Edge of Arabia, an initiative of Saudi Arabian contemporary art, was established in London in 2008. Since then, the collective of inventive artists have exhibited worldwide in London, Riyadh, the 53rd Venice Biennale, Berlin, Istanbul, and most recently, Dubai.
The pop-up exhibit, entitled “Terminal”, is the first of its kind in the Middle East, and addresses modern issues such as identity and privacy. Designed to take the viewer through a real-life airport experience, all ‘passengers’ are required to ‘check-in’ upon entry, where they receive a passport, go through security, on to immigration to have their documents stamped, through to departure and finally, the duty free shop. Each respective element of the conceptual exhibit is presented in the form of an artwork, including announcements, x-ray machines, and custom-made passport stamps.
Sponsored by Abdul Latif Jameel Community Initiatives and in partnership with Art Dubai, Edge of Arabia aims at promoting unsung talents from the Saudi Arabian contemporary art scene. Influential artists such as Abdulnasser Gharem, Ahmed Mater, Ayman Yossri, Hala Ali, Maha Malluh, Manal Al-Dowayan, and Sami Al-Turki take the viewer on a journey of contemporary culture depicted through various mediums including installations, photographs, sculptures, and videos.
Edge of Arabia is located in Building 09, DIFC Gate Village and runs through the 15th of April, 2011.
For more information, please visit www.edgeofarabia.com or on Twitter @edgeofarabia
– Rahab Al-Majed
