Independent art initiative Edge of Arabia and renowned publisher Booth-Clibborn Editions have launched Edge of Arabia: Contemporary Art from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This lavishly illustrated book explores the extraordinary contemporary arts culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With contributions from art historians, curators, gallerists, collectors and patrons, the book centres around a group of groundbreaking and relatively unknown artists practicing at the center of the Islamic world.
Stephen Stapleton, Director, Edge of Arabia, says: “Since 2003 a new movement of Saudi contemporary art has arrived. This artistic movement is one of the most dynamic, authentic and challenging to have emerged anywhere in the Middle East in the early 21st century, and we are proud to be a part of it.”
The featured artists include: Shadi & Raja Alem, Hala Ali, Ayman Yossri Daydban, Manal Al Dowayan, Abdulnasser Gharem, Maha Malluh, Ahmed Mater, Faisal Samra, Jowhara Al Saud, Noha Al Sharif, and Sami Al Turki. Besides showing the work of those 12 artists, the book also documents milestone Edge of Arabia exhibitions in London, Venice, Berlin, Istanbul, Dubai, and Jeddah, with the initiative’s very recent home-coming to Saudi Arabia in January 2012. Supported by Abdul Latif Jameel Community Initiatives (ALJCI) and Abraaj Capital, Edge of Arabia: Contemporary Art from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an inspiring window into contemporary life of a Kingdom in transition.
Fady Jameel says: “We are proud to be supporting this publication, which will bring Saudi contemporary art to the attention of a wider audience than ever before. By sharing the work and stories of this group of artists, we are enabling greater international understanding, and also increased cultural activity within the Kingdom. ALJCI has partnered with Edge of Arabia since its inception and is committed to contributing to a platform that supports and enhances the work of both Saudi men and women into the international arena.”
Edge of Arabia: Contemporary Art from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is published internationally by Booth-Clibborn Editions and produced by Edge of Arabia. Other books in this series include Ahmed Mater (2010) and Abdulnasser Gharem: Art of Survival (2011).
For more information about Edge of Arabia: Contemporary Art from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, visit their website.
To order Edge of Arabia: Contemporary Art from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, get it here.
