Following its recent success with the first Pan-Arab exhibition of contemporary art ‘The Future of a Promise’ at the 54th Venice Biennale, the internationally renowned arts initiative Edge of Arabia, with support from Abdul Latif Jameel Community Initiatives and Abraaj Capital, will be launching the most significant show of Saudi contemporary art ever held in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Edge of Arabia Jeddah: We Need to Talk, curated by Mohammed Hafiz and co-curated by Edge of Arabia founder Stephen Stapleton, will open on 19th January 2012 in a stunning 1000 square meter space in the Al Furusia Marina, a magnificent new development on the Jeddah Corniche overlooking the Red Sea.
Ranging from video to sculpture to installation, the exhibition will feature over 40 new works by Saudi’s emerging contemporary artists, including: Abdulnasser Gharem, Adwa AlMubarak, Ahaad Alamoudi, Ahmed Angawi, Ahmed Mater, Ayman Yossri Daydban, Effat Fadaag, Eyad Maghazel, Hala Ali, Hamza Serafi, Ibrahim Abumsmar, Jowhara AlSaud, Maha Malluh, Manal Al-Dowayan, Mohammed Al Ghamdi, Nasser Al-Salem, Noha Al-Sharif, Saddek Wasil, Saeed Salem, Sami Al-Turki, Sara Al-Abdali and Sarah Abu Abdullah.
Curator Mohammed A. Hafiz says: “This exhibition will be a true homecoming for Edge of Arabia and is geared towards encouraging constructive discussion and dialogue between Saudi contemporary artists and the local community. All participating artists will react to our title ‘We Need to Talk’ within three categories: the Past, the Present, and the Future. This is a great opportunity for us all to think about how we can positively shape and influence the world around us.”
To accompany the exhibition, Edge of Arabia will deliver an ambitious education programme aimed at engaging local school and university students in contemporary art from across the region. The programme will include an art symposium to be held at Dar Al-Hekma University, a dedicated 100 square meter education room within the exhibition, with workshop, presentation and research facilities for visitors; guided tours of the exhibition and practical workshops with participating artists for local school and university groups; and an internship programme for local students. Alongside the main exhibition three key artworks from the Abraaj Capital Collection will be on display: Rhyme & Reason by Nazgol Ansarinia (2009), New Dream Machine Project by Shezad Dawood (2011) and Gon by Timo Nasseri (2011).
Founding Sponsor: ABDUL LATIF JAMEEL COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
Principal Patron: ABRAAJ CAPITAL
Kindly Supported By: CHRISTIE’S
Official Airline: ETIHAD AIRWAYS
Edge of Arabia Jeddah Exhibition Partners:
DORCHESTER ESTATES, AL-SAWANI GROUP, ATHR GALLERY
