium itself. Ahmed Mater’s ‘Boundary’ (2010) is an ornately carved Islamic prayer arch that the audience is encouraged to walk under, which, as they do, activates a automated bip akin to a metal detector. A similar theme can be traced in Maha Malluh’s photograms from the ‘Traditions and Modernity’ series (2010), which feature objects collected from her studio, displayed as if on a screen of an airport x-ray machine. It is the paradoxically the medium itself that transforms the commonplace into something much more mysterious and potentially threatening.

“With borders becoming undefined and frontiers wide open, these works take us through the way that societies and their individuals perceive and comment,” explains curator Rami Farook, founder and director of Dubai’s project space Traffic. “It will become clear upon seeing the work that the issues at stake aren’t only relevant to Saudi society but to the world at large.”

Instead of offering of any kind of resolution, the exhibition rather seeks to examine the risks involved with making art in a relative young society whose art history has still yet to be written. Complimenting the show will be a series of talks and seminars attended by some of the world’s most respected figures in contemporary Middle Eastern art.

Grey Borders/Grey Frontiers opens at Torstrasse 1, Berlin on 9th June.

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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.”

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Edge of Arabia Launches World Tour in Riyadh

The start of 2010 was marked by the inaugural exhibition of Edge of Arabia’s World Tour at SAGIA’s Global Competitiveness Forum (GCF) held in Riyadh’s iconic Kingdom Tower under the patronage of King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz.

The ground-breaking group show, comprising of leading artists from Saudi Arabia – one of the world’s youngest cultures for contemporary fine art – was one of the surprise hits at the 53rd Venice Biennale and has now relaunched as a touring exhibition due to show in Dubai, Berlin and Istanbul this year with more locations to be confirmed for 2011-14.

The opening, sponsored by Abdul Latif Jameel Co. Ltd, was attended by Saudi dignitaries, political leaders and cultural figureheads including the Director of MoMA New York, the director of the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art, His Excellency Amr Al-Dabbagh, the Governor of SAGIA and HRH Prince Bandar bin Khalid Al Faisal.

This significant moment opens a fresh chapter for the project that aims to empower a new generation of creative voices to deepen understanding of the Kingdom’s cultural achievements, while celebrating artistic practice and achievement at the centre of the Islamic world. Edge of Arabia acknowledges the support of both Fady Jameel from Abdul Latif Jameel and Sarah Al-Faour from SAGIA, without whom this event would not have been possible.

Edge of Arabia will participate at Art Dubai from 17-20 March 2010.

Well.. we all know the story of Edge of Arabia (and those of you who don’t should sit with Stephen for 30 minutes, it really is a peice of magic). He often tells of the adventures (and misadventures) in Saudi and reminds us that it was under the glow of a Neon Palm tree that he began the journey to the Edge of Arabia.

Thats why you will find two of the classy-ist orange palm trees stood tall and strong outside the Gallery.

Were you one of the lucky ones? Can you spot yourself? Probably not, it was THAT packed, AND it was the same night as Freize Private View! A night, that I’m sure you will all agree, really will go down in history for what this exhibition has achieved for the Saudi Artist today.

The director of SOAS made a point to say it was the most sucessful opening of any exhibition in the History of the Brunei Gallery!

I salut all those that believed in us and all those that worked days and nights to make it all a success. But it is far from over yet..