Saturday 18 October 2008
10:00-17:00
Artists, curators and scholars invite you to explore a unique exhibition showcasing the emerging contemporary art scene of Saudi Arabia, including discussions on the artist’s voice in the media age and the amazing individual stories behind the artists’ work. Art teachers and students are especially welcome.
Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre
SOAS University of London, Russell Square
To book phone: 0207 832 1332 or email: info@offscreened.com
Order of Events
10:40-11:00 Introduction – The Story of the Exhibition
Head Curator, Stephen Stapleton
How it all began; an overview of the exhibition themes and artists.
11:10-11:40 The Artist’s Voice in the Media Age
Audience Q & A with photographer and journalist Reem Al-Faisal chaired by writer and artist, Henry Hemming. The discussion will focus on the role and position of Saudi artists against a backdrop of an increasingly powerful and polarizing media.
11:50-12:30 Historical Records of Art in Saudi Arabia
Reader of Art and Archeology of the Near and Middle East, SOAS, Dr Geoffrey King
Referencing some of the oldest records of art and archaeology in the Arabian Peninsula, King will explore Saudi Arabia’s artistic heritage; highlighting the cultural traditions in Najd, and the South which have inspired some of the participating artists.
12:40-12:55 Makkah, Al Madinah and Hajj: an inspiration to Saudi Artists
Internationally renowned photographer, Peter Sanders
Peter Sanders discusses photographs from the two most important holy sites in the Islamic faith, Makkah and Al Madinah; touching on how these sacred cities have inspired a number of participating artists
13:00-13:15 Makkah, Al Madinah and Hajj Slideshow/film
A specially commissioned animated slideshow of Makkah, Al-Madinah and Hajj photographs collected and curated by Peter Sanders
14:00-14:40 Edge of Arabia within the Emerging Contemporary Middle East Art Scene
Curator of Islamic and Contemporary Middle East Art at the British Museum, Dr Venetia Porter: focussing on the work of a number of participating artists with reference to their position in the emerging Middle East arts scene.
15:00-15:40 Edge of Arabia – The Curator’s Vision
Part I – Head Curator, Stephen Stapleton presents the curator’s vision
Part II – The Panel with Head Curator, Stephen Stapleton and Co-Curators Lulwah Al-Homoud and Ahmed Mater Al-Ziad Aseeri chaired by writer and artist Henry Hemming discuss and explore the curators’ vision
15:45-16:00 Dr Ahmed Mater Al-Ziad Aseeri
Artist’s presentation
16:00-16:15 Ayman Yossri with Hamza Serafi
Artist’s presentation with translator and patron of the arts in Saudi Arabia, Hamza Serafi
16:15-16:30 Artists, speakers and curators will be in the Brunei Gallery to answer any specific questions about the work in the exhibition
16:30-17:00 Using the exhibition in Schools and Universities (Only for teachers)
Stephen Stapleton explains the exhibition education programme and distributes free resource packs to secondary school and university art teachers
